Category: keyt-local-news

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) –  For about seven months, passengers could not fly in the United States without a Real ID or a passport.  That’s now changing and many Central Coast passengers are on the move again.

Under an adjusted rule, passengers who do not have that type of identification can get through TSA by filling out a form and paying $45.

It’s advised you do it in advance through a service called ConfirmID.

Lisa Hoeft was arriving to fly out of the Santa Barbara Airport and said, “if you are a frequent flyer I guess I would rather have a Real ID than to pay the $45 each time but if you have a Passport  you can use that for free so I guess it doesn’t matter.”

Craig Smith a Santa Barbara law instructor said he thought it was a good idea and and a good back up. “Just more convenient.   If anything happens. I have been flying with my passport but you know, one thing can get stolen it’s always good to have a belt and suspenders.”

He says the policy change will likely be an immediate and future benefit. “If encourages people to go ahead get a Real ID   and even if they don’t,  they can go on line and  do it in advance of the trip and it is good for ten days.”

The policy change now gives passengers more than two ways to get on board and that was given a positive review.

NIck Brown came in to the Santa Barbara Airport from New Jersey and said it was a good decision. “If you forget it, it helps you out , but if you got  a passport why not just bring your passport ? ” He also said he felt safe with the screening of all passengers.

Heading up to TSA, Cheryl New said, “I think the process is as secure as it can be and I think there are so many other things  to worry about in the world that  now  flying is down here (putting her had down low) that’s my personal thought yes. “

Shahin Nabidavoodi said he felt flying was ” an assumed risk everytime you go. I don’t mind it.  It is not going to prevent me from going where I want to go.  I think all in all we are in good hands. “

This comes at a time when Central Coast airports are getting busier than ever. The Santa Barbara Airport saw nearly 1.5 million passengers in 2025.

The San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport also had improved business with just over 800,000 passengers, a new record.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Vacant storefronts in downtown Santa Barbara are going to look a little more beautiful, until new tenants come in.

The new plan is already adding a fresh look in many areas.It’s a collaboration between the Santa Barbara Downtown Business Improvement District, the Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative and the Department of Arts and Culture.The art will disguise empty locations that can have a negative look to the historic image in the downtown area.

Santa Barbara Downtown Improvement District Executive Director Robin Elander said, “This is really an opportunity for us to show the sense of pride visibly our organization has for downtown but the sense of pride our community already has for downtown but to showcase that in an artistic way.”

Already one of the businesses on State Street near Haley Street is covered up with a floral design along with one on State St. at Victoria where Starbucks closed.Several more are going up in the next week.The work was created by local artists who submitted their designs and are named on the images.The winners were given a $250 dollar honorarium.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The newest theatres on the south coast will open this week, just in time for the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF).

The five-screen McHurley Film Center has been going through a renovation project for several months, in time to be ready for thousands of film lovers coming in for the festival.Finishing touches took place this weekend, mainly to the entrance way, following extensive work to each theatre.

That included new seats, sound systems, screens, sound proofing carpeting.

There are also new bathrooms. The lobby entrance has an ADA approved entrance for the mobility challenged.The theatres are not in a new building. They are located downtown on the 900 block of State Street near Canon Perdido street as part of a city parking garage structure. Formerly the site was the Fiesta Five theatre.The first movies will be showing on all screens with a state-of-the-art projection and audio.

SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling said it is an impressive turnaround. “Absolutely. I have been seeing all the progress and I am ‘wowed’ every time I walk in. I think it will exceed people’s expectations. It is a beautiful, beautiful place. “

The McHurley Film Center project will cost $21-million dollars, and the final fundraising is still underway from community donors.900 seats will be available for the festival at the film center, along with the 300 seats up at the Riviera theatre.The tributes will bring in honored stars including Adam Sandler, Kate Hudson and Leonardo DiCaprio plus many of the newest actors in Hollywood. They will be in the 2000-seat Arlington Theatre, as usual.

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Caleb Nguyen

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Santa Maria Police arrested a 17-year-old for firearm violations just past midnight Sunday.

The teenager revealed a loaded gun when he lifted his shirt after officers arrived at reports of an armed man at the 400 block of East Mill Street, according to the SMPD.

SMPD officers found the teen in the backyard with the gun and arrested him for firearm violations before taking him to Santa Barbara County Juvenile Hall in Santa Maria.

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Mike Klan

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KEYT) – Hamad Mousa scored 26 points as Cal Poly beat UC Riverside 94-87 on Saturday night.

Mousa had six rebounds and three steals for the Mustangs (9-14, 5-6 Big West Conference). Peter Bandelj scored 17 points and added five rebounds and six assists. Austin Goode finished with 16 points.

Cal Poly also won at Bakersfield earlier in the week.

Andrew Henderson led the Highlanders (8-15, 3-8) with 39 points and two blocks.

(Article courtesy of Associated Press).

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Mike Klan

FULLERTON, Calif. (KEYT) – Cristina Jones saved her best for last once again to beat the Gauchos.

Cristina Jones scored in the lane just before time ran out to lift Cal State Fullerton to a 62-60 home win over UCSB.

On New Year’s Day Jones scored a putback buzzer-beater to give the Titans a 61-60 win over the Gauchos.

UCSB also lost in the final seconds earlier this week on a late driving layup to UC San Diego.

The Gauchos are now 7-4 in the Big West and 15-5 overall.

Olivia Bradley scored 25 points and Zoe Borter added 19 points in their latest heartbreaking loss to Fullerton.

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Mike Klan

UC SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Gauchos got their revenge on Cal State Fullerton as they extend their season-high winning streak to six games in a 83-69 home victory.

UCSB never trailed and led by as many as 27 points to improve to 8-3 in the Big West Conference. The Gauchos are tied for second place with Hawai’i, a half game back of leader UC Irvine.

The Gauchos lost a one-sided game on New Year’s Day at Fullerton.

“This was a big week for us; it wasn’t easy going down to UC San Diego and traveling back to play a team that put up 95 on us last time we played,” said head coach Joe Pasternack. “Fullerton is a good team, and in the first half, we played excellent defense.”

UCSB scored 25 points off of 15 Fullerton turnovers to improve to 15-7 on the season.

(Miro Little had a terrific all-around game for UCSB with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Entenza Deisgn).

Freshman CJ Shaw led a balanced scoring attack with 17 points.

The Gauchos outrebounded the Titans 40-26 with Zion Sensley leading the way with 10 boards to go along with 9 points.

UCSB also had 21 assists to just 7 by the Titans.

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Caleb Nguyen

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – A 39-year-old man died in a car crash on Highway 101 north of Ventura Road, according to the Ventura CHP.

The crash involved two other people: a 62-year-old Santa Maria woman in a 2023 Ford and a 37-year-old El Monte woman in a 2025 Mercedes, according to the CHP.

The 39-year-old drove the wrong way in his 2012 Volkswagen before he crashed into both the Ford and Mercedes, according to the CHP.

The man died from major injuries suffered in the crash, the 62-year-old had minor injuries, and the 37-year old was not injured, according to the CHP.

It’s unknown why the man drove the wrong way or if alcohol or drugs played factors in the crash, according to the CHP.

The crash shut down the highway on its southbound lanes until 8:30 a.m., though the cause of the crash remains under investigation, according to the CHP.

Those with more information on the crash are asked to contact the Ventura CHP.

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Caleb Nguyen

CAMARILLO, Calif. (KEYT) – Camarillo Police are investigating a homicide on Walker Ave. that happened Saturday just before noon, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

First responders noticed a 48-year-old Camarillo man suffering from gunshot wounds before they took life-saving measures, according to the VCSO.

The Camarillo man died from his injuries at the scene, and police found the suspect’s car before starting a vehicle pursuit, according to the VCSO.

Police chased the suspect’s car southbound on Highway 101 before losing track of him due to speeds over 100 miles per hour, according to the VCSO.

Los Angeles Police helped in the car chase and found the suspect’s car on the 405 freeway before the vehicle yielded, according to the VCSO.

Police later found that the suspect had taken his own life after he yielded, according to the VCSO.

If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact the national crisis lifeline at 988.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) –

Santa Barbara 84, Ventura 57: Levi Oakes scored 16 of his game-high 18 points in the first half as the Dons clinched at least a share of the Channel League title. They can win it outright with a win on Monday night at home against Rio Mesa.

(Owen Horn added 14 points for the Dons who improved to 12-1 in league. Entenza Design).

San Marcos 63, Buena 42: Aidan Conlan scored a game-high 24 points as the Royals win their 8th straight game. San Marcos hosts Pacifica on Monday on Senior Night.

Pacifica 52, Dos Pueblos 40: Tommy Williams made 5 three-pointers as he led all scorers with 24 points in the Tritons road win.

Oxnard 57, Rio Mesa 37: Enrique Cuada had a huge double-double for the Yellowjackets scoring 21 points and grabbing 16 rebounds.

Bishop Diego 66, Foothill Tech 55: Crew Sjovold scored 24 points as the Cardinals completed a perfect 8-0 Tri-Valley League season. The Cardinals improve to 20-3 overall.

Santa Ynez 66, Righetti 46: Mason Skidmore poured in a game-high 22 points for the Pirates.

Camarillo 54, Simi Valley 50

Oaks Christian 64, Newbury Park 28

Oak Park 61, Moorpark 49

Santa Clara 63, Grace 41

Westlake 67, Agoura 46

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