Four injured after crash at Patterson offramp in Goleta

Caleb Nguyen

GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT) – A truck crashed and injured all four people inside at the Patterson Ave. off-ramp in Goleta just after 2:00 p.m. Monday, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

Two adults and two minors all had moderate to severe injuries following the crash that required them to be taken to Cottage Hospital via ambulance, according to the SBCFD.

The off-ramp remains closed as of 3:40 p.m. Monday and motorists should expect delays or use alternate routes, according to the SBCFD.

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Cottage Health Opens Pathway to Medical Careers at San Marcos High in Santa Barbara

Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – There’s a new healthcare pipeline taking shape at San Marcos High School.

“We are very excited about our partnership with Cottage Hospital. They’re gonna provide us with donation. That’s gonna help us build our new mini campus for our Health Careers academy,” said principal Dare Holdren of San Marcos High School in Santa Barbara.

Cottage Health has committed $1.5 million to launch the Cottage Health Careers Academy.

The funding will support curriculum development, facility upgrades, and clinical preparation for students.

“When you think about healthcare, you think about doctors and nurses which are critically important… but there’s so many other careers in healthcare… and so it’s just a great opportunity to get our youth excited about it,” said chief vice president of human resources Cara Williams of Cottage Health in Santa Barbara.

The academy currently serves students in grades ten through twelve, with ninth graders eligible this fall.

“The expansion of the healthcare academy can only be possible with more facilities where we can serve more students… so this partnership will allow that,” said Holdren.

Plans are moving forward for a dedicated academy center on campus, with construction targeted for 2027.

The Royal Pride Foundation is leading fundraising efforts to support the new facility.

“My hope is that this project will profoundly impact the students at San Marcos… and make a difference in our community,” said Holdren.

Training tomorrow’s healthcare workforce — right here at home.

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Storm Drenches SLO County With More Than An Inch of Rain Monday Morning

Dave Alley

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – The arrival of a significant winter storm drenched the Central Coast Monday morning with heavy rainfall, including San Luis Obispo County.

“We’ve seen a lot of heavy rain activity,” said Scotty Jalbert, San Luis Obispo County Emergency Services Director. “This morning started very early by, I believe the 9 a.m. we saw up to at least one inch in North County, which is a good amount of rain for us.”

As of early Monday afternoon, San Luis Obispo County was wet, but according to Jalbert, had avoided any severe impacts from the storm.

“Fortunately, we’ve not had any significant issues with that heavy rainfall,” said Jalbert. “But that just is going to lead into other things for the rest of the week.”

With rainfall expected to last for the next few days, Jalbert indicated the county is keeping a close eye on a handful of troublespot locations, including Arroyo Grande Creek, Avila Drive and the Salinas River.

“We’re in a monitoring stage,” said Jalbert. “We have a heightened alert due to the weather, especially with the thunderstorm activities that we’re expecting. We will be monitoring throughout the day and throughout the night, especially in this next series of storms that start tomorrow. With that, the grounds being saturated we can expect a little more problems with maybe localized flooding, trees coming down with power lines and so forth.”

As of late Monday afternoon, rain totals topped more than an inch across the county. Totals included mountain areas between two to 3.5″ inches”, Santa Margarita 1.93″, San Luis Obispo 1.72″, Paso Robles 1.62″, Morro Bay 1.40 inches, Lopez Lake 1.47″, Nipomo 1.24″, Grover Beach 1.23″, Arroyo Grande 1.22″.

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Dark Santa Maria Skies Rumble As Rain And Thunder Push Through

Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – An afternoon thunderstorm darkened the sky above Santa Maria and rumbled through.

Santa Maria held up nicely.

Earlier, a downpour ushered in the start of Santa Maria’s work week, creating slick streets and flooded corners–drivers making use of their wipers and headlights for the morning commute.

“At this point, as far as our office is aware, we have made it through the initial band of, rain pretty well,” says Stacy Silva, Associate Director for Santa Barbara County’s Office of Emergency Management.

Another band of rain flowed through town just after lunch.

“As far as I can tell, we’ve really seen the more significant numbers in our north westerly parts of Santa Barbara County, as it pertains to the rain totals so far,” says Silva.

Flash flooding closed portions of roadways throughout the day, including Black Road between Santa Maria and Guadalupe, Highway 1 just outside Orcutt, and rosemary road between Betteravia and Stowell.

“All of our public safety partners—fire, law, and public works—across the county, really, are prepared and in many cases pre-positioned to respond in the event that this storm brings additional threat,” says Silva.

No major incidents have been reported in the northern parts of Santa Barbara County, but emergency preparedness alerts have been issued for most of the Central Coast.

“Turn around, don’t drown,” says Silva. “Don’t try and attempt to drive through flooded streets. If you see flooded roads or streets, do not attempt to cross them, even in a vehicle. We’re likely to see increased storm impacts as we get later into the week, so our communities should remain prepared for that.”

Highway 1 near Orcutt remains closed to through-traffic for now.

Officials remind the public to sign up or update your information for real-time alerts on Readysbc.org.

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Strong Winds, Downed Trees Leave a Mark During Current Storm Wave

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – A delayed blast of rain and wind for areas south of Goleta and Santa Barbara ended up packing a strong Monday morning punch when if finally arrived.

The anticipated surge before dawn went north and soaked areas from Lompoc to Atascadero until more of the storm’s flow came up into areas around Santa Barbara with some fast and heavy downpours.

It was all linked to a counter clockwise rotation of rain coming in from a low pressure system that was spotted days ago heading to California with impressive rain and snow forecasts.

By mid-morning trees snapped and fell on Cathedrals Oaks Road in Goleta and Fairview Ave. where a large Eucalyptus ended up blocking lanes on Highway 101. No one was injured.

Fallen Eucalyptus Tree Closes Lanes in Goleta (Gabe Rami)

Another tree was down on San Leandro Lane requiring a response from the Montecito Fire Protection District and a tree crew to clean a path for residents there.

The Forestry Crew in the City of Santa Barbara had a large task at East Beach near the volleyball courts with a large tree that fell and covered the lanes on Cabrillo Blvd. Vehicles did not have an easy detour from the coastal street until the tree was carved up and pushed out of the way.

It was hauled out in multiple dumpster loads.

Walking with her two girls at the harbor, Amanda Benenati said the rain was an outing on a day off from school. “They asked to come here.  They know it’s fun to come here in the rain.  (It’s) not the first time. ”

From the breakwater wall Nick Butler said it was a nice walk going out but then it started to rain harder. “Nobody ever talks about  the time they stayed inside during the rain.  They talk about the time they got caught on the breakwater without a jacket, ” he said laughing.

With him was Madison Smoak who also had only a wet sweater. “I was not dressed for this event no  but it’s beautiful.”

During the afternoon there were at least two rainbows visible over the mountains and ocean.

After two vessels were tossed up on the sand in the last round of rough seas, so far, no boats have hit the Santa Barbara Shores. Some were getting tossed around and turned sideways with the wind-pushed swells.

Marborg Industries removed the last two beached boats late last week as part of an emergency effort to clear them out before this storm. If that was not done, and with the strength from these ways the vessels would have likely hit the rocks and pieces would have gone in all directions.

Commuters were light in the morning hours, due to the President’s Day holiday. Once the heavier rains started, there were crashes northbound at Santa Monica Road in Carpinteria and south at Sheffield where there was a two car spinout.

Later in the afternoon a pickup truck spun around into a concrete pillar on Highway 101 southbound at Patterson Ave. and Highway 217. Four occupants were inside including two juveniles. Santa Barbara County Fire said there were serious injuries. The CHP closed the area for a detailed investigation and took the vehicle as “evidence”. Alcohol was not said to be a factor.

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FestForums shines a light on Musicians and Festivals

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) It’s not everyday fans see Rock & Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Jeff “Skunk” Baxter at the Soho Restaurant & Music Club or emerging talent Hunter Hawkins perform with the legendary Kenny Loggins.

The music showcase followed the opening night awards ceremony at the 9th FestForums in Santa Barbara.

Kevin Lyman, who is marking the 30th anniversary of the Vans Warped Tour, was recognized.

“Look how many people come up for a few days to exchange ideas and that is what it is all about,” said Lyman.

The honorees also included winemaker Fred Brander, who’s wine is a popular part of countless food and wine festivals.

Festforums included more than 100 speakers during panel discussions at the Mar Monte Hotel.

“Anything that can give artists the whole business a kick-in-the-butt is a welcome phenom, it is hard enough for people to figure out this business,” said Baxter.

Laurie Kirby has produced FestForums from the start and brings all kinds of festival folks together.

“They learn from each other, we have vendors that can help them elevate their festivals,” said Kirby.

American Poet Stephen Kalinich helped open one some of program with his poetry.

Festforums also gave a spotlight to women in the industry with a women’s panel entitled “Breaking Barriers:Women in the Festival Industry.

The packed panel included Helen Gover, who created the All My Relations Celebration, marketing leader Olga Rodriguez Santini of OCHOMASDIEZ, Tobi Olanihun of WOW! / COnnect & TEPS, Lisa Oldie of Sundance Film Festival and Abbey Londer of Netflix is a Joke Fest.

 “We are giving a platform to share their experiences and really highlight their stories,” said marketing director and speaker Phoebe Choi.

Media Coordinator Natalie Vo was taking it all in.

“I Love festivals, it is just a place where people can escape from the problems of the world and just socialize,” said Vo.

Panels covered everything from the State of the Industry to the Impact of AI.

Three-time Oscar winner Scott Ross, who now operated Digital Domain, sees the yin and yang of AI.

“AI is a paradox, so on one hand it is an incredible tool and on the other hand it is the fate of the entire human race,” said Ross.

EJ Encarlarde of Festival Productions, Inc. in New Orleans helps up and coming festival founders.

“There is so much to learn from the leadership perspective, to the producer perspective,” said Encalarde.

Attendees also had a chance to check out business that cater to festivals and even a Puppy Palooza. 

A couple of puppies were adopted.

Many people plan to return for more Industry inspiration next year .

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Pianist Gil Rosas, almost 90, performs benefit for the Center for Successful Aging

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) Pianist Gil Rosas performed an encore show full of romantic songs on the day after Valentine’s Day.

Fans filled the Marjorie Luke Theatre to enjoy Rosas show called “Everything’s Coming up Rosas!.” 

The produced by Rod Lathim also included classical favorites.

Rosas turns 90 on February 24, so the performance was like a birthday celebration.

He is at home behind a grand piano and said learning Chopin keeps his skills sharp.

Rosas was just 17 when he become one of the first staff members at KEYT-TV in the early 1950s.

He played on live broadcasts and has made a living playing piano ever since.

The concert served as a fundraiser for the Center on Successful Aging.

Gary Linker, who has a doctorate in clinical psychology, is the clinical director of the nonprofit.

“We work with low income seniors who have a variety of needs with several programs,” said Linker, ” senior pier counseling, we have a help line, we have a program to assist people in their homes and we have our successful aging newspaper.”

The motto of the Center for Successful Aging is “Ending Loneliness, Building Community.”

“The center offers a program to combat loneliness and isolation called the successful aging club. This club is open to anyone 55 years of age and older who wishes to participate in educational social and recreational programs. The fee is $60 per year and the next event will be at the end of March where a physician will be talking about the physical, nutritional emotional and lifestyle characteristics that make for a successful life,” said Linker.

Contact the Center at 805-898-8080 for more information or visit, https://cbbsb.org

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Two critically injured after plane crash in Camarillo

Caleb Nguyen

CAMARILLO, Calif. (KEYT) – Ventura County Fire, Oxnard Fire and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office helped two people in critical condition after a plane crash in Camarillo just after 6:00 p.m. Sunday.

Fire crews helped the two people from the plane after it crashed into a drainage near the area of Carmen Drive and Lucero Street, according to the VCFD.

The plane did not hit any buildings in the area and firefighters remained on scene to help monitor the situation, according to the VCFD.

The VCFD also mentioned notifications being made to the FAA.

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Parolee arrested after pursuit in Santa Maria

Caleb Nguyen

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Santa Maria Police arrested a man on parole after a car pursuit Saturday just before 6:00 p.m. near Newlove Avenue and McLleland Street.

The SMPD tried a traffic stop and the driver did not yield before going through the city at high speeds.

SMPD officers identified the man on parole and found him at an apartment complex on Skyway Drive.

SMPD then used a K-9 unit after multiple attempts to extricate the man from his car.

After treatment for his K9 injuries, SMPD officers then charged the man with felony evading and resist and delay.

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Three arrested on Valentine’s Day in Santa Maria for DUI

Caleb Nguyen

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Santa Maria Police arrested three people for driving under the influence between 9 and 10 p.m. on Valentine’s Day.

Santa Maria Police noticed two drivers in car crashes, the first being a hit-and-run at 9:00 p.m. on the 1700 block of South Broadway and the second at 9:20 p.m. at 606 N. Conception.

The third driver drove on the wrong side of the road near Battles Road and Broadway just before 9:50 p.m., according to the SMPD.

The first driver had an outstanding DUI warrant and, alongside the third driver, blew twice the legal limit of alcohol from a breathalyzer test, according to the SMPD.

All three people received DUI and unlicensed driver charges and SMPD officers booked all three into the Santa Barbara County Jail.

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