Extended Weekend Full Closure on State Route 33 Scheduled North of Ojai in Los Padres National Forest

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from Caltrans regarding a weekend-long closure of a portion of State Route 33 north of the city of Ojai.

VENTURA COUNTY — Caltrans announces a 55-hour extended weekend full closure on State Route 33 (SR-33) north of the city of Ojai, in the Los Padres National Forest for tunnel rehabilitation.

All lanes of SR-33 will be closed in both directions between post mile 18.2 (Wheeler Gorge) and post mile 19.0, just south of Wheeler Gorge campground. The highway will close at 10 pm. on Friday, August 28 and reopen at 5 a.m. on Monday, August 31.

SR-33 will be closed to the public, including residents. Only active emergency service vehicles will be permitted. Caltrans urges residents and motorists to plan accordingly and use the suggested detour SR 126 to I-5 to SR-166 for both directions of traffic.

The work will include reinforcing existing steel panels and removing and patching delaminated concrete for the three tunnels at post miles 18.33, 18.81 and 18.85.

This project will preserve the structural integrity of the tunnels in a safe manner through preventative maintenance. Addressing the current conditions of the structures will avoid more costly rehabilitation or replacement. The total cost for this project is $5.14 million and work is expected to be completed during the winter of 2026/2027.

Submit a Caltrans Customer Service Request:  https://csr.dot.ca.gov

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County Urges Residents to Prepare Now for Rainy Season

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from Santa Barbara County regarding preparations for the incoming rainy season.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The rainy season is approaching, and an El Niño weather pattern could bring increased rainfall to the region. Santa Barbara County is urging residents to prepare now to protect their families, homes, and property from flooding. Flooding is one of the most common and destructive natural disasters in the United States and can happen quickly, with little or no warning. Areas below the south county foothills can be particularly vulnerable to flooding during periods of heavy rain.

Residents are encouraged to find out whether their home or workplace is in a flood zone, pay close attention to local weather forecasts, and sign up for community emergency alert systems.

To find out if you are in a flood zone, visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. To sign up for ReadySBC alerts, visit readysbc.org

Residents with property in flood-prone areas should keep storm drains and gutters clear.

Residents can find information on sandbag locations and availability at the Flood Control District’s sandbag location page. Moving valuables and important items to higher ground and knowing how to safely shut off water, gas, and electricity can help reduce damage if flooding occurs.

Every household should have an emergency plan that includes:

An evacuation plan and a designated meeting place for family members, including pets A communication plan in case family members are separated An emergency supply kit with non-perishable food, water, medications, first-aid supplies, batteries, and a flashlight to last several days Important documents — such as insurance policies, identification documents, and medical records — stored in a waterproof container, with password-protected digital copies as backup For a list of more resources, visit the ReadySBC preparation site

Because standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, residents are encouraged to consider flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program well in advance of a storm, as policies typically take up to 30 days to go into effect. For more information go to the National Flood Insurance Program Website.

For additional storm preparedness information, and flood safety tips, residents can visit the County Storm Preparation Website and Flood Preparedness Information Resources Website.

Traducción al español:

SANTA BÁRBARA, Calif. — La temporada de lluvias se acerca y el fenómeno meteorológico de El Niño podría traer un aumento de precipitaciones a la región. El condado de Santa Bárbara está instando a los residentes a prepararse para proteger a sus familias, hogares y propiedades contra las inundaciones. Las inundaciones son uno de los desastres naturales más comunes y destructivos en los Estados Unidos y pueden ocurrir rápidamente, con poca o ninguna advertencia. Las áreas ubicadas debajo de las colinas del sur del condado pueden ser particularmente vulnerables a las inundaciones durante períodos de lluvias intensas.

Se recomienda a los residentes averiguar si su hogar o lugar de trabajo se encuentra en una zona de inundación, prestar mucha atención a los pronósticos meteorológicos locales y registrarse en los sistemas de alerta de emergencia de la comunidad.

Para saber si se encuentra en una zona de inundación, visite el Centro de Servicio de Mapas de Inundaciones (FEMA, Flood Map Service Center). Para registrarse para recibir alertas de ReadySBC, visite readysbc.org.

Los residentes con propiedades en áreas propensas a inundaciones deben mantener limpios los desagües pluviales y las canaletas.

Los residentes pueden encontrar información sobre la ubicación y la disponibilidad de sacos de arena del Distrito de Control de Inundaciones en la página de ubicaciones de sacos de arena. Mover los objetos de valor e importantes a lugares más altos y saber cómo cortar de manera segura el agua, el gas y la electricidad puede ayudar a reducir los daños si ocurren inundaciones.

Cada familia debe contar con un plan de emergencia que incluya:

Un plan de evacuación y un punto de reunión designado para los miembros de la familia, incluidas las mascotas. Un plan de comunicación en caso de que los miembros de la familia estén separados. Un kit de suministros de emergencia con alimentos no perecederos, agua, medicamentos, suministros de primeros auxilios, baterías y una linterna para que duren varios días. Documentos importantes: como pólizas de seguro, documentos de identificación y expedientes médicos, almacenados en un contenedor impermeable, con copias digitales protegidas por contraseña como respaldo. Para obtener una lista de más recursos, visite el sitio de preparación de ReadySBC.

Debido a que el seguro estándar para propietarios de viviendas no cubre los daños por inundación, se anima a los residentes a considerar la contratación de un seguro contra inundaciones a través del Programa Nacional de Seguro contra Inundaciones (National Flood Insurance Program) con bastante anticipación a una tormenta, ya que las pólizas suelen tardar hasta 30 días en entrar en vigor. Para obtener más información, visite el sitio web del Programa Nacional de Seguros contra Inundaciones.

Para obtener información adicional sobre la preparación para tormentas y consejos de seguridad contra inundaciones, los residentes pueden visitar el sitio web de Preparación para tormentas del condado y el sitio web de Recursos de información para la preparación ante inundaciones.

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Local nonprofit donates 4,000 pounds of beef to Central Coast charities

Dave Alley

ORCUTT, Calif. (KEYT) – A local agricultural non-profit organization donated 4,000 pounds of beef on Monday to help feed people in need throughout the Central Coast.

The 37th District Buyers Coalition, a group formed in 2023 to purchase animal projects at the Santa Barbara County Fair, donated the meat to 13 different organizations at Spencer’s Fresh Market during the distribution.

“Today is our beef distribution, which is in partnership with Harris Ranch Beef Company, and we are donating 4,000 pounds of high quality hamburger here to local charities on the Central Coast,” said Renli Pope, 37th District Buyers Coalition. “This is a huge deal. Beef is the most expensive protein for these nonprofits to procure for their programs, and with this 4,000 pound donation that we’re doing, the retail value is almost $30,000.”

During the distribution, local agriculture students loaded up dozens of boxes of the ground beef into trucks, cars and vans, including one from Good Samaritan Shelter.

“It’s tremendous help,” said Vernon Cryer, Good Samaritan Shelter Program Manager) “The donation will add to the recipes and menus that we provide throughout the North County. It’s a tremendous help financially. It definitely helps offset the increased costs of other supplies and other food.” 

The donation followed two other similar distributions the coalition held recently for pork and lamb meat.

In late July, the coalition donated 6,397 pounds of pork to several non-profits, including Meals that Connect, New Life Pantry, Good Samaritan Shelter, 5 Cities Homeless Coalition and Welcome Home Military Heroes.

Through community donations, coalition funds are directed towards the purchase of animal projects during the fair auction, helping ensure that students who apply for coalition help will potentially have their animal bought.

To qualify for coalition consideration, each junior exhibitor must submit at least five letters to potential buyers that serve as invitations to attend their livestock auction.

This year, the 37th District Buyers Coalition support 127 youth exhibitors at the Santa Barbara County Fair auction and purchased 26,000 pounds of protein.

For more information about the 37th District Buyers Coalition, click here to visit the official website.

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Final Volunteers Needed in Santa Barbara as Affordable Homes Near Completion

Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Habitat for Humanity’s Cota Street affordable housing project is entering its final stretch in Santa Barbara.

Volunteers are painting and completing some of the last work needed before the homes are finished.

Habitat is opening one final opportunity for community members to volunteer and help bring the affordable homes across the finish line.

Those interested in helping out can check out Habitat for Humanity for more information.

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Lucky Strike Hosts Free Launch Party

Tracy Lehr

OXNARD, Calif. (KEYT) Lucky Strike held a free launch party.

The party at The Collection in Oxnard included bowling and arcade games.

The venue with two bowling areas is celebrating new branding.

Lucky Strike’s owners also own Bowlero Santa Barbara that has also been known as Zodos.

Jonathan Robinsons said his girlfriend told him about the launch party.

“My girlfriend let me know about Lucky strike so we have been here looking at the arcade, it is pretty fun,” said Robinsons.

They also went bowling.

Lucky Strike District Sales Manager said visitors don’t have to know how to bowl to enjoy it.

Lucky Strike has bowling balls and bowling shoes.

“Lucky Strike Oxnard is a great facility for families to come spend a day out, for any company looking for a run team builder, a way to break the ice, we have food, beverages, amazing events and we can’t wait to see  you all, said Martino.

Bowlers can also watch sports on big screen TVs.

Plans are in the works to host special NFL viewing events this season.

For more information visit https://luckystrikeent.com

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Glitter Brunch celebrates Pride

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) A Weekend of Pride events wrapped up with a Glitter Brunch a the Wildcat Lounge in Santa Barbara.

Supporters of Pride packed the back patio to enjoy the entertainment.

The event included drinks with fun names such Pink Pony Club.

Wildcat hosts Glitter Brunches with drag queens and a DJ every Sunday.

For more information visit https://wildcatloung.com

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Santa Barbara Zoo Hosts Pride Family Day

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) The Santa Barbara Zoo hosted a Pride Family Day.

The Pacific Pride Foundation partnered with the zoo on the final day of Pride Week in the area.

The zoo decorated some of the most popular spots with rainbows.

Family members saw all kinds of animals including a Western Lowland Gorilla, Masai Giraffes, African Lions and meercats.

“It is very important to not only be seen, but visible, be the voices of the individuals that sometimes seem to be forgotten, especially in this political climate,” said Pacific Pride North County Services Manager John Marrero.

The Pacific Pride Foundation and the zoo set up education tables and gave out everything from flags to sunscreen and bubbles.

They are already talking about having another Pride Family Day next year.

For more information visit https://pacificpridefoundation.org and https://sbzoo.org

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Years of Carpinteria History Inspires a New Art Installation

Alissa Orozco

CARPINTERIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The City of Carpinteria could be getting a new art mural along Linden Avenue, inspired by the generations of culture and history that helped built the small, coastal town.

On Saturday, the Carpinteria Cultural Foundation (CCF) hosted a viewing for the community at its proposed area to get their feedback on the project. Consisting of ten uniquely-designed panels, the CCF hopes to pay homage to many cultural groups that once called Carpinteria home.

The panels would be installed just above the current structure of the city’s iconic seal fountain.

“We have met one-on-one with a lot of the influential business people because it affects what they do, you know, here, right here on Linden,” said local historian, Jim Campos. “This whole area is going to be totally upgraded and we’ll be a part of it. Even in the building of this place here we’re not damaging or defacing anything. We’re just adding to the luster, the history of the community.”

The community will have another opportunity to give their thoughts on the art again in September, where the CCF will gather all final feedback before presenting before Carpinteria City Council.

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Pacific Pride Festival Wraps a Big Hug Around Santa Barbara’s LGBTQ+ Community

Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – On Saturday, Santa Barbara’s annual Pride Festival returned, flooding the city’s waterfront with a wave of color.

Hosted by the Pacific Pride Foundation (PPF), this year’s festival lived up to its theme: “Out. Proud. Unstoppable.” Chase Palm Park was full of vendors, stages, booths, art installations, food, and entertainment – all centered around providing support for the local LGBTQ+ community.

Executive Director of PPF, Julio Roman, says its an event the entire community looks forward to, emphasizing that finding inclusive spaces isn’t always easy.

“We want our community to know that they can show up unapologetically as themselves and that they will always find a safe space here in Santa Barbara County,” says Roman.

On Monday, a rainbow pride flag was raised outside of city hall at De La Guerra plaza, a first for the city of Santa Barbara.

The flag raising kicked off Pride week in Santa Barbara, and organizers say it was a step towards visibility, along with events like today’s pride festival.

Supporters of the event say, while they can’t always shelter the LGBTQ+ community from the bad times, they’re here to provide support wherever they need it.

“We try to be an affirming place to go, a safe space as much as possible. Arms to hug, if you need a hug, an ear if you need someone to listen to you, or a shoulder to cry on. We are just here to be visible, vocal, supportive members for the LGBTQ community,” said Emily Wells, from Free Mom Hugs.

Free Mom Hugs is a world-wide organization that supports LGBTQ+ individuals and families with a simple hug and conversation.

“Everybody was created from a different recipe. However you believe that creation happens or didn’t happen, it doesn’t matter. None of us are comprised of the same exact combination of things. And so for that reason, it’s pride festivals are important and pride is important because it’s a rare opportunity to show the world who you are and that you are enough and worthy and great and valid.”

Visit Pacific Pride Foundation for all current and present events, and you can find avalible resources here.

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Deputies investigating social media threat directed at Orcutt Academy High School

Caleb Nguyen

ORCUTT, Calif. (KEYT) – Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office deputies identified the person behind a social media threat of a shooting directed at Orcutt Academy High School on Friday.

Orcutt Academy High School administrators reported the threat on Friday, 20 minutes after a 5:00 p.m. TikTok post threatening to shoot the school on Monday, according to the SBCSO.

SBCSO deputies contacted the teen boy responsible for the threat alongside his parents and later determined he did not have the means to carry out the threat.

SBCSO deputies then passed the case to the county juvenile probation unit for criminal charge consideration.

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