Category: keyt-local-news

Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – On the morning of September 11th, all 16 fire stations in Santa Barbara County paid their respects on the day we’ll never forget.

At the Santa Barbara Fire Headquarters, flags were lowered half-staff and a moment of silence was held to honor the over 300 firefighters, law enforcement officers, a fire chaplain, military personnel, and thousands of civilians lost.

On its 24th anniversary, Fire Chief Mark Hartwig and County Supervisor Laura Capp spoke to your News Channel about the importance of never forgetting.

“I think when we as a society get to a point where we don’t acknowledge or don’t remember the sacrifices made – especially by those that take an oath to protect us each and every day, we’ve lost our way,” said Hartwig.

“There’s so much more that connects us than divides us, and 9/11 is a day to tell young folks, to tell your sons and daughters that we’re connected, that we are united,” said Capps.

The public is invited to join in remembrance at any of the county’s stations.

To honor the victims, students from Young America’s Foundations placed 2,977 flags for those who died in the terror attacks at Santa Barbara’s West Beach.

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Jarrod Zinn

BUELLTON, Calif. (KEYT) – 250 cyclists are pedaling down the Central Coast this week riding hundreds of miles to raise money and awareness for arthritis.

All that fundraising goes directly to the Arthritis Foundation.

September is Pain Awareness Month, and the national Arthritis Foundation is marking the 25th anniversary of the “CCC.”

The “California Coast Classic” bike tour began in San Francisco last Saturday with stops in Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, Cambria, and Oceano.

“My connection to arthritis came because I had done the ride for several years,” says Tim Clepper, co-chair of the leadership committee for the CCC. “I met the people that are out here. They’re wonderful people. It’s a great cause. The arthritis Foundation is is a wonderful organization to be part of and associated with. And after a few years of doing the ride, I got dedicated to the Arthritis Foundation.”

Thursday, riders traveled from oceano to the flying flags RV Resort and Campground in Buellton.

Friday, they head to Ventura, and the week-long tour wraps up Saturday in Los Angeles.

Over eight days, cyclists will cover a total of 525 miles.

“One of the challenges of getting new riders is to do the fundraising for this event,” says Clepper. “Plus, it’s a 525-mile ride. Don’t be afraid of either of those two challenges. People want to give you money for the Arthritis Foundation. And there’s lots of support for the training. If you’ve got an interest in doing this, just sign up and we’ll get you through it.”

Representatives say every rider raises funds through the foundation, often in honor of themselves or someone they know living with arthritis.

“I actually have arthritis and my grandmother had arthritis,” says Stephanie Cole, a rider from North Carolina. “My friend from Charlotte works for the Arthritis Foundation and we came out in 2023 to celebrate our 50th birthdays. And then we met some great folks out here on the ride and we really enjoyed it and we decided to come back for the 25th anniversary this year.”

Foundation leaders say about 60 million U.S. adults live with arthritis pain—about one in four Americans.The bike tour honors their daily resilience and determination.

Donations remain open until the ride ends.

To learn how to give, visit their website here.

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John Palminteri

CARPINTERIA, Calif. (KEYT) – A permanent off-leash dog park could soon be coming to Carpinteria, building on the success of a temporary version that’s been in place for the past year at Monte Vista Park off Bailard Avenue.

Last Saturday, the city unveiled three proposed designs for the future park during a public event at Monte Vista Park. City leaders were on hand to answer questions and encourage residents to vote on their favorite layout.

Juliza Briones with the City of Carpinteria said, “The city is so excited. I know our council is very excited to get this process going and get the final dog park up and running very soon.”

Each of the designs includes separate areas for small and large dogs, along with amenities like benches and dog-themed water fountains. One concept even features playful design elements tailored to canine visitors.

Briones added, “What we want to know from the residents is what their furry pups want here at the park. And we’re really excited for this next phase.”

“I love the new drawings,” said Sandra Duncan who owns a dog. “I voted on the one, of course, that I liked. The more space, the better, right? But there’s a lot of benefit to having the large dog and small dog area.”

Currently, all dogs share the same space. The proposed designs aim to improve safety and comfort for dogs of all sizes. While funding is still being secured, the city has already invested in preliminary planning.

Briones explained, “The city is definitely putting its dollars towards it now in terms of the preliminary designs and making sure that we have all of those key components in place.”

The Carpinteria Dog Owners Group (C-DOG), a nonprofit advocating for the off-leash park, was also present at the event.

Board member Van Fleisher said, “The dogs that know each other, they go greet each other immediately. It’s the same with the people. So it’s a win-win.”

The park has become a social hub not just for dogs, but for people too.

“I think all of us feel a lot better when we get to come to the park, see our friends, see the dogs play,” said Fleisher.

Dog owner Sharon Webb said, “They bring joy and you meet people. These people here are very friendly. You get to know them and then you start coming about the same time each day.”

Some residents visit the park even if they don’t currently own a dog.

Webb continued, “They bring great joy to a lot of people, whether you have them or not.”

Sandra Duncan added, “It’s socialization not just for our dogs, which is really important, but for the people as well.”

The city’s goal is to ensure the final design blends seamlessly with the surrounding park features, including sports fields and children’s play areas.

Community feedback is being collected through the end of September. Residents can vote for their favorite design online at carpinteriaca.gov/dogparkfeedback or in person at City Hall.

Feedack can be conveyed at  carpinteriaca.gov/dogparkfeedback or in-person at city hall.

The Saturday event also had the Carpinteria Dogs Owners Group (C-DOG) merchandise including water bottles and t-shirts. There were free samples of pet food from the Lemos Pet Store. Hot dogs were served by Penelope’s Shaved Ice. Photos were also taken of more than 50 dogs for Robin Karlsson’s upcoming book, The Dogs of Monte Vista Park.

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Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Six separate tribute ceremonies were held Thursday morning at all Santa Maria fire stations to commemorate 9/11 and remember those who died in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

“For us to b here and remember that day, it’s vital that we don’t forget because we want to honor those that lost their lives and made those sacrifices on that day,” said Santa Maria Battalion Chief Anthony Clayburg.

The annual commemorations at the six city fire stations were all brief in length and followed recommended protocols established by the International Fire Service and adopted by the Fire Chiefs of Santa Barbara County.

Beginning at 7:30 a.m., a fire engine at each location was pulled out of the station and parked on the front driveway. It later sounded three sets of five blasts from its horns.

Immediately following the sounding of the horn, one minute of silence was held for reflection for those who were in attendance.

At Fire Station 1 on West Cook Street, among those in attendance included Mayor Alice Patino, Councilmembers Gloria Flores and Carlos Escobedo, City Manager David Rowlands, Public Works Director Brett Fulgoni, Fire Marshal Jim Austin, as well city firefighters and police officers and community members.

At Santa Maria Fire Station 3 and Fire Station 5, each location has an actual piece of steel from the World Trade Center displayed on the front of the building, with a small plaque underneath.

The small displays are a reminder that while Santa Maria and New York City may be located nearly 3,000 aparts, there is a permanent unity between the two communities, as well as their two fire departments.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif (KEYT). – San Marcos was pushed to the limit by upset-minded Santa Barbara but the experienced Royals pulled out a 5-set thriller in Channel League girls volleyball.

The visiting Royals moved to 5-0 in league by outlasting the young Dons 25-27, 25-14, 20-25, 25-17, 15-6.

Santa Barbara is now 3-2 in league.

All 15 Royals players are seniors while many of the Dons key players are sophomores and juniors.

(Cora Loomer helped the Royals rally for a 5-set win. Entenza Design).

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The sniper shooting that killed Turning Point USA founder and conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, 31, has local repercussions.

Kirk, who had previously spoken at UCSB, debated young adults across the world.

Young conservative Charles DiMauro met him several times along the coast.

“We have talked a few times, met a few times — great, amazing person. He stood up for God, Jesus Christ, our country, Donald Trump, and he went across the country trying to push the conservative movement to all the students and colleges,” said DiMauro.

He called the video of the shooting “horrible and disgusting.”

DiMauro said instead of focusing on division over guns, he would rather focus on how Charlie should be remembered and how the country should come together after losing a “great American.”

He added that a vigil for Kirk is being organized in Simi Valley, and he plans to dedicate a car rally to Kirk along the Pacific Coast Highway near Pepperdine on Saturday.

Kirk hosted a national radio show on Camarillo-based Salem Media, which serves Christian and conservative communities.

Salem Media issued a statement that included the thoughts of CEO David Santrella.

“This assassination was not just an attack on Charlie, it was an attack on free speech and on the values Charlie championed every day,” said Santrella.

Salem Chief Strategy Officer Bradley Parscale added:

“He was part of the Salem family. His voice was fearless, unyielding, and relentless in the defense of faith and freedom.”

Another conservative speaker was scheduled to appear in Santa Barbara on Sept. 11.

The Wendy P. McCaw Reagan Ranch Roundtable featuring Ben Shapiro at the Lobero Theatre has been canceled.

The Reagan Ranch Center on State Street in Santa Barbara could not be reached for comment.

The Lobero Box Office staff said they were not involved in ticket sales and therefore did not know about refunds.

Former FBI Assistant Special Agent Tom Parker, who worked in the FBI press office when President Ronald Reagan was shot and wounded, said he is used to reacting to shootings.

During the attempt on Donald Trump at a rally, Parker recalled thinking: “Here we go again.”

He said he had the same thought Wednesday when he heard about the Kirk shooting.

“This is probably going to be a loner who is either looking for some kind of glory or has some kind of real bone to pick with Mr. Kirk or his movement. In these situations, there is somebody that knows who he is and different things that he has done in terms of preparing,” said Parker.

The pattern, Parker said, goes back beyond Reagan.

“It goes back as far as Lincoln. You know, John Wilkes Booth was a loner and he had his own problems with what President Lincoln stood for. Unfortunately, it has been a repetitive thing that occurs again and again, especially in today’s political climate, which is unfortunately very polarized,” said Parker.

He said it fits a standard pattern he saw during his time in the FBI, but expressed concern that agents today are stretched thin.

“I think the disruption that is occurring within the FBI today is hurting it very badly, and it just makes fulfilling its duties much more complex and more difficult. I can’t say if that contributed to this incident, but in the long run it contributes to incidents like this. People think the FBI is in disruption — ‘I can probably get away with this,’” said Parker.

Parker urged people who see something suspicious to say something to police or authorities.

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Mike Klan

CARPINTERIA, Calif. (KEYT)- After running past Santa Clara 52-7 in their season opener, now Carpinteria High School football gets set for their home opener.

This Friday the Warriors will host San Gabriel who is off to a 3-0 start. Carpinteria edged the Matadors last year by one point.

Carpinteria had six rushing touchdowns versus Santa Clara with Isaac Neri collecting the first four and Drew Filippini the last two.

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Jarrod Zinn

LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) – You may have heard the sonic booms just after 7 a.m. from Vandenberg’s latest launch on Wednesday.

It was a beautiful morning at Vandenberg Space Force Base, creating ideal conditions for the launch of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture’s Tranche One.

Wednesday morning’s SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried a batch of 21 military satellites for the Space Development Agency into low-Earth orbit.

“Space Development Agency stood up about six and a half years ago,” said SDA spokesperson Jonathan Withington. “Our goal was to deliver space-based capabilities to the Joint Warfighter for terrestrial missions, missions on the ground using space to move data to the warfighter on the ground.”

The satellites are part of what’s called the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, a complex network designed to enhance current infrastructure, including Link 16 radios, a secure communication system.

“This is the first 21 of about 154 satellites, 126 transport satellites,” said Withington. “These were the first 21 satellites of that 126 transport. And then there will be 28 tracking satellites, so a total of 154 when it’s fully completed in 2026.”

These satellites are being delivered in a series of “tranches,” beginning with demonstration and testing satellites two years ago.

“We took care of all the milestones that we needed to achieve with Tranche Zero, which allows us to move forward with Tranche One,” said Withington.

Tranche One’s payload provides regional persistence for Link 16, advanced missile tracking and warning, as well as beyond-line-of-sight targeting for the warfighter.

“And so today was a really exciting day,” Withington said. “Six and a half years after the agency stood up, which is impressive, because very few programs can get off the ground in six and a half years. It’s almost unheard of.”

The next tranche is Tranche Two, “Full Warfighter Capability,” which is estimated to launch in 2026 or 2027.

Once in orbit, the Tranche One satellites will be operated from two SDA Space Operations Centers, one at Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota, and the other at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama.

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John Palminteri

MONTECITO, Calif. (KEYT) – A cleanup effort involving government staff and nonprofit workers has cleared a problem area of the beach where Montecito and Santa Barbara meet, removing hundreds of pounds of debris while raising new concerns about fires, boats, and encampments along the shoreline.

This location sits below the cemetery and west of Butterfly Beach, a site often populated with homeless encampments and considered an environmental hot spot for trash, toxic waste, and debris that can wash into the ocean at high tide.

Ongoing Environmental and Safety Concerns

The area has long been a challenge for both the city and county. Heal the Ocean Executive Director Karina Johnston said the problem doesn’t fall neatly into one jurisdiction.

“A lot of the impacts from trash, abandoned camps and boat wrecks end up in these unincorporated county areas,” Johnston said. “And so it’s this kind of multi-jurisdictional problem that requires the city to collaborate with the county.”

Santa Barbara County Supervisor Roy Lee said the stakes are high.

“Who knows what is in those encampments that will go into the ocean, into our sensitive habitat,” Lee said. “We’ve got to do everything we can to keep that as clean as possible.”

The site has also seen several fires over the years, including a 2020 blaze that burned for hours, spreading from the encampments into nearby vegetation and threatening the historic Belleguardo estate and cemetery property.

“One of the other serious problems here is fires. Campfires get out of control, burn the hillside vegetation, and then spread to the cemetery or historic landmarks,” said News Channel reporter John Palminteri, recalling past incidents.

Coordinated Cleanup and Partnerships

On Tuesday, nonprofit Earthcomb joined Heal the Ocean, county and city staff, and law enforcement agencies to haul away trash. The effort also involved Supervisor Roy Lee’s office, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, the Santa Barbara Police Department, Bellesguard, Good Samaritan, and Milpas Rentals, which provided an ATV to access difficult areas.

By the end of the day, between 650 and 700 pounds of trash had been collected and removed.

Johnston credited growing partnerships for making a difference.

“We’ve had really strong support and partnerships from Supervisor Roy Lee’s office, the county, city staff, and the waterfront director,” she said.

The cleanup was funded by Heal the Ocean, which has repeatedly rushed to this site before high tide to prevent belongings and debris from being swept out to sea.

Abandoned Boats and New Risks

The shoreline has also been impacted by abandoned vessels breaking free from the anchorage near Stearns Wharf and washing ashore. One boat recently shattered on the rocks at Butterfly Beach.

“I was in disbelief,” Lee said. “I’m making it a priority to make sure that it would never happen again.”

Johnston said the problem is ongoing.

“The problems occur from boats wrecking and washing ashore, creating debris and spilling oil and gases. We’re really trying to tackle that head-on,” she said.

A smaller boat was already spotted on the beach Wednesday, and a new tent was seen deep in the hillside cove that same afternoon.

Looking Ahead

Heal the Ocean says it will keep a close watch on the site. Johnston added that future solutions will need to go beyond quick cleanups.

“What kind of policies can we put together and recommend in the future to help prevent some of this from happening?” she asked.

For now, the work depends on a well-organized rapid response team made up of Heal the Ocean, Earthcomb, Marborg Industries, and Tow US Ventura.

“Heal the Ocean is an organization that does take fast action and we have an amazing field team,” Johnston said.

But officials warn that if there’s a delay, or if bad weather rolls in, the items left on the beach will almost certainly end up in the ocean.

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Michael Yu

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – A vehicle rolled over onto its roof this morning on the U.S. 101 Northbound north of Dos Pueblos.

The crash temporarily blocked the second lane, but the roadway is now opened.

CHP is advising drivers to slow down and use caution when driving through the area.

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