Category: keyt-local-news

Mike Klan

UC SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Gauchos had all the momentum and then they let the Matadors off the hook with a series of late blunders at the Thunderdome.

Northridge scored 4 points in five seconds late in regulation and went on to edge UCSB in overtime 85-83. The win allows CSUN(17-10, 10-5) to leap ahead of the Gauchos(17-10, 10-6) in the Big West Standings. The Matadors are tied for second with Hawai’i.

Tied at 69 UCSB freshman CJ Shaw buried a three-pointer with 47 seconds left. He finished with a team-high 22 points.

Aidan Mahaney added two free throws to put UCSB up 74-69 with 32 seconds remaining.

The Matadors had no time outs but they got a break when Gauchos head coach Joe Pasternack used one of his two remaining time outs to set up is defense.

But it allowed the Matadors to run a well-designed full court offensive play and Larry Hughes II drained a three-pointer with 26 seconds left to pull the Matadors within 74-72.

Mahaney hit two more free throws after he was fouled with 24.8 seconds left and UCSB led by 4.

This time Pasternack did not call time out and the Matadors went down the court and Hughes II missed his three-point attempt. But Colin Smith was beaten to the rebound by Joshua O’Garro who grabbed the ball and scored the layup with 15.9 seconds to go.

No time out was called by UCSB and Smith inbounded the ball into the corner to Shaw who was immediately trapped by two defenders. His attempted pass back to Smith was stolen by Josiah Davis who fed a wide open Grady Lewis under the basket and he tied the game at 76.

Mahaney missed an off-balance driving shot as time expired and the game went to overtime at 76.

Josiah Davis scored 5 of his game-high 31 points in overtime and CSUN escaped with the two-point win after Zion Sensley missed a three-pointer before the buzzer sounded.

The Gauchos threw away what would have been a nice home win due to a questionable time out, a failed defensive rebound and a turnover, all in the final 32 seconds of the game.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – A 30-year veteran with Santa Barbara County, Melinda Greene, says she is uniquely qualified to be the next County Clerk-Recorder, Assessor.

She paid her fees and began filing papers to run for the post Thursday morning.

This is done at the county elections office, a department she would be in charge of if elected in the June race. If there are two candidates, the win is decided in that election. If there are more than two, a candidate can win with 50 percent plus one vote. Otherwise the top two are in a November runoff.

Greene says she has seen the elections office go through many phases since she first volunteered prior to becoming an employee.

She says in her job at the Hall of Records now she is “boots on the ground” and handling the budget, department efficiencies, public assistance at the counters and carefully monitoring anyone who may be trying to misuse the system or commit a crime through government records.

She has also worked in the assessors office and says she is has been actively involved in new technology that is needed in all three areas.

“I’m the only person that’s worked in every division. Clerk, recorder. I’m the Chief Deputy. Assessor. I built software systems for them. I’ve done their admin with financial oversight and their cash handling and their calendars for years. Elections. I started volunteering for elections before I even worked for the department,” she said. With three decades of experience, “I’m clearly the most, technical of the candidates.”

She stresses training and being accessible as a manager.

She says there are also many systems available to make the office more efficient for the public, and she has been looking into adding those in the future. There would also be overall cost savings.

Greene says she will be campaigning with appearances at community meetings and talks with government leaders about issues across the board in the three departments. She plans to be in all points of the county from Cuyama to Carpinteria.

She wants to respond to the the “needs of the whole county.”

Joesph Holland was first elected in 2003. He will announce his future in the post in the coming weeks but has not made an official statement on his possible reelection at this time.

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News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from Discover Buellton regarding the annual Buellton Wine & Chili Festival taking place next month!

BUELLTON, CA – The Central Coast’s most flavorful celebration returns when the Buellton Wine & Chili Festival takes over Flying Flags RV Resort on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 12:00-4:30 pm, celebrating the bold flavors and festive fun with this year’s theme, “Uncorking the Heat.” The beloved annual community favorite brings together the best in wine, craft beverages, and mouthwatering chili and salsa showcase right in the heart of Buellton.

Setting the tone for the day is a dynamic lineup of live entertainment, led by Maclovia, an Ojai-based band known for their electrifying mix of Latin rock, psychedelic influences, and emotionally driven sound. Guests can also enjoy performances by Salty Strings, a Santa Barbara string band that blends traditional bluegrass with coastal inspiration, and DJ F.I.U., a veteran DJ with more than 20 years of experience spinning across California and Nevada.

Alongside the music, attendees can explore a wide selection of wine, craft beer, seltzers, ciders, and spirits while sampling unlimited chili and salsa throughout the afternoon. Attendees are also encouraged to watch and take part in the Chili Cook-Off, a friendly competition where local businesses, residents, and bold home cooks go head-to-head for bragging rights and the title of best chili and salsa in the area. Restaurants, nonprofit groups, community members, and those eager to showcase their culinary skills can register at https://buelltonwineandchilifestival.com/.  

With so much to sip, taste, and experience throughout the afternoon, guests can choose from the following ticket options to join the celebration:

The Hot Chili Ticket ($65): General Admission for guests 21 and over; includes a souvenir wine glass, unlimited wine tasting, craft beer, seltzers, ciders, and spirits, along with unlimited chili and salsa. 

The Mild Chili Ticket ($25): Available for guests 20 and under; includes unlimited chili and salsa with no alcohol consumption. 

Children ages 6 and under: Enter for free.

At-the-Door Tickets: $75 for the Hot Chili Ticket and $35 for the Mild Chili Ticket. (Chili and salsa available while supplies last.) 

For added convenience, the festival offers the Brew Bus, a round-trip shuttle from Santa Barbara, Goleta, Lompoc, and Santa Maria for $30. Shuttle tickets must be purchased in advance, and full pickup and drop-off details are available at https://buelltonwineandchilifestival.com/. Nearby parking will also be available at Pea Soup Andersen’s, with clear signage directing attendees. The festival grounds are a short walk from the designated lot. 

Festivalgoers can make the most of their day at the festival by turning it into a complete weekend getaway. Buellton offers a variety of accommodations to suit every preference, from modern and charming boutique hotels such as Pea Soup Andersen’s Inn, Sideways Inn, Flying Flags RV Resort, and Hotel Hygge, all within walking distance of the festival, to familiar, national brands including the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott and the Hampton Inn and Suites. For additional information, check out the Discover Buellton website: https://discoverbuellton.com.  

For event information and to purchase tickets, visit https://buelltonwineandchilifestival.com/ or call the Buellton Chamber of Commerce at (805)688-7829.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – What was expected to be the last round of rain for the current set of storms, did not go quietly.

The morning was filled with downpours, spinouts and rollovers, keeping first responders busy from Gaviota to the south into Ventura County.

Throughout the morning commute there were 911 calls for two rollovers on Highway 101 at Gaviota and west of Refugio.

There were also crashes in the area of Highway 217 in Goleta near UC Santa Barbara.

South Coast creeks have handle the week of rain without overflowing. A check of sometimes troublesome areas in Montecito, Carpinteria and Goleta showed the runoff water was going where it was supposed to en route to the ocean.

The heavy rain about 8:00 a.m. this morning activated some front country waterfalls including along Painted Cave road.

Around noon a vehicle went out of control from Hollister Ave. and hit a concrete support pillar in the Winchester Canyon area.

In Carpinteria the State Beach park area was draining down some large pools of water being visited by migrating and foraging birds. A large tree at the back of the camping sites near the railroad tracks was tipping but not down, causing some concerns.

(More details, video and photos will be added later today.)

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Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Santa Maria Police Department held a casual gathering Thursday morning to discuss traffic issues and concerns with community members.

Held at Simple Cafe near the busy intersection of Stowell Road and Miller Street, the event was a “coffee with a cop” style gathering called “Mochas-with-a-Motor.”

“Mochas-with-a-Motor was open to the community to come out if they had any questions with our traffic officers, anything related with traffic,” said Aracely Lemus, Santa Maria Police Department Outreach Coordinator.

“The turnout has been good. We’ve gotten a lot of members come out and it’s always nice to see all the members come out and interact with the officers, and just hang out, have a cup of coffee, answer questions or just a quick chat with them and get to know them a little more.”

Lemus, who has served as the police department’s outreach efforts since late last year, said the event is a great way for people to interact with the officers in a friendly and relaxed environment.

“It’s important for the community to feel comfortable enough to come to our officers and ask the questions that they want, and to know that our officers are also wanting to engage with the community, and answer any questions they may have or concerns,” said Lemus. “It opens the door to just create that partnership with community and the police officers.”

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Jarrod Zinn

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – February is American Heart Month.

French Hospital in SLO County is launching a new program to distribute Automated External Defibrillators, or AED’s.

They’ll be given to local businesses.

The Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust awarded a grant of $28,000 to the hospital foundation for the purchase of 20 AED units.

“An AED is an Automated External Defibrillator,” says Greg Larsen, RN, assistant nurse manager of emergency services at French Hospital Medical Center. “It is a medical device that is easy to use, and it’s made to be used by, anybody, even those with limited medical training.”

They’ll be distributed to businesses in the city of San Luis Obispo.

“We carry around a computer every day in our pocket, right?” says Jessica Bower, senior director of nursing for the Cardiovascular and Perioperative Services at Central Coast Cardiovascular Services. “So to see that extended into the health care where our neighbors, anybody that picks one of these up, you literally unzip the box that is like a lunch box, lay it next to your patient and push the power button.”

Medical professionals say heart disease is the leading cause of death in California, and over 80% of heart attacks happen away from hospitals. 

Cardiac arrest survival rates drop by 7 to 10% every minute defibrillation is delayed.

“As a former paramedic and, registered nurse in the emergency department, I’ve personally been involved in many cardiac arrests,” says Larsen. “And I’ve seen firsthand how early CPR and use of an AED in the field can improve outcomes for patients.”

The program provides an AED unit, all the necessary accessories, and training, free of charge.

“Our little slogan in the CV program is, ‘Time is muscle,’” says Bower. “And so every quick step or quick thing that we do makes for a better outcome for anybody that this occurs.”

For more information or to see if your business qualifies, the online form can be filled out at French Hospital Medical Center’s website by clicking here.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT)-

CIF-Southern Section Girls Soccer Open Division First Leg: Santa Margarita 1, Oaks Christian 0

CIF-Southern Section Girls Soccer Quarterfinals:

Division 1: Westlake 4, Rosary Academy 0

Division 3: Simi Valley 1, Flintridge Prep 0

Division 5: Del Sol 3, Alemany 2

Division 6: Grace 1, Mayfair 0 (2OT)

Division 7: Cate 5, Santa Rosa Academy 1

CIF-Central Section Boys Soccer Quarterfinals:

Division 1: McClane 1, Santa Maria 0

Division 2: Righetti 4, Fresno 1

Liberty 3, Pioneer Valley 1

Division 5: Nipomo 6, Bishop Union 0

St. Joseph 2, Cabrillo 1

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) –

CIF-SS Division 1: Windward 48, Ventura 45: Kai Staniland scored 20 points and Brinley Anderson added 18 points in the loss. The Cougars trailed by as many as 14 points in the third quarter but a furious rally saw them get off a three-point attempt by Staniland as time expired that was off the mark.

Cougars finish the season 26-5.

CIF-SS Division 2: Rosary Academy 53, Dos Pueblos 33: Sophomore Kindah Ahmad-Reda scored a game-high 15 points as the Chargers wrapped up their season at 19-12.

(Ahmad-Reda scored the first 6 points of the second half as DP pulled within 6 points of the Royals. Entenza Design).

(Senior Carly Letendre scored 7 points in her final basketball game at DP. Entenza Design).

Chargers all-time leading scorer Carly Letendre sank a half court buzzer-beating shot at the end of the third quarter but the Chargers still trailed 37-25.

Camarillo 42, Summit 38: Scorpions host Saugus on Saturday

CIF-SS Division 3 Oxnard 64, Trabuco Hills 53: Gia Angell scored 23 points for the winning Yellowjackets who play Murrieta Valley on Saturday.

CIF-SS Division 5 Bishop Diego 47, Sunny Hills 45: Tied at 35 early in the fourth quarter Bishop Diego went on an 11-5 scoring run fueled by two three pointers by Eden Wynne and another triple by Jeisa Coronado. Luz Castro led the Cardinals with 13 points.

(Eden Wynne tallied 10 points for the Cardinals who play at Godinez on Saturday. Entenza Design).

CIF-SS Division 7: Laguna Hills 46, Foothill Tech 33

CIF-SS Division 9: Desert Hot Springs 50, Channel Islands 39

CIF-Central Section Quarterfinals:

Division 1: Clovis West 82, St. Joseph 40

Division 2: Monache 52, Orcutt Academy 48

Division 3: Morro Bay 37, Porterville 25: Pirates at Shafter on Friday in semifinals

Division 4: Mendota 51, Lompoc 33

Tulare Union 38, Templeton 31

Atascadero 44, Garces Memorial 37: Greyhounds host Tulare Union on Friday in semifinals

Division 5: Santa Ynez 47, Bishop Union 25: Pirates at Coalinga on Friday in semifinals

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Mike Klan

UC SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – UCSB got payback over Pepperdine.

The #14 Gauchos swept #6 Pepperdine 3-0 after losing to the Waves last Saturday in five sets.

UCSB is now 7-5 on the year after ‘brooming’ the Waves 25-23, 25-21, 26-24.

Cole Schobel totaled 33 assists and also had 6 kills.

George Bruening had a match-high 16 kills while Ethan Saint added 12 kills for the winning Gauchos.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) –

CIF-SS Open Division Semifinal: Mater Dei 18, San Marcos 14: USC-bound senior Charlotte Raisin and sophomore McKenna Stuart each scored 4 goals as the Royals pushed the #1 ranked Monarchs before losing in Irvine. The 14 goals are the most scored against Mater Dei this year. Lily Bordofsky added three goals for the Royals who will continue their strong season next week in the CIF-Regional SoCal Championships. Mater Dei plays defending champion Oaks Christian in Saturday’s final.

CIF-SS Division 1: San Clemente 14, Agoura 8

CIF-SS Division 2: Santa Barbara 8, Murrieta Valley 6: The Dons erased an early 3-1 deficit to advance to the finals. With the game tied at 3 Jules Horton scored back-to-back goals in the second quarter and the Dons led 5-3 at halftime.

(Horton gave the Dons the lead for good in the second quarter. Entenza Design).

Freshman Luna Morancey added two third quarter goals as the Dons extended the lead to 7-4.

(Morancey scored a team-high 3 goals. Entenza Design).

Freshman Violette Bailey finished off the scoring with her second goal of the game to put the Dons up 8-4 with under 3 minutes remaining.

The Dons will play La Serna in the championship game on Saturday at Mount San Antonio College.

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