Category: keyt-local-news

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The growing Santa Maria auto mall located along Highway 101 is getting another dealership.

Recently, the Santa Maria Planning Commission approved plans for a new home of Hyundai of Santa Maria.

The dealership is currently located on a small lot on West Main Street, but is now planning to move into a brand new 19,200-square-foot dealership building at the northwest corner of East Battles Road and Shepard Drive.

“When we first purchased the facility back in June 2024,” Ryan Renfrow, Hyundai of Santa Maria Managing Partner. “We’ve really outgrown our facility here on Main Street. We’ve really outgrown the facility to be able to handle the sales, the service, and the parts demands for all of our customers. Moving it over to Battles, it’s going to provide an ample amount of space and be a state-of-the art brand new facility. We’re excited to move over there and it’s really going to create an excellent buying experience for our customers.” 

The new site is located adjacent to several other dealerships owned by Renfrow, including Santa Maria Ford, Santa Maria Nissan and Santa Maria Mazda.

It’s also next to the Enos Ranch development, which already includes Santa Maria Toyota and Santa Maria Honda, as well as the future home of Home Motors Chevrolet that is currently under construction right across the street from the Hyundai lot.

When Hyundai moves in, it will become the latest edition to what has essentially become the Santa Maria auto mall, which the city hopes will turn Santa Maria into a regional destination for car buyers.

Already, there are several other car dealerships located within the immediate area, in addition to the Renfrow businesses.

Along South Bradley Road, Home Motors is going up next to Santa Maria Toyota. Santa Maria Honda is also on South Bradley located across the street from Toyota.

Nearby on Betteravia Road and surrounding streets, other dealerships include Kia, Volkswagen, BMW, Buick, GMC, as well as Sky River RV.

“This is the plan to have an auto mall, which brings more people because we have so many choices in one area,” said Suzanne Singh, Santa Maria Valley Chamber Economic Development Vice President. “When you put all the car dealerships together, it really brings synergy, so all car dealerships do better when they’re just bunched together like that.”

With the plans approved, Hyundai is hoping to begin construction within a few months and open for business at the new site within about a year.

Renfrow added when Hyundai moves to its new located, the current site on West Main Street will turn into a used car business.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) –  A proposed change in an ordinance will allow the City of Santa Barbara to buy and use new parking systems.

This will likely mean the driver who is in a downtown lot will go to a machine after parking and not have a ticket that is used at a kiosk by the exit.

The change means the ordinance language will have to be reworded. It currently says that fees must be paid prior to exiting a parking lot to either an attendant or by mail. 

The city report says the change provides for “the ability to have modern payment systems while improving parking operations.”

The City’s Downtown Parking Lots can then use a pay-on-foot system, similar to the system used in the Waterfront parking lots, in the Helena Lot located in the Funk Zone. This is where the driver goes to a posted machine and enters in the number of hours they plan to be parked, then pay with a credit card.

The city says the change will allow for the pilot of pay-on-foot parking in the Helena Parking Lot. The ability to receive payment for parking in this lot is estimated to bring in $75,000 in revenue annually. The success of the pilot payment system demonstrates the potential to implement the self-service payment model in all Downtown Parking surface parking lots to reduce operating costs.

Downtown Plaza and Parking Manager Ed France says, “what is important is the Helena lot which is very small. It is a 29 space lot in the Funk Zone is a space where we can try that  exiting system that has been wired, we can   test the new pay by plate system and we can learn how that can be  useful for other downtown parking   other areas  of the city and departments.”

Santa Barbara’s downtown parking system is old and needs a modern upgrade. Some replacement parts can not be found. Broken exit gates are reused and trimmed up.

The city says the time has also come to have the downtown lots and the waterfront lots on the same system. They are different now.

France says, “we are working together  so we can find the best technology  and again that will be seemless so you won’t have to think about it being a different system whether it’s downtown versus waterfront parking.”

Hearing of the new technology idea,  some drivers are ready.

Jessica O’Connor, ” love that better.”  Holding her parking slip in her hand she said, “this needs to go!”

Anni Keshishian is visiting from Glendale and has seen changes in parking systems. “we are so advanced now with technology  I think it is time to keep up so.  whatever makes it easier for us”

There are times when the kiosks are not staffed and the gates are up. With the new proposed system it will be more efficient for the city to collect the parking fees.

Systems that read your license plates also get a favorable review.

Keshishian said, “I love the fact that when you are driving out of a parking spot it reads you license plate and it just opens and it so much easier seemless to do that.”

Jess Rodriguez said the current system is fast for her timeline. “You just drive out and its less than 75 minutes (the free period) and I can go on with my day.  “

There will also be a phone app in one system and you can add time to your parking without going back to your car.

Some drivers like  the way it is now.

Cheri Chako was firm on having no change with a personal tech component involved. ” I like this system better. It is just more convenient and I am older and I don’t have to think about that stuff.”

With the current system and someone to see you on the way out, Rodriguez said, “I like having the attendants when I drive out and it adds a nice touch to being downtown,”

The parking plan ordinance change  going forward still has to go to the full city council for a discussion.

The Ordinance Committee is made up of three City Councilmembers. Moving the plan to the council was supported by Councilmembers Mike Jordan and somewhat reluctantly by Kristen Sneddon, who had several questions about how the system is operated and its efficiencies. Councilmember Oscar Gutierrez opposed the plan and believes there are already taxes to pay for the parking services. He also said it is a hardship for some members of the community to pay for parking when they come to their downtown.

The committee members also heard, under the current system, some drivers who fail to pay at the kiosk and promise to pay in an envelope in the next three days did not follow through. The city says it has been hard to get that payment and some people are abusing this option.

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Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Santa Barbara Police are searching for two suspects accused of stealing canisters of nitrous oxide from a local smoke shop.

On Monday, a man attempted to purchase the canisters from Illusion Smoke Shop in Santa Barbara but his card was declined. The business says a woman took the canisters some time later in the day – the two left in a car, possibly a Toyota.

Police believe the credit cards were fraudulent.

Anyone with tips or information can contact the Santa Barbara Police Department.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Work to build a new ramp at the entrance to the Santa Barbara Mission is still going to take place, but there has been a short delay while fundraising is completed.

A fence was put up around the steps of the mission in early August to get set for the project.

It has now been taken down until the work officially begins on September 29th.

The finished project will have an ADA accessible ramp to help with mobility issues. It will be on the right side of the entrance that has been designed to match the existing historic look.

There will also be work on the top entrance area and some lower steps. It is expected to take about six months.

The parish has $700,000 towards the $1.1 million dollar project.

There is also a $150,000 dollar matching grant if you would like to make a donation.

The church will remain open during the project, however an entrance side door will be the main way in and out.

To make a donation and assist in the project go to: Old Mission Santa Barbara ADA ramp.

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Tracy Lehr

OXNARD, Calif. (KEYT)-People driving by the Pacific Beverage Company in Oxnard may notice something missing.

The bronze Clydesdale is missing a front and rear leg.

It appears they broke through a fence to get them.

The parent company Jordano’s Foodservice has asked artist Robin Cappon to make another.

The Jordano family commission the statue about 25 years ago as a nod to the company’s Budweiser distribution. The Clydesdale is an iconic symbol a Anheuser-Busch.

Thieves also stole 2 of the 3 bronze horses and the statue of a girl at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura.

Frankie Hernandez who works at the cemetery said it closes at 4 p.m.

“Someone purchased that spot because that horse statue was there so that is something they likes and they loved,” said Hernandez, “You never think someone is going to steal from a cemetery, it is just sad that someone would do that, hopefully we do get it back, if not we are definitely going to replace it with another horse for the families.”

Statutes of children, vandalized along Statham Boulevard, have been removed.

Dolphin statues used to welcome shoppers and diners at the entrance to Shopping at The Rose.

Residents said there are only about three out of ten remaining and it appear their tales have been stolen.

Alejandra Topete of Oxnard said it is hard to believe.

“Honestly, that is preposterous, ” said Topete, “That is really crazy. I would have never thought or imagined that the dolphins would be missing. That is crazy.”

Christopher Palacios, who was dining with friends at Chili’s said he hopes law enforcement will find a way to crack down on the problem.

“If it’s at different locations all across the city, especially at a cemetery, I think that’s pretty messed up, so, I think, there should be more surveillance and more oversight into, like, these types of crimes,” said Palacios, “but it definitely needs to be enforced.

People who see something are urged to say something by contacting their local police.

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Tracy Lehr

OXNARD, Calif. (KEYT) – Work is underway on a Oxnard’s sewer system.

Crews are working around the clock on three sewer lift stations.

Flyers informed residents about the noise and work on the project. Generators are being used to bypass the sewer flow during work by Toro Enterprises.

One of the location is along Harbor Blvd.

The goal is to upgrade sewer management system equipment throughout the city.

The project should be complete in a few weeks.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif (KEYT). – Dos Pueblos High School student-athletes had a busy day collecting honors at the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table luncheon at Harry’s.

With no luncheon last Monday due to Labor Day, there were two weeks of awards handed out.

The two Female Athlete of the Week honors went to the pass-catch combination of quarterback Kacey Hurley and receiver/safety Ruby Streatfeild from DP flag football.

Hurley threw ten touchdown passes two weeks ago in two Chargers victories and threw four more last week in two more victories including a 15-14 thriller over rival San Marcos.

Streatfeild opened up that rivalry game with a 60-yard touchdown catch.

She ended up with 7 receptions and also completed a pass for the game-winning conversion late in the game.

The two Male Athlete of the Week honors went to Dos Pueblos defensive standout Kaarlo Malik-Anderson and Carpinteria High School running back/defensive back Drew Filippini.

Malik-Anderson led defense two weeks ago as the Chargers shutout Royal 19-0.

Last Friday Filippini scored four touchdowns as Carpinteria won their season-opener 52-7 at Santa Clara in Oxnard.

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Tracy Lehr

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – The tragic loss of a young boy on a local beach is raising awareness about coastal rock walls.

It happened before sunset on Sunday over the Labor Day weekend.

A Palmdale family were enjoying the beach at Rincon Point with friends who live in the area.

Around 7 p.m., their son, 5-year-old Maxwell, slipped while climbing the rocks that line the beach with his best friend.

It appears a loose rock above him gave way and fell on top of him causing significant head injuries.

Maxwell died a short time later.

His uncle Daniel Kessler shared a heartfelt message to thank those who responded and those who have already contributed to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Maxwell-Oliver 

The GoFundMe was set up by their family friend Bryan Holloway and will help with memorial and other expenses.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the first responders who desperately, valiantly tried to save little Max’s life, people that gave him aid at the beach to the people who took him to the emergency room, the hospital chaplain there to comfort Mikey and Christine in their hour of need,” said Kessler, “we would just like to ask that everybody; hug their loved ones a little tighter today and tell them you love them.”

Friends would like to see warning signs added near the rocks that line Rincon Point.

The same rock formations line the beach at La Conchita too.

A La Conchita resident recall seeing first responder vehicles, with flashing lights, heading north that night past Carpinteria.

They took him to Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara.

Maxwell is being remembered as an “energetic spirit with a huge heart” who loved exploring California beaches with his family.

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News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from Solvang Theater regarding their diverse lineup kicking off this Wednesday.

SOLVANG, Calif. – As the curtains close on another stellar summer of live theatre during Pacific Conservatory Theatre’s residency, Solvang Festival Theater is excited to share that live entertainment in the iconic venue continues well beyond summer. A diverse lineup kicking off this Wednesday offers something for every taste and age group.

“There are many within the community that think Solvang Festival Theater is only open during the summer months when PCPA brings their incredible live shows to the open-air theater,” says Chantel Green, Executive Director of Solvang Theaterfest, the nonprofit that operates Solvang Festival Theater. “Our theater hosts a variety of programming nine months out of the year! From headlining acts in the spring and fall, to our popular Music in the Garden each summer; we are thrilled to present an incredible variety of live entertainment for locals and visitors to enjoy.”

The upcoming entertainment schedule includes:

Mat Kearney – Wednesday, September 10Tickets: $80-$125Over his career, Kearney has released seven studio LPs, claimed the #1 spot on iTunes, topped multiple Billboard charts, made four entries into the Hot 100, and amassed over 2.5 BILLION global streams. He is bringing his Headlights Home Tour to Solvang, with special guest Steinza.

Comedy Night featuring Frazer Smith and Orny Adams – Saturday, September 13Tickets: All Seats $59Orny Adams delivers a powerful, incisive standup routine that vacillates between the relevant and the absurd. He’s brutally honest, satirical and his performance is ceaselessly energetic. Orny will be joined by seasoned comedian and radio personality Frazer Smith in this special evening presented in partnership with Solvang Rotary.

Nashville Nights, Benefitting Friendship House – Saturday, September 27Tickets: Limited Avalibility, visit nashvillienights.org for detailsThis beloved benefit for Friendship House sells out every year! The 2025 lineup features award winning Nashville songwriters including Marv Green, Carson Wallace, Steve Moakler, Leslie Satcher, Rivers Rutherford, and Caiden Wallace.

The Robert Cray Band – Saturday, November 1Tickets: $65–$95. A limited Autographed Merchandise Package is also available for $78.Blues icon. Soul man. Rock and roller. Grammy-winner Robert Cray has spent five decades carving out a distinctive space in American music with his soulful voice, searing guitar work, and unmatched integrity. This legendary performer and his band are making Solvang one of their first stops as they kick off a nationwide tour.

Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience – Saturday, November 8Tickets: Adults – $25; Children 12 and Under – $15Famed trainer Chris Perondi and his cast of rescue dogs entertain audiences of all ages with highenergy excitement from beginning to end. During the Stunt Dog Experience, you will witness some of the most incredible stunts and behaviors ever performed by dogs. With amazing tricks, big-air stunts, comedy antics, dancing dogs, and athletic feats, it is the most entertaining show of its kind!

One Night of Queen – Friday, November 14Tickets: $75-$90Gary Mullen & The Works will have you dancing in your seat during their 2-hour show, while the band pays tribute to the stage theatrics, showmanship, and music of Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductees: Queen. If you are ready to rock ‘n’ roll, don’t miss your chance to celebrate One Night Of Queen! Tickets for these exciting shows can be purchased online at solvangtheaterfest.org; in person at the Solvang Theaterfest Box Office located at 433 Second Street, Solvang (across the street from the theater); and by phone at (805) 686-1789 x 0. All tickets are subject to a $5.00 facility fee to assist with necessary repairs and maintenance of the theater facility and grounds.

For theater enthusiasts eager for Broadway shows to return, Solvang Festival Theater offers the exclusive Star Patron program! This unique opportunity includes VIP tickets to each of PCPA’s 2026 summer shows on an exclusive Star Patron evening, a pre-performance catered reception with hosted bar, an intermission reception with dessert and coffee in the Patron Garden, discounts to select Solvang Festival Theater shows throughout the year, and a tax-deductible donation that benefits our theater directly!

The Star Patron Program allows supporters of Solvang Festival Theater to secure their seats for PCPA’s next season early, while supporting the ongoing care and maintenance of our beautiful venue. Details about the Star Patron program and the 2026 performances can be found at https://solvangtheaterfest.org/star-patron.

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News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the City of Paso Robles regarding the need for food vendors for their upcoming New Year’s Eve celebration

PASO ROBLES, Calif. – The City of Paso Robles is again gearing up for another free New Year’s Eve celebration in the downtown City Park! This year, the City is looking to feature six local food trucks as part of the event. The festivities will take place from 7:00 to 11:00 PM and are expected to draw over 6,000 attendees.

The City is seeking food truck vendors with unique menus and festive décor to complement the event, while avoiding direct competition with nearby downtown restaurants.

The New Year’s Eve celebration will include a bonfire, live music, food trucks, and adult beverages. A special display at 9:00 PM will allow participants to celebrate New Year’s on East Coast time, so families can enjoy the occasion and still be home before midnight. The event is open to all ages, and admission is free.

Interested food truck vendors can apply online athttps://www.prcity.com/FormCenter/Events-27/Mobile-Food-Vendor-Application-105

Please contact Marci Reynoso at mreynoso@prcity.com for more information regarding food truck vendors at the event.

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