Category: keyt-local-news

Andie Lopez Bornet

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, a time to recognize a disease that causes red blood cells to become misshapen and rigid.

The LucStrong Foundation, a nonprofit based in Ventura County, helps children living with sickle cell disease. JD Slajchert, Director of Relationship Development for the foundation, joined the Morning News to share what this month means to him and to highlight upcoming events.

“Sickle Cell Awareness Month is September, so a big part of what I’m doing this entire month is talking about this illness and my connection to it,” Slajchert said. “My good friend Luke tragically passed away from sickle cell disease and I ended up writing my first book about him, called Moonflower. That propelled and gave me the platform to speak about this illness a lot and give a voice to Luke and all the things he stood for in my life.”

Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition that predominantly affects the African American community. “I myself too, when I met Luke, I’d never heard of it, which is fairly common,” Slajchert said. “It’s a genetic illness people are born with and the only known cure is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.”

The foundation provides financial support for children undergoing those transplants. “That’s why every single dollar we raise is really necessary, huge and important,” Slajchert said.

On Sept. 13, the foundation will host its annual poker tournament and gala fundraiser. “Anyone is welcome,” Slajchert said. “You can sign up on LukeStrong.org. I’ll be there speaking, along with a UCLA physician who will also share updates.”

Looking ahead, Slajchert said he will deliver a TEDx talk in November in Greenville, South Carolina, and early conversations are underway about producing a documentary.

“It’s year nine now of us at the foundation, and we’re excited to bring a really strong event together,” he said. “I’ve been such a strong ally and advocate because it doesn’t affect people that look like me necessarily, so trying to educate and bring people who don’t know anything about it along for this education is very important.”

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Jarrod Zinn

ARROYO GRANDE, Calif. (KEYT) – The future of a well-known bakery and sweet shop in Arroyo Grande is up in the air.

Founded almost 70 years ago, the Arroyo Grande Bakery has been a Central Coast staple for weddings, birthdays, holidays, and much more.

Custom-made cakes are a bragging right for the confectionary creators Marc and Chris Lossing, from well-known franchises to personal designs.

The bakery is up for sale, and the Lossings welcome creative flare from any new owner, but they also want them to carry on some long-time traditions.

“If anybody’s interested to carry it on, that would be nice. I would hate to see it just disappear,” says current co-owner Clara “Chris” Lossing. “Somebody that’s very creative and has their own ideas or follow mine, which I really like. We have an excellent buttercream recipe that you would have to stick with because it’s very popular.”

While the future of the bakery is in question, everyone’s hope is that someone will take over to carry on the legacy and keep the bakery running.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – For San Marcos it was the longest yard.

On the game’s final play sophomore quarterback Victoria Aldana was stopped just short of the goal-line and Dos Pueblos celebrated a thrilling 15-14 Channel League win.

With 9.9 seconds left, the Royals had the ball inside DP’s 15-yard-line with no timeouts.

Aldana scrambled and made a dash for the end zone but Chargers sophomore Kindah Ahmad-Reda pulled the flag just before Aldana stretched the ball out over the goal line.

(It’s a game of inches as Aldana is stopped just short of end zone on the final play. Entenza Design).

Initially the clock stopped at .9 seconds but that was an error and after a brief discussion the game was over and Dos Pueblos celebrated the showdown victory to move to 3-0 in league while the Royals slip to 2-1.

San Marcos took a 14-8 lead midway through the fourth quarter on a wild play as Aldana’s pass went off of receiver Peyton Sperling and fellow senior Rio Chesluk made a juggling catch in the end zone. The Royals failed on the point after attempt.

DP drove down the field late and quarterback Kacey Hurley threw a 15-yard touchdown strike just over a defender’s head and Brooklyn Hedricks made a nice catch to tie the game at 14. The visiting Chargers converted the point after to take the lead as Ruby Streatfeild lofted a left-handed pass to Ahmad-Reda with 1:20 remaining.

The game was a defensive battle all the way with just one big play in the first half.

Hurley completed a short pass to Ruby Streatfeild and after two Royals could not pull her flags, she raced down the field for a 59-yard touchdown in the opening minute of the game. DP got the two-point conversion and led 8-0 which was the score at halftime.

The Royals got their offense going in the third quarter. Aldana completed a pass over the middle that Chesluk tipped to herself for an acrobatic catch. Sperling scored on a short touchdown run and the Royals converted the two-point conversion to tie it at 8 to set up the dramatic fourth quarter.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT). –

Boys Water Polo: Santa Barbara Invite

Yucaipa 12, San Marcos 8

Dos Pueblos 13, Carlsbad 9 (Ben Fuhrer & Lucas Neushul each with 4 goals)

Girls Volleyball:

San Marcos 3, Dos Pueblos 0 (25-11, 25-9, 25-7)

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Caleb Nguyen

ARROYO GRANDE, Calif. – Arroyo Grande Police arrested a 33-year-old Arroyo Grande man on a felony charge for sexual penetration with a foreign object just before 4:00 p.m. on Sept. 4.

The 33-year-old was taken into custody at his business, SLO Massage Therapy, after a thorough investigation into a sexual assault allegation, according to the AGPD.

AGPD officers also served a search warrant at the Arroyo Grande man’s business for evidence related to the investigation.

The 33-year-old was booked into the SLO County Jail for the felony charge and his bail is set at $100,000, according to the AGPD.

The Arroyo Grande man has served as a massage therapist for the past 14 years in the Five Cities area and the AGPD believes there could be more victims.

Those with more information or potential victims are encouraged to call the AGPD Investigations Bureau.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – A new pedestrian signal has been installed in Santa Barbara on Las Positas Road at Stanley Drive where the area has earned a dangerous reputation over the years.

Speeding drivers, crashes and many stories of near misses are known in the area.

The new full-sized light system is much more than just a blinking alert light you might see elsewhere.

It has a combination of several yellow and red lights. Sometimes they will be flashing and sometimes they will be solid lights.

Drivers will need to pay attention to either prepare to stop or come to a full stop depending on the lights. The area has also been restriped to slow the traffic pace down.

This is located between Adams school and State Street, across from the Municipal golf course.

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Caleb Nguyen

BUELLTON, Calif. – A driver died after a solo car crash on August 29 near Buellton, according to an investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

CHP officers responded to a single-car crash on Santa Rosa Road on August 29 and received assistance from the Santa Barbara Fire Department and the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office.

The driver travelled west, left on the south road edge and crashed into a tree east of milepost marker 10 in a Nissan Quest, according to the CHP.

The driver had fatal injuries from the crash as the only person in the car and their identity is being referred to the Santa Barbara County Coroner’s Office until all proper notifications are made, according to the CHP.

It is unknown if drugs or alcohol played a factor in the crash though the investigation remains ongoing, according to the CHP.

Those with any additional information on the incident should contact the Buellton CHP.

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Beth Farnsworth

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – If you love interesting tidbits, there’s a new book to add to your list: a go-to guide on architectural gems throughout Santa Barbara.

The American Riviera is known for its red roofs and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture but many people may not realize that there are 34 other distinct designs across the city; that includes a log cabin. There’s only one and it was built back in 1889.

The private residence on De La Vina Street is a point of interest among a treasure trove of information you’ll find in Robert Ooley’s newly published book, “A guide to Santa Barbara Architecture and Points of Interest.”

Robert Ooley, FAIA

“There are hiking guides, guides to the historic district and there are guides to places to eat but there’s no architecture and points of interest guide for the entire city,” said Robert Ooley, FAIA. “This covers every single neighborhood from one end to the next.”

Ooley served as County Architect for Santa Barbara and holds the prestigious title as Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.

The Red Piano hosted the launch of Ooley’s new book Thursday evening.

You’ll find “A guide to Santa Barbara Architecture and Points of Interest” on shelves at the The Book Den, Chaucers and Tecolote Book Shop.

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News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the City of Santa Barbara regarding its new Human Resources Director, Michael Arnoldus

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The City of Santa Barbara is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Arnoldus as its new Human Resources Director. Arnoldus brings more than two decades of public sector HR leadership to the role and will officially begin his tenure on September 22, 2025.

Arnoldus most recently served as Human Resources Manager for the City of Santa Monica, where he led strategic initiatives in recruitment, organizational design, and employee benefits. Prior to that, he spent 12 years as Director of Employment Services for the Ventura County Community College District, overseeing comprehensive HR operations and workforce programs. He has also held previous human resources roles with the Los Angeles Unified School District and the City of Los Angeles.

“Michael’s deep experience in public sector human resources, combined with his collaborative leadership style, makes him an excellent fit for Santa Barbara,” said City Administrator Kelly McAdoo. “We’re excited to welcome him to our executive team and his strategic mindset and commitment to service excellence will help us continue to grow as an employer of choice.”

Arnoldus holds a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology from California State University, Long Beach, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University, Fullerton. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Cooperative Organization for the Development of Employee Selection Procedures from 2008 to 2020, including terms as President and Vice President.

“It is an honor to serve as Human Resources Director for the City of Santa Barbara, and I look forward to collaborating with City leadership, employees, and labor partners to continue building a strong and resilient workforce that serves our community with excellence,” said Arnoldus.

As Human Resources Director, Arnoldus will oversee the City’s HR programs, including recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, employee and labor relations, training and development, and benefits administration. He will also serve as a key member of the City’s executive management team, helping to align workforce strategy with organizational goals.

For more information about the City of Santa Barbara Human Resources Department and employment opportunities, visit Human Resources (SantaBarbaraCA.gov/HR).

Traducción al Español:

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – La Ciudad de Santa Bárbara se complace en anunciar el nombramiento de Michael Arnoldus como su nuevo director de Recursos Humanos (Human Resources Director). Arnoldus aporta más de dos décadas de experiencia en liderazgo de recursos humanos en el sector público y asumirá oficialmente sus funciones el 22 de septiembre de 2025.

Más recientemente, Arnoldus se desempeñó como gerente de Recursos Humanos de la Ciudad de Santa Mónica, donde lideró iniciativas estratégicas en reclutamiento, diseño organizacional y beneficios para empleados. Antes de ello, trabajó durante 12 años como director de Servicios de Empleo del Distrito de Colegios Comunitarios del Condado de Ventura, supervisando operaciones integrales de recursos humanos y programas de desarrollo laboral. También ocupó cargos previos en recursos humanos en el Distrito Escolar Unificado de Los Ángeles y en la Ciudad de Los Ángeles.

“La amplia experiencia de Michael en recursos humanos del sector público, junto con su estilo de liderazgo colaborativo, lo convierten en una excelente incorporación para Santa Bárbara”, expresó Kelly McAdoo, administradora municipal (City Administrator). “Estamos muy entusiasmados de darle la bienvenida a nuestro equipo ejecutivo; su visión estratégica y compromiso con la excelencia en el servicio nos permitirán seguir creciendo como un empleador preferido.”

Arnoldus cuenta con una maestría en psicología industrial y organizacional de la Universidad Estatal de California en Long Beach, así como una licenciatura en psicología de la Universidad Estatal de California en Fullerton. Además, formó parte de la Junta Directiva de la Organización Cooperativa para el Desarrollo de Procedimientos de Selección de Empleados de 2008 a 2020, donde ejerció como presidente y vicepresidente.

“Es un honor desempeñarme como director de Recursos Humanos de la Ciudad de Santa Bárbara, y espero con entusiasmo colaborar con el liderazgo municipal, el personal y los socios sindicales para seguir fortaleciendo una fuerza laboral sólida y resiliente que sirva a nuestra comunidad con excelencia”, señaló Arnoldus.

Como director de Recursos Humanos, Arnoldus supervisará los programas de recursos humanos de la Ciudad, incluyendo reclutamiento y selección, clasificación y compensación, relaciones laborales y con los empleados, capacitación y desarrollo, así como la administración de beneficios. También formará parte esencial del equipo ejecutivo de la Ciudad, contribuyendo a alinear la estrategia laboral con los objetivos organizacionales.

Para más información sobre el Departamento de Recursos Humanos de la Ciudad de Santa Bárbara y oportunidades de empleo, visite Recursos Humanos (SantaBarbaraCA.gov/HR).

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Below is a press release from California State Parks Foundation urging California residents to be on the look out for Monarch Butterflies

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – As California Biodiversity Day approaches, California State Parks Foundation is asking the public to help observe and report sightings of western monarch butterflies. California Biodiversity Day is celebrated from September 6th to 14th. The data from these observations will help scientists understand where these butterflies are at different times of the year and will also help inform the upcoming 29th annual Western Monarch Count.  

Millions of western monarchs used to return to coastal California every year, but the population has plummeted in recent decades. Numerous factors have contributed to this decline, including climate change, habitat loss, pesticides, and disease. The 28th annual Western Monarch Count found a peak population of 9,119 monarchs, the second-lowest overwintering population ever recorded since tracking began in 1997. A Species Status Assessment predicts a greater than 95% chance of extinction for western monarchs by 2080.

“The western monarch butterfly is an iconic species for our state,” said Randy Widera, Director of Programs for California State Parks Foundation. “Californians have a key role to play in the preservation of this species, from helping scientists track where the butterflies are located to advocating for the protection of their habitat. We’re encouraging Californians to get involved by taking a few easy steps to report monarch butterfly sightings.”

As California Biodiversity Day is celebrated from September 6th to September 14th, Californians who want to participate in the process of observing and reporting monarch butterfly sightings can do so with the following steps:

Download the free iNaturalist app and start an account. 

Snap a photo of a monarch butterfly or caterpillar. 

Upload an observation to iNaturalist. 

California’s state parks provide critical habitat for western monarch butterflies. Last year, California State Parks Foundation released an analysis of 26 years of data on the western monarch butterfly population, showing that a significant number of those counted are found in California state parks. In 2024-2025, Lighthouse Field State Beach, Natural Bridges State Beach, and Pismo State Beach were among the top overwintering sites for western monarchs. 

Overwintering is a vital phase in a western monarch butterfly’s life cycle, offering rest and energy conservation before spring mating and northward migration. Overwintering groves provide the specific microclimate the western monarchs need to survive, including protection from the wind and cold, dappled sunlight, and ample nectar sources. Overwintering groves are located in many of California’s state parks, including Natural Bridges State Beach, Lighthouse Field State Beach, New Brighton State Beach, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Andrew Molera State Park, Morro Bay State Park, Montaña de Oro State Park, Pismo State Beach, Gaviota State Park, Point Mugu State Park, Leo Carrillo State Park, Doheny State Beach, San Clemente State Park, and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

California State Parks Foundation has helped lead the development of overwintering grove management plans at several state parks. The organization has also funded restoration projects and helped organize volunteer events where participants support the monarch butterfly population through activities like planting native nectar plants. It is also advocating for western monarch butterflies to be listed as a threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Californians interested in supporting this effort can sign a petition at http://www.calparks.org/monarchthreat. 

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