Santa Maria Fairpark Hosts Paranormal Cirque II This Weekend Only

Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Santa Maria Fairpark is hosting a spookily fun way to ring in the Halloween season this weekend, albeit for slightly more mature audiences.

While halloween is still a month and half away, anyone dying to get right into the spirit has a chance to attend a show with growing audiences and new acts.

“There are still good seats available, but tickets are going fast,” says Steve Copeland, Paranormal Cirque’s publicity director and a comedic performer in the show.

Paranormal Cirque II is performing at the Santa Maria Fairpark for this weekend only, September 5th through the 8th.

“We’re so excited to be back in Santa Maria, close to Halloween,” says the show’s sound engineer Peter Combs.

This is one of the latest times in the year they’ve performed in the area, and Monday is their last show.

With more of an “R” rating, it’s worth getting a babysitter for the little ones and bringing a date to ring in the halloween season.

“I had a lot of work to make all the pieces fit, make all the voices scary enough, write some music to put under it,” says Combs. “Ricardo’s cracking noises is celery that I snapped in front of a microphone and then worked on in the computer.”

Doors open at 6:30 and the show starts at 7:30.

Audiences can expect a professional circus with acrobats, contortionists, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, but with a horror theme.

“We’re so grateful to Santa Maria Fair Park for having us back,” says Copeland. “The fairgrounds are beautiful and it’s nice to perform on grass for a change. Usually we’re in mall parking lots so it’s always very relaxing When we come here.”

To get your tickets, visit Paranormal Cirque’s website by clicking here.

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LucStrong Foundation Director Talks to The Morning News about Sickle Cell Awareness Month

Andie Lopez Bornet

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, a time to recognize a disease that causes red blood cells to become misshapen and rigid.

The LucStrong Foundation, a nonprofit based in Ventura County, helps children living with sickle cell disease. JD Slajchert, Director of Relationship Development for the foundation, joined the Morning News to share what this month means to him and to highlight upcoming events.

“Sickle Cell Awareness Month is September, so a big part of what I’m doing this entire month is talking about this illness and my connection to it,” Slajchert said. “My good friend Luke tragically passed away from sickle cell disease and I ended up writing my first book about him, called Moonflower. That propelled and gave me the platform to speak about this illness a lot and give a voice to Luke and all the things he stood for in my life.”

Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition that predominantly affects the African American community. “I myself too, when I met Luke, I’d never heard of it, which is fairly common,” Slajchert said. “It’s a genetic illness people are born with and the only known cure is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.”

The foundation provides financial support for children undergoing those transplants. “That’s why every single dollar we raise is really necessary, huge and important,” Slajchert said.

On Sept. 13, the foundation will host its annual poker tournament and gala fundraiser. “Anyone is welcome,” Slajchert said. “You can sign up on LukeStrong.org. I’ll be there speaking, along with a UCLA physician who will also share updates.”

Looking ahead, Slajchert said he will deliver a TEDx talk in November in Greenville, South Carolina, and early conversations are underway about producing a documentary.

“It’s year nine now of us at the foundation, and we’re excited to bring a really strong event together,” he said. “I’ve been such a strong ally and advocate because it doesn’t affect people that look like me necessarily, so trying to educate and bring people who don’t know anything about it along for this education is very important.”

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Arroyo Grande Bakery Owners Retiring After Four Decades

Jarrod Zinn

ARROYO GRANDE, Calif. (KEYT) – The future of a well-known bakery and sweet shop in Arroyo Grande is up in the air.

Founded almost 70 years ago, the Arroyo Grande Bakery has been a Central Coast staple for weddings, birthdays, holidays, and much more.

Custom-made cakes are a bragging right for the confectionary creators Marc and Chris Lossing, from well-known franchises to personal designs.

The bakery is up for sale, and the Lossings welcome creative flare from any new owner, but they also want them to carry on some long-time traditions.

“If anybody’s interested to carry it on, that would be nice. I would hate to see it just disappear,” says current co-owner Clara “Chris” Lossing. “Somebody that’s very creative and has their own ideas or follow mine, which I really like. We have an excellent buttercream recipe that you would have to stick with because it’s very popular.”

While the future of the bakery is in question, everyone’s hope is that someone will take over to carry on the legacy and keep the bakery running.

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DP wins flag football thriller over rival San Marcos

Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – For San Marcos it was the longest yard.

On the game’s final play sophomore quarterback Victoria Aldana was stopped just short of the goal-line and Dos Pueblos celebrated a thrilling 15-14 Channel League win.

With 9.9 seconds left, the Royals had the ball inside DP’s 15-yard-line with no timeouts.

Aldana scrambled and made a dash for the end zone but Chargers sophomore Kindah Ahmad-Reda pulled the flag just before Aldana stretched the ball out over the goal line.

(It’s a game of inches as Aldana is stopped just short of end zone on the final play. Entenza Design).

Initially the clock stopped at .9 seconds but that was an error and after a brief discussion the game was over and Dos Pueblos celebrated the showdown victory to move to 3-0 in league while the Royals slip to 2-1.

San Marcos took a 14-8 lead midway through the fourth quarter on a wild play as Aldana’s pass went off of receiver Peyton Sperling and fellow senior Rio Chesluk made a juggling catch in the end zone. The Royals failed on the point after attempt.

DP drove down the field late and quarterback Kacey Hurley threw a 15-yard touchdown strike just over a defender’s head and Brooklyn Hedricks made a nice catch to tie the game at 14. The visiting Chargers converted the point after to take the lead as Ruby Streatfeild lofted a left-handed pass to Ahmad-Reda with 1:20 remaining.

The game was a defensive battle all the way with just one big play in the first half.

Hurley completed a short pass to Ruby Streatfeild and after two Royals could not pull her flags, she raced down the field for a 59-yard touchdown in the opening minute of the game. DP got the two-point conversion and led 8-0 which was the score at halftime.

The Royals got their offense going in the third quarter. Aldana completed a pass over the middle that Chesluk tipped to herself for an acrobatic catch. Sperling scored on a short touchdown run and the Royals converted the two-point conversion to tie it at 8 to set up the dramatic fourth quarter.

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High School wrap-up for boys water polo, girls volleyball

Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT). –

Boys Water Polo: Santa Barbara Invite

Yucaipa 12, San Marcos 8

Dos Pueblos 13, Carlsbad 9 (Ben Fuhrer & Lucas Neushul each with 4 goals)

Girls Volleyball:

San Marcos 3, Dos Pueblos 0 (25-11, 25-9, 25-7)

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Arroyo Grande massage therapist arrested for sexual penetration with foreign object

Caleb Nguyen

ARROYO GRANDE, Calif. – Arroyo Grande Police arrested a 33-year-old Arroyo Grande man on a felony charge for sexual penetration with a foreign object just before 4:00 p.m. on Sept. 4.

The 33-year-old was taken into custody at his business, SLO Massage Therapy, after a thorough investigation into a sexual assault allegation, according to the AGPD.

AGPD officers also served a search warrant at the Arroyo Grande man’s business for evidence related to the investigation.

The 33-year-old was booked into the SLO County Jail for the felony charge and his bail is set at $100,000, according to the AGPD.

The Arroyo Grande man has served as a massage therapist for the past 14 years in the Five Cities area and the AGPD believes there could be more victims.

Those with more information or potential victims are encouraged to call the AGPD Investigations Bureau.

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A New Pedestrian Signal Goes Up in a Risky Section of Las Positas Road

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – A new pedestrian signal has been installed in Santa Barbara on Las Positas Road at Stanley Drive where the area has earned a dangerous reputation over the years.

Speeding drivers, crashes and many stories of near misses are known in the area.

The new full-sized light system is much more than just a blinking alert light you might see elsewhere.

It has a combination of several yellow and red lights. Sometimes they will be flashing and sometimes they will be solid lights.

Drivers will need to pay attention to either prepare to stop or come to a full stop depending on the lights. The area has also been restriped to slow the traffic pace down.

This is located between Adams school and State Street, across from the Municipal golf course.

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Driver dead from August 29 crash in Buellton

Caleb Nguyen

BUELLTON, Calif. – A driver died after a solo car crash on August 29 near Buellton, according to an investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

CHP officers responded to a single-car crash on Santa Rosa Road on August 29 and received assistance from the Santa Barbara Fire Department and the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office.

The driver travelled west, left on the south road edge and crashed into a tree east of milepost marker 10 in a Nissan Quest, according to the CHP.

The driver had fatal injuries from the crash as the only person in the car and their identity is being referred to the Santa Barbara County Coroner’s Office until all proper notifications are made, according to the CHP.

It is unknown if drugs or alcohol played a factor in the crash though the investigation remains ongoing, according to the CHP.

Those with any additional information on the incident should contact the Buellton CHP.

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Is Santa Barbara’s red tile roof its most famous architectural feature?

Beth Farnsworth

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – If you love interesting tidbits, there’s a new book to add to your list: a go-to guide on architectural gems throughout Santa Barbara.

The American Riviera is known for its red roofs and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture but many people may not realize that there are 34 other distinct designs across the city; that includes a log cabin. There’s only one and it was built back in 1889.

The private residence on De La Vina Street is a point of interest among a treasure trove of information you’ll find in Robert Ooley’s newly published book, “A guide to Santa Barbara Architecture and Points of Interest.”

Robert Ooley, FAIA

“There are hiking guides, guides to the historic district and there are guides to places to eat but there’s no architecture and points of interest guide for the entire city,” said Robert Ooley, FAIA. “This covers every single neighborhood from one end to the next.”

Ooley served as County Architect for Santa Barbara and holds the prestigious title as Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.

The Red Piano hosted the launch of Ooley’s new book Thursday evening.

You’ll find “A guide to Santa Barbara Architecture and Points of Interest” on shelves at the The Book Den, Chaucers and Tecolote Book Shop.

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City of Santa Barbara Welcomes Michael Arnoldus as New Human Resources Director

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the City of Santa Barbara regarding its new Human Resources Director, Michael Arnoldus

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The City of Santa Barbara is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Arnoldus as its new Human Resources Director. Arnoldus brings more than two decades of public sector HR leadership to the role and will officially begin his tenure on September 22, 2025.

Arnoldus most recently served as Human Resources Manager for the City of Santa Monica, where he led strategic initiatives in recruitment, organizational design, and employee benefits. Prior to that, he spent 12 years as Director of Employment Services for the Ventura County Community College District, overseeing comprehensive HR operations and workforce programs. He has also held previous human resources roles with the Los Angeles Unified School District and the City of Los Angeles.

“Michael’s deep experience in public sector human resources, combined with his collaborative leadership style, makes him an excellent fit for Santa Barbara,” said City Administrator Kelly McAdoo. “We’re excited to welcome him to our executive team and his strategic mindset and commitment to service excellence will help us continue to grow as an employer of choice.”

Arnoldus holds a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology from California State University, Long Beach, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University, Fullerton. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Cooperative Organization for the Development of Employee Selection Procedures from 2008 to 2020, including terms as President and Vice President.

“It is an honor to serve as Human Resources Director for the City of Santa Barbara, and I look forward to collaborating with City leadership, employees, and labor partners to continue building a strong and resilient workforce that serves our community with excellence,” said Arnoldus.

As Human Resources Director, Arnoldus will oversee the City’s HR programs, including recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, employee and labor relations, training and development, and benefits administration. He will also serve as a key member of the City’s executive management team, helping to align workforce strategy with organizational goals.

For more information about the City of Santa Barbara Human Resources Department and employment opportunities, visit Human Resources (SantaBarbaraCA.gov/HR).

Traducción al Español:

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – La Ciudad de Santa Bárbara se complace en anunciar el nombramiento de Michael Arnoldus como su nuevo director de Recursos Humanos (Human Resources Director). Arnoldus aporta más de dos décadas de experiencia en liderazgo de recursos humanos en el sector público y asumirá oficialmente sus funciones el 22 de septiembre de 2025.

Más recientemente, Arnoldus se desempeñó como gerente de Recursos Humanos de la Ciudad de Santa Mónica, donde lideró iniciativas estratégicas en reclutamiento, diseño organizacional y beneficios para empleados. Antes de ello, trabajó durante 12 años como director de Servicios de Empleo del Distrito de Colegios Comunitarios del Condado de Ventura, supervisando operaciones integrales de recursos humanos y programas de desarrollo laboral. También ocupó cargos previos en recursos humanos en el Distrito Escolar Unificado de Los Ángeles y en la Ciudad de Los Ángeles.

“La amplia experiencia de Michael en recursos humanos del sector público, junto con su estilo de liderazgo colaborativo, lo convierten en una excelente incorporación para Santa Bárbara”, expresó Kelly McAdoo, administradora municipal (City Administrator). “Estamos muy entusiasmados de darle la bienvenida a nuestro equipo ejecutivo; su visión estratégica y compromiso con la excelencia en el servicio nos permitirán seguir creciendo como un empleador preferido.”

Arnoldus cuenta con una maestría en psicología industrial y organizacional de la Universidad Estatal de California en Long Beach, así como una licenciatura en psicología de la Universidad Estatal de California en Fullerton. Además, formó parte de la Junta Directiva de la Organización Cooperativa para el Desarrollo de Procedimientos de Selección de Empleados de 2008 a 2020, donde ejerció como presidente y vicepresidente.

“Es un honor desempeñarme como director de Recursos Humanos de la Ciudad de Santa Bárbara, y espero con entusiasmo colaborar con el liderazgo municipal, el personal y los socios sindicales para seguir fortaleciendo una fuerza laboral sólida y resiliente que sirva a nuestra comunidad con excelencia”, señaló Arnoldus.

Como director de Recursos Humanos, Arnoldus supervisará los programas de recursos humanos de la Ciudad, incluyendo reclutamiento y selección, clasificación y compensación, relaciones laborales y con los empleados, capacitación y desarrollo, así como la administración de beneficios. También formará parte esencial del equipo ejecutivo de la Ciudad, contribuyendo a alinear la estrategia laboral con los objetivos organizacionales.

Para más información sobre el Departamento de Recursos Humanos de la Ciudad de Santa Bárbara y oportunidades de empleo, visite Recursos Humanos (SantaBarbaraCA.gov/HR).

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