Category: keyt-local-news

Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The famous steps of Old Mission Santa Barbara takes you to one of the most breathtaking views in the city.

For most visitors, it’s a climb they hardly think about.

“It’s a little hard … not too bad,” said visitor Mike Risch.

But for Fiesta dancer Gilda Sahagún, who performs here every year on this celebrated stage, each step feels like a risk.

“This is a challenge for me … especially at my age. Balance is an issue, and I can’t see each step. I take it slowly, one at a time, until I reach the top safely,” said Sahagún.

And for some, reaching the top is impossible.

“People with disabilities … and even some dancers with injuries … simply can’t make it up,” said Sahagún.

After years of visitors struggling with the steep stone steps, the Mission is planning something historic: They’re building a ramp.

“It will be the first time everyone—no matter their mobility—can enter through the front doors of the church,” said Father Dan Lackie of Old Mission Santa Barbara.

But this is no ordinary construction project.

“This mission design hasn’t been altered in 150 years. Even in 1952, the front was rebuilt only as a replica of what had been here before. This is very historic,” said project architect Fred Sweeney.

So historic, regular cement won’t do.

“The idea is to blend the stone of the ramp with the stone on the mission walls today,” said Sweeny.

That meant going back to the source where the original stones were cut centuries ago.

“All that rock was quarried from Tepusquet Canyon in the Santa Maria Valley,” said Sweeney.

Church leaders believe the ramp is essential. But to finish it, they need the community’s help to raise enough funds.

$1 million to be exact.

The price tag is steep, but the project is one most believe is long overdue.

“We want everyone to be welcomed. We want them to enter with dignity and safety,” said Lackie.

And in the spirit of giving back, Sweeney is donating his work.

“This is pro bono. This has been my home for nearly 50 years, and this is my gift to the community,” said Sweeney.

And while the Mission gains something new, it will still look timeless, as if the ramp had always been there.

To date, approximately $760,000 has been raised through individual donations. St. Barbara Parish has pledged $150,000 from its reserve fund as a matching grant to encourage community support.

“This is a vital improvement for parishioners and visitors,” said Maria Cabrera, a Mission docent, parishioner, and former Fiesta Presidente. “It allows everyone to share in the life of the Mission.”

The Old Mission, a Santa Barbara landmark and hub for community events, is asking for continued donations to help finish the project. Contributions can be made at SantaBarbaraMission.org.

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Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Community leaders came together on the Allan Hancock College campus in Santa Maria this morning to launch an exciting new economic initiative.

This state funding will go toward jobs and education related to space technology.

The governor’s business development office has awarded a grant of $9.5 million to an organization known as REACH.

Networking with Central Coast government offices, educational leaders, and community organizations, REACH looks to create pathways into new and fledgling industries.

“REACH is an economic impact organization,” says founder and CEO of REACH Melissa James. “We serve the counties of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara, and we are laser focused on creating economic opportunity for many more people across that two county region.”

Friday morning on the campus of Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, a formal presentation brought Central Coast leaders together to celebrate the launch of Space Vandenberg.

“We continue to rapidly expand our launch rate,” says Col. James T. Horne III, commander of Space Launch Delta 30. “That drives a lot of critical demands on our infrastructure. And so these partnerships are critical to our ability to continue to unlock capacity and access to space, which is vital for the economy and for our national security.”

This is an example of advanced collaboration across a large number of community organizations and entities to, quite literally, “reach” for the stars.

“The philosophy behind Reach is that we build a coalition across sectors to form an all-of-community approach to chasing down and creating more opportunity,” says James.

The grant will accelerate the development of infrastructure to bolster growth and help deploy funds for the Spaceport of the Future at Vandenberg.

“We’re excited for the partnership,” says Col. Horne. “Launch is a team sport, and we are super excited for the opportunities that lie ahead. Semper supra.”

New aerospace training and education programs in partnership with Allan Hancock College and the Santa Barbara County Education Office, as well as innovation programs through UCSB and Cal Poly, will unfold over the next few years to expand space career pathways.

Similar to the aviation pathways recently announced at Arroyo Grande High School, the launch of Space Vandenberg will create new cutting-edge jobs, and the school programs to train for them.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Out to test a concept, the City of Santa Barbara has snapped together a pedlet walking path in one block of downtown as a trial to see if it is a good fit for the rest of the street.

The pedlets are prefabricated pieces that were delivered on a truck Monday and off loaded for use on State St, between Cota St. and Haley St.    

The project required the parklets to be removed Monday. Those structures were taken down by the owners or torn down by the city to clean the street.

It was power washed from side to side prior to the pedlet work.

Thursday the final touches were going in. The pedlets all have ramps for wheelchairs and are ADA compliant. The ramps had to be modified by the city to meet California standards and that took extra work, metal sheets, welding and time. The work was finished late Friday. The city says the ramps that arrived met federal standards, but California’s requirements are wider.

Some benches have been added for seating. They are in the street near the pedlets.

Dining on the sidewalk that is already in place will be enhanced by more tables and chairs in front of restaurants that choose to use that space.

Joe’s Cafe was one of them. Five tables were set up on the sidewalk surrounded by flowers and dividers the restaurant had when they used the street for seating. The restaurant did not add or lose any tables. Spacing was also in place for wheelchairs.

This comes at no charge now. The city is normally charging for tables and chairs on sidewalk space, which is city property.

Nearby Old Kings Road has some chairs and tables out but the full layout was still being designed.

Restaurants that are next to businesses that are not using the outside space, have been told they can not use the adjacent space, only what is in front of their address.

Santa Barbara Resident Alexadra Cole said, ” I think that’s a good idea. It’s not the most attractive, but at least if all the pedestrians  are walking on it, that is free range for the people (businesses) to be able to spread their tables and get their table crowd back again.”

A visitor from Texas, Debra Boyle was in Santa Barbara with a large group of friends who were planning their day and checking out the changes. “Yes, I actually look for that when I’m researching cities. I look for sidewalk dining or piazza, anything like that that can bring me outdoors.”

She says at home in Texas it is often too hot or uncomfortable to sit outside for dining.

An Old Kings Road bartender Joe Crosby said the plan can be viewed two ways. “Absolutely it would make serving easier. But it also takes the foot traffic further away from our front door, where there would be potentially entering.” He says passersby who see their bar, the decor, the other elements that would draw them in, may not see it from the street.

No awnings can go up. Only umbrellas.The outside of the pedlets do not have a rail. They are elevated a few inches above the street.

It took extra work to make sure they were level and adjusted evenly since the older street is irregular in many area. The pedlets also do not go the full length of the block on both sides.

Signs indicating the walkways are open are mounted on some orange construction stanchions.

By early evening the public was using the new walkway, along with some portions of the street and some open areas of the sidewalk.

The downtown Loop shuttle is still able to use the center area of the street to transport its riders from Stearns Wharf to the Arlington Theatre area and back.

This project is a trial for one block. A full master plan for the downtown area is still in the works.

It has a cost of $580,000. The pedlets were purchased from Modstreet, which has set these up in other communities and has examples on its website.

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Andie Lopez Bornet

The 10th annual Sea Glass and Ocean Arts Festival takes place this weekend at Elks Lodge. It’s an event for Ocean lovers and collectors to attend for shopping and educational panels.

Your Morning News was joined by Sea Glass and Ocean Arts Festival Director Karen Clark and a jeweler who will be selling jewelry, Rachel Kenney.

Tickets are still available on their website and will be sold at the door. The event runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT). – The Royals had too many playmakers for Santa Barbara to handle.

Victoria Aldana, Rio Chesluk and Peyton Sperling led San Marcos to a 41-0 victory as the Royals move to 4-1 in the Channel League and 13-3 overall.

The sophomore Aldana threw a pair of touchdown passes and also gained over 100 yards on the ground.

(Victoria Aldana beat the Dons with her arm and legs. Entenza Design).

The Royals grabbed a 7-0 lead with three minutes left in the first quarter as Aldana threw a short touchdown to Drea Obispo.

Moments later senior Rylie Cook intercepted a Dons pass and raced 20-yards for a pick-six and the Royals led 14-0 after one quarter.

Early in the second quarter Aldana threw a short pass to senior Rio Chesluk who made a sharp cut and scored from five yards out to stretch the lead to 21-0.

On the Royals next possession senior Peyton Sperling took the handoff and raced 28-yards to make it 27-0 at halftime.

Chesluk added a one-yard score in the second half.

Santa Barbara had their best chance to score early in the first quarter as Shea Gannon turned a short-pass into a 43-yard gain deep into Royals territory. But the Dons turned the ball over on downs.

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Mike Klan

GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT). – Seniors Ben Fuhrer and Eli Carnaghe each scored four goals to lead Dos Pueblos to a 16-5 win over Carpinteria.

Carnaghe scored three of his goals in a tight first half as the Chargers led just 5-3 at the break.

Lucas Neushul scored all three of his goals in the second half as DP (9-2) pulled away from the visiting Warriors (8-4).

Freshman Channing Wigo added two goals and freshman goalie Koa Zertuche made 10 saves for DP.

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Mike Klan

UC SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT). – Busy night at UCSB saw the women’s volleyball team begin the Thunderdome Classic with a sweep over Kansas State while the women’s soccer team ran their win streak to five games with a 2-0 victory against New Mexico.

Volleyball: UCSB 3, Kansas State 0: Eva Travis had a match-high 18 kills as UCSB improves to 4-2 on the year. They play Vanderbilt on Friday at 4p.m. and Northern Colorado on Saturday at 1 p.m.

Soccer: UCSB 2, New Mexico 0: Olivia Howard and Evelyn Arsenault scored second half goals as the Gauchos run their record to 6-1-1. They are unbeaten in their past seven games and will host Sacramento State on Sunday at 11 a.m.

Water Polo: UCSB 23, Whittier 10: Billy Rankin scored five goals for the Gauchos

Water Polo: Pepperdine 15, UCSB 14 (2OT) Danilo Dragovic scored four goals for UCSB who is 8-4 on the year. The Gauchos play Stanford on Friday at noon in Thousand Oaks.

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News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the City of Santa Barbara regarding the appointment of their new Public Works Director and creation of a Water Resources Department.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The City of Santa Barbara is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian D’Amour as Public Works Director and the creation of a new Department of Water Resources, to be led by Joshua Haggmark. Both appointments will become effective September 22, 2025.

Following a highly competitive recruitment process that drew applicants from across the country, the City conducted a rigorous evaluation with input from both internal department heads and external public works professionals. Based on the feedback and final interviews, City Administrator Kelly McAdoo selected both D’Amour and Haggmark to lead the City’s evolving infrastructure and water management efforts.

“This new structure will allow us to better serve our residents and plan strategically for the future of Santa Barbara’s infrastructure and water systems. I’m thrilled to have two proven leaders stepping into these roles, each bringing decades of experience and a deep commitment to our community,” said McAdoo.

The City Council will consider the employment agreements for both directors at its September 16 meeting.

Brian D’Amour Named Public Works Director

As Public Works Director, Brian D’Amour will oversee Engineering and Public Works Operations, including transportation, facilities maintenance, and capital improvement projects. A licensed Professional Engineer and graduate of Pennsylvania State University, D’Amour brings over 25 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. He has served the City of Santa Barbara since 2007, most recently as City Engineer, and has also held roles as Acting Public Works Director and Interim Airport Director.

During his tenure, the City has delivered numerous high-impact capital projects, modernized infrastructure systems, and strengthened interdepartmental coordination to improve service delivery and community outcomes.

“Public Works touches every part of our daily lives—from the roads we drive to the buildings we use. As a resident of this world class city, I’m proud to lead a team that’s dedicated to making Santa Barbara a safe, sustainable, and vibrant place to live,” said D’Amour.

For department information and services, visit Public Works Department (SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PW).

New Department of Water Resources to Be Led by Joshua Haggmark

The newly established Department of Water Resources will consolidate all water-related services under one umbrella, including water supply, water system, wastewater system, and desalination operations. Joshua Haggmark, a licensed Civil Engineer and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduate, brings 25 years of service to the City, including 12 years as Water Resources Manager and most recently as Acting Public Works Director.

Under his leadership, the City has successfully navigated an historic drought, reactivated the Charles E. Meyer Desalination Facility, and managed a diverse water supply portfolio that includes Lake Cachuma, Gibraltar Reservoir, groundwater, recycled water, State Water, and desalinated water.

“Our water resources are essential to Santa Barbara’s future, and I’m honored to be selected to lead this new department focused on protecting and sustaining this precious resource for generations to come. This new department reflects the City’s strong commitment to water resilience, and I’m honored to lead such a dedicated and professional team of public servants,” said Haggmark.

For water resources information and programming, visit Water Resources (SantaBarbaraCA.gov/water).

Traducción al Español:

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – La Ciudad de Santa Bárbara se complace en anunciar el nombramiento de Brian D’Amour como Director de Obras Públicas y la creación de un nuevo Departamento de Recursos Hídricos, que estará dirigido por Joshua Haggmark. Ambos nombramientos entrarán en vigor el 22 de septiembre de 2025.

Después de un proceso de reclutamiento altamente competitivo que atrajo solicitantes de todo el país, la Ciudad realizó una rigurosa evaluación con la participación tanto de jefes de departamento internos como de profesionales externos de obras públicas. Basándose en los comentarios y entrevistas finales, la Administradora de la Ciudad Kelly McAdoo seleccionó a D’Amour y Haggmark para liderar los esfuerzos de gestión de infraestructura y sistemas de agua en evolución de la Ciudad.

“Esta nueva estructura nos permitirá servir mejor a nuestros residentes y planificar estratégicamente el futuro de la infraestructura y los sistemas de agua de Santa Bárbara. Estoy encantada de contar con dos probados líderes asumiendo estos roles, cada uno aportando décadas de experiencia y un profundo compromiso con nuestra comunidad”, dijo McAdoo.

El Concejo Municipal considerará los acuerdos de empleo para ambos directores en su reunión del 16 de septiembre.

Brian D’Amour Nombrado Director de Obras Públicas

Como Director de Obras Públicas, Brian D’Amour supervisará Ingeniería y Operaciones de Obras Públicas, incluyendo transporte, mantenimiento de instalaciones y proyectos de mejora capital. Ingeniero Profesional licenciado y graduado de la Universidad Estatal de Pensilvania, D’Amour aporta más de 25 años de experiencia en los sectores público y privado. Ha servido a la Ciudad de Santa Bárbara desde 2007, más recientemente como Ingeniero de la Ciudad, y también ha ocupado roles como Director de Obras Públicas interino y Director Interino del Aeropuerto.

Durante su mandato, la Ciudad ha entregado numerosos proyectos de capital de alto impacto, modernizado sistemas de infraestructura y fortalecido la coordinación entre departamentos para mejorar la prestación de servicios y los resultados comunitarios.

“Las Obras Públicas tocan cada parte de nuestras vidas cotidianas, desde las carreteras que conducimos hasta los edificios que usamos. Como residente de esta ciudad de clase mundial, estoy orgulloso de liderar un equipo que está dedicado a hacer de Santa Bárbara un lugar seguro, sostenible y vibrante para vivir,” dijo D’Amour.

Para información y servicios del departamento, visite Departamento de Obras Públicas (SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PW).

Nuevo Departamento de Recursos Hídricos Será Dirigido por Joshua Haggmark

El recientemente establecido Departamento de Recursos Hídricos consolidará todos los servicios relacionados con el agua bajo una sola entidad, incluyendo el suministro de agua, el sistema de agua, el sistema de aguas residuales y las operaciones de desalinización. Joshua Haggmark, un ingeniero civil licenciado y graduado de Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, aporta 25 años de servicio a la ciudad, incluyendo 12 años como Gerente de Recursos Hídricos y más recientemente como Director de Obras Públicas interino.

Bajo su liderazgo, la ciudad ha navegado con éxito una sequía histórica, reactivó la Instalación de Desalinización Charles E. Meyer, y gestionó un diverso portafolio de suministro de agua que incluye el Lago Cachuma, el Embalse Gibraltar, agua subterránea, agua reciclada, Agua Estatal, y agua desalada.

“Nuestros recursos hídricos son esenciales para el futuro de Santa Bárbara, y me siento honrado de haber sido seleccionado para liderar este nuevo departamento enfocado en proteger y mantener este recurso valioso para las generaciones venideras. Este nuevo departamento refleja el fuerte compromiso de la Ciudad con la resiliencia hídrica, y me siento honrado de liderar a un equipo de servidores públicos tan dedicado y profesional,” dijo Haggmark.

Para información y programación sobre recursos hídricos, visite Recursos de agua (SantaBarbaraCA.gov/water).

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News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the City of Santa Barbara regarding the appointment of their new Library Director, Brandon Beaudette.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The City of Santa Barbara is pleased to announce the appointment of Brandon Beaudette as the new Library Director, effective September 22, 2025. A dedicated public servant with over 25 years of experience in city government, Brandon brings a deep understanding o municipal operations and a passion for community-centered service to this leadership role. Brandon’s appointment follows a competitive recruitment process and confirmation by both City leadership and community stakeholders.

Brandon has served as Acting Library Director since April 2024, guiding the Santa Barbara Public Library system through a period of growth and revitalization. Under his leadership, the Central and Eastside branches have undergone major construction projects, while the Montecito branch has benefited from facility enhancements, including new furnishings and maintenance upgrades. All three locations have welcomed a return to pre-pandemic levels of community engagement.

“It’s an honor to serve as Library Director in the city I’ve called home for decades. I’m excited to continue working with our talented staff and community partners to ensure our libraries remain welcoming, inclusive spaces for learning, creativity, and connection,” said Beaudette.

A graduate of UC Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Psychology, Brandon has held key roles across several City departments, including Public Works, Finance, and the City Administrator’s Office. His broad experience and collaborative leadership style make him uniquely suited to lead the Library Department into its next chapter.

“Brandon’s leadership during his acting assignment has been exceptional. His deep institutional knowledge, commitment to equity, and vision for the future of our libraries make him the right choice to lead this department,” said City Administrator Kelly McAdoo.

As Library Director, Brandon will oversee the strategic direction and daily operations of the Santa Barbara Public Library system. Reporting directly to the City Administrator, he will guide a mission-driven department in delivering equitable access to information, education, and cultural resources. His responsibilities include managing the department’s budget, staffing, and policy development, while cultivating strong partnerships with community organizations, library foundations, and regional networks.

For more information about the Library Department, visit Santa Barbara Public Library (sbplibrary.org).

Traducción al Español:

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – La Ciudad de Santa Bárbara se complace en anunciar el nombramiento de Brandon Beaudette como el nuevo Director de la Biblioteca, con vigencia a partir del 22 de septiembre de 2025. Como servidor público dedicado con más de 25 años de experiencia en el gobierno municipal, Brandon aporta a este rol de liderazgo un profundo conocimiento de las operaciones de la ciudad y una pasión por el servicio centrado en la comunidad. Su nombramiento es el resultado de un proceso de reclutamiento competitivo y a la confirmación por parte de los líderes de la ciudad y los grupos de interés de la comunidad.

Brandon ha ocupado el cargo de Director Interino de la Biblioteca desde abril de 2024, guiando al sistema de la Biblioteca Pública de Santa Bárbara durante un período de crecimiento y revitalización. Bajo su liderazgo, las sedes Central y Eastside han llevado a cabo importantes proyectos de construcción, mientras que la sede de Montecito se ha beneficiado de mejoras en las instalaciones, incluyendo muebles nuevos y actualizaciones de mantenimiento. Las tres sedes de la Biblioteca han experimentado un regreso a los niveles de participación comunitaria previos a la pandemia.

“Es un honor servir como Director de la Biblioteca en la ciudad que he llamado hogar durante décadas. Me siento honrado de seguir trabajando con nuestro talentoso personal y con los socios de la comunidad para garantizar que nuestras bibliotecas sigan siendo espacios acogedores e inclusivos para el aprendizaje, la creatividad y la conexión,” dijo Beaudette.

Graduado de UC Santa Bárbara con una licenciatura en Psicología, Brandon ha ocupado roles clave en varios departamentos de la Ciudad, incluyendo Obras Públicas, Finanzas y la Oficina de la Administradora de la Ciudad (City Administrator). Su amplia experiencia y estilo de liderazgo colaborativo lo hacen ideal para dirigir el Departamento de Bibliotecas hacia su próximo capítulo.

“El liderazgo de Brandon durante su asignación como director interino ha sido excepcional. Su profundo conocimiento institucional, compromiso con la equidad y visión para el futuro de nuestras bibliotecas lo convierten en la elección correcta para liderar este departamento,” dijo Kelly McAdoo, Administradora de la Ciudad.

Como Director de la Biblioteca, Brandon supervisará la dirección estratégica y las operaciones diarias del sistema de la Biblioteca Pública de Santa Bárbara. Reportándose directamente a la Administradora de la Ciudad, guiará un departamento enfocado en la misión de brindar acceso equitativo a la información, la educación y los recursos culturales. Sus responsabilidades incluyen la gestión del presupuesto del departamento, del personal y del desarrollo de políticas, así como la construcción de sólidas alianzas con organizaciones comunitarias, fundaciones de bibliotecas y redes regionales.

Para obtener más información sobre el Departamento de Bibliotecas, visita La Biblioteca Pública de Santa Bárbara (sbplibrary.org).

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Mina Wahab

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – Climate Rights International is urging California to permanently retire the Las Flores Pipeline, calling it a critical test of the state’s climate leadership as Governor Gavin Newsom pushes a bill that would make it harder for the pipeline to restart.

The same bill, however, also approves permits for some oil and gas production in Kern County, creating what critics call a mixed message on fossil fuels.

Brad Adams, executive director of Climate Rights International, said the proposal undermines California’s role as a climate leader.

“If California shows weakness, if California can’t stick to its guns, can’t shut down a pipeline that’s so obviously dangerous and so obviously going to break in the future, then we have, you know, very little hope of success in fighting climate change,” Adams said.

The Las Flores Pipeline, owned by Texas oil company Sable Offshore, ruptured during the 2015 Refugio Oil Spill off the Santa Barbara coast. Newsom’s proposal sets different guidelines for offshore versus onshore drilling, adding another layer to the debate.

Climate Rights International’s report, “Crude Awakening: Why California Must Retire the Las Flores Pipeline,” is the group’s first focused on California. It urges the state to enforce all environmental laws, conduct a full environmental review, and ensure scientists and local communities are included in the decision-making process.

The group argues the outcome of the Las Flores debate could shape global conversations on climate change.

KEYT has reached out to Sable Offshore for comment on its timeline to restart production along the Central Coast and is awaiting a response.

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