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News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness regarding National Recovery Month

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. –  Every September the Department of Behavioral Wellness celebrates National Recovery Month, aimed to increase awareness and understanding of mental health and substance use disorders and to celebrate people who are in recovery. This year’s theme is “Recovery is for everyone: every person, every family, every community.” Together, we can make a difference in the lives of people in or seeking recovery from mental and substance use disorders.

Behavioral Wellness collaborates with partner agencies and community-based organizations throughout the county, to assure everyone has an opportunity to achieve and sustain long-term recovery and strive to reach their full potential.  It is together that differences are made in the lives of many in our community.

In honor of National Recovery Month, Good Samaritan Shelter is celebrating Recovery Day 2025 with events throughout the county, all open to the community.  These events are a powerful opportunity to come together and celebrate individuals and families in recovery, while showcasing the incredible resources and support systems available throughout our communities.  In addition, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors will be honoring Recovery Month with a resolution. The community is invited to join the following:

September 9 – Recovery Month Resolution at the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, Hearing Room. View online here.

September 10 – Recovery Day – Lompoc (Ryan Park, 800 W Ocean), 4-6 PM

September 17 – Recovery Day – Santa Maria (Good Samaritan Shelter Campus, 401 W Morrison), 4-6 PM

September 24 – Recovery Day – Santa Barbara (Carousel House, 223 E Cabrillo), 4-6 PM

To learn more about Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness and for detailed information on Recovery Month events visit the Behavioral Wellness website.  The Behavioral Wellness 24/7 Access Line can be reached at (888) 868-1649. 

To learn more about Recovery from Mental Health and Substance abuse, including resources, legislation, and statistics, visit https://www.samhsa.gov

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Six months after plans were first announced, the Lyons House is now moving forward in Santa Barbara, providing the county’s first transitional housing program for youth aging out of foster care.

With more than 400 children currently in the foster system, organizers say the need for housing and support remains urgent.

The Channel Islands YMCA is stepping in to meet that demand, offering not only a safe place to live but also mentorship, life skills training, and access to community resources.

The YMCA team has already welcomed several young adults into the home, with more residents expected to move in over the coming months.

Leaders hope the Lyons House will serve as a bridge from foster care to independence, giving participants stability and the tools they need to succeed.

For many foster youth, the Lyons House represents not just a roof over their heads, but a chance at building brighter futures.

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Alissa Orozco

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. – Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB) to scheduled to launch a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket into low-Earth orbit this evening, sometime between 7:33pm – 11:33pm.

On September 2nd, the rocket carrying 24 Starlink satellites will launch from Space Launch Complex 4 East. The launch supports the Department of Defense communications through low-Earth orbit technology, according to VSFB.

After stage separation, the initial stage will land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship in the Pacific Ocean.

VSFB says those local to the area will hear the initial rumble of takeoff.

You can watch a live stream of the mission here, or X @SpaceX

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – With the heart of the summer season now over, front line workers in the hospitality industry competed to demonstrate their work skills. The after-Labor Day event is called ‘The Battle of the Brands.”

They competed at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort in the rotunda area. 

The teams were mostly from hotels and resorts. Visit Santa Barbara had their own team.Teams entered the competition area with high energy and some included a dance routine.

The event started in 2018 after the mudflow disaster and a slow down in the industry. The purpose is to boost employee morale and showcase their talents.

That includes bed making, drink carrying through an obstacle course, and cake decorating..

Warren Nocon is the Hotel Californian Managing Director. He was the event host. “It has been a great summer for us, all things considered, and this is our way to give back to them and celebrate with them and have some fun with it in the meantime.”

The first event was to build a small book case  where some leftover books from their properties will be donated.

Tools and teamwork came together but sometimes what looks simple can be complicated if you haven’t done this task before. Last year, the teams built bikes that were donated to local kids.

Carrying a tray of plastic water flutes through an obstacle course in side by side competition took a level hand, swift feet and a pace that kept all the water in each one from spilling.

The winning team had experience. Jesus Castillo with the Kimpton Canary said, “I can carry 30 at the same time without dropping anything.”

In addition to some of the traditional hospitality  duties the employees are showed off some of their other skills including golfing on a small putting green with multiple holes.

Making a perfect bed and preparing a room is one of the most valuable front line jobs at a hotel or resort.  The winner was the Ojai Valley Inn and employee Josefina Olvera said, “I have represented Ojai Valley Inn for 22 years  working. I’m happy.”

Lupe Romero is a housekeeping manager there and said, “it is difficult but as long as you do it with love and patience you will love it.”

Nocon said the employees he saw had enthusiasm and commitment. “They all have the best heart.” 

He says the industry remains strong. “It is the number two top generating industry in town but it is also one of the largest employment industries.  We are all a little short handed.  We lost a lot of people through COVID, people have moved on but it is still one of the largest industries.”

The cake decorators had designs including an ocean theme and one that resembled a whimsicle building from popular local architect Jeff Shelton.

Judges included Santa Barbara City Councilmembers Oscar Gutierrez, Kristen Snedden and Wendy Santamaria along with Police Chief Kelly Gordon.

The 2025 First Place winners:

Bookcase Building – Ojai Valley Inn

The server obstacle race  – Rosewood Miramar

Bed making – Ojai Valley Inn

Cake Wars – Visit Santa Barbara

Golf – Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Hotel

Blind Taste Test – Visit Santa Barbara

Race to the Room – Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Hotel

Talent Show- Inn at Mattie’s Tavern

Spirit Award- Ojai Valley Inn

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The sixth anniversary of the deadly Conception dive boat fire is on Sept. 2.

On Labor Day, people visited the memorial at the end of the Santa Barbara breakwater to pay their respects.

The dive boat caught fire off Santa Cruz Island before daybreak on Labor Day in 2019.

All 33 passengers and one crew member, who were sleeping below deck, died.

Mick Kronman, who served as Harbor Master at the time, took a seat by the memorial and reflected on the tragedy.

“I was Harbor Master at the time it happened, and I wanted to take the time today—as I do every year—to come here and pay my respects to the people who lost their lives in this unmitigated tragedy,” said Kronman.

He said the disaster prompted a renewed focus on maritime safety improvements. Federal regulators have since adopted new rules requiring enhanced fire detection systems, safer escape routes, and stricter inspections for small passenger vessels.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the fire spread undetected because of the lack of a required night watch. A later report by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives pointed to a plastic trash can on the main deck as the likely origin of the fire, though the exact cause remains undetermined.

Conception Captain Jerry Boylan was convicted of seaman’s manslaughter in 2023 and sentenced to four years in prison. He remains free on bail while his appeal is pending.

Families of victims have also filed wrongful death lawsuits against Truth Aquatics, the company that owned the vessel, as well as the federal government, citing failures to enforce safety rules. Those civil cases remain ongoing.

Trader Joe’s donated flowers for the memorial over the Labor Day weekend, and volunteers are tending to them.

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Tracy Lehr

VENTURA, Calif. – Hundreds of people turned out for a Labor Day rally near the Ventura County Government Center.

They stood on every corner and encouraged drivers to honk their horns as they passed by.

Some of the rally participants couldn’t take the heat on the sidewalk and rallied in the shade.

One participant wore an orange jump-suit and painted his face to match.

Others showed off homemade signs.

California Assembly Member Steve Bennett told the crowd he was inspired by the signs as he spoke to the crowd about Labor Day.

“This is the most important Labor Day in my 70 years of living, 74 years of living I might add, this is really an important time because today we are at a tipping point,” said Bennett. “In democracy we may not be able to get control of any of the 3 branches of the federal government if we let Trump and the oligarchs and the billionaires buy and change the rules of the game of democracy that we play by.”

The Democrat from Ventura, who represents the 38th District, urged people to vote in favor of Proposition 50 on Nov. 4.

If passed by a simple majority of voters, it will allow California to create a new Congressional District map that could help Democrats win more seats at a time when Texas is doing the same in hopes of adding five more Republicans to the House of Representatives.

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Some people headed to Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden to check out the improvements on Labor Day.

Kim Holmquist has watched the progress while taking her daily walks.

“It is more beautiful now, and it is just fun to go out. All the little paths are tidy, and it’s nice to watch the ducks playing with each other. Some are batting each other and then swimming off together. It is really fun,” said Holmquist.

Volunteers have always tended to the park, and thanks to a $260,000 Community Development Block Grant, it is now more accessible.

People who use wheelchairs will have an easier time on paths that used to be uneven.

The area also has new railings and more places to sit.

The parkland was donated and is named after the daughter of Superior Oil Company founder William Myron Keck.

Alice Bertha Keck Park made the donation anonymously and remained unknown for a couple of years until a dedication followed her death in 1977.

The Fahnestocks recently moved to Santa Barbara and love visiting the garden.

“We noticed it was closed for a while, so I wasn’t sure what was going on. But we’re happy to see it open, and it’s just beautiful here. It reminds me of a European park—it’s just really tranquil,” said Susan Fahnestock.

“It’s nice to come here in the morning and see people walking their dogs. It’s just a really beautiful place, a great thing for the neighborhood and for the community,” said Don Fahnestock.

Visitors can also see restored native plants and flowers in bloom.

And volunteers who help at the garden several times a week—and on the first Saturday of every month—will be celebrated at a Volunteer Appreciation Day on Sept. 6.

Members of the public are welcome to join them and show their appreciation.

For more information visit https://sbparksandrec.santabarbaraca.gov

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Caleb Nguyen

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – Paramedics rescued a 51-year-old woman paragliding east of Toro Canyon and took her to Cottage Hospital for moderate injuries Monday, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

The woman and her gear were airlifted to the hospital after she crashed into steep and remote terrain just before 1:30 p.m. on Monday, according to the SBCFD.

She was treated by two firefighter paramedics and taken to the hospital at the time listed above, as detailed by the SBCFD.

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News Channel 3-12

ATASCADERO, Calif. – The City of Atascadero and the Central Coast Zoo are excited as the weekend approaches for the 12th Annual “Brew at the Zoo!” This fundraising event will take place on Saturday, September 6th from 5-8 PM!

A fun way to raise money for the Zoo and “Party with Purpose – Sipping to Support Wildlife Conservation!”

A variety of craft beer, wine, cider, seltzer, and distilled spirits will be available at this exclusive evening at the Zoo. Expect a special “Welcome” reception pouring of special spirits, cider and wine as you enter the Zoo (first come, first served)! Guests can expect a wide variety of craft breweries from San Luis Obispo County and the surrounding area. Check out who is participating (& the list continues to grow!):

Ancient Peaks Winery (Santa Margarita)
Marins Vineyard (Lockwood)

Black Market Spirits Central Coast
MEA Wine (Atascadero)

Bristol’s Hard Cider (Atascadero)
Oak and Otter Brewing Company (San Luis Obispo)

Central Coast Brewing (San Luis Obispo)
Pizza Port Brewing (Solana Beach)

Eberle Winery (Paso Robles)
Poisoned Apple (Atascadero)

Fig Mountain Brewing (Buellton)
Shindig Cider (San Luis Obispo)

Firestone Walker Brewing (Paso Robles)
SLO Cider (San Luis Obispo)

Happy Dad Hard Seltzer (Orange County)
Spent Grain Brewing (Atascadero)

Hunt Cellars (Templeton)
Tarantula Hill Brewing (Thousand Oaks)

Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards (Avila)
Vignerons Wine (Santa Barbara)

Lone Madrone (Templeton)
Wild Fields Brewhouse (Atascadero)

Maddox Meadery (Paso Robles)

Non-alcoholic beverages will be available for our designated drivers from our food vendors along with plenty of water available for all our guests.

Enjoy special guests, Soloist Amar Singh Sohi, Andrew Sedley Jazz Trio, and The Vibe Setters rockin’ the evening away! Entertainment and music with Medina Light Show and Designs will include games, a costume contest, plus hula hoop and a dance contest, so be ready to win some great prizes too! A variety of food will be available for purchase including everything from tacos to gourmet quesadillas to Greek food, as well as sweets from cookie dough to pies! Plus, attendees will receive a collectible glass and t-shirts available for purchase!

Thank you to our sponsors including Platinum Sponsors Central Coast Carts, Glenns Sales, Rentals & Repairs, Avila Traffic Safety and Mechanics Bank; Gold sponsor: MGP Coatings; Silver Sponsor: Street Side Ale House & Eatery; Friend Sponsors: 5 Star Rain gutters, Fatte’s Pizza, and Radiology Associates. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Zoo’s ongoing education and conservation efforts.

The Central Coast Zoo is one of only 251 total institutions that are accredited by the Association of Zoo’s & Aquariums (AZA). The Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species, educating the public about the natural world, and providing a fun-filled family environment for residents and visitors of the Central Coast of California. Over 100 species of animals call the Zoo home, including red pandas, monkeys, fossa, meerkats, parrots, a variety of reptiles and more.

Online tickets are available NOW for $40 per person (service fee is not included). Designated driver tickets are $15 per person. If not sold out, tickets will be $50 per person at the gate the evening of the event! Don’t delay, purchase your tickets at www.VisitAtascadero.com/BrewattheZoo!

This very special event will be closed to the public and is available only for guests 21 years of age and over (no exceptions). Designated drivers must also be over 21 if attending this event! For information, go to www.centralcoastzoo.org or call the Zoo at (805) 461-5080. See you at Brew at the Zoo!

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News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the Woods Humane Society regarding their 3rd annual Pets of the Year Calendar Contest

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. –  Woods Humane Society announces its second annual Pets of the Year Calendar Contest, open to public entry from September 1 through September 30, 2025.

Entry into the contest is free. Participants can nominate their pet by creating a page, uploading their pet photo, and asking friends and family to vote by donating to their contest page throughout the month. The top-ten fundraisers will be featured in a beautiful, pet-themed 2026 print calendar. Winners also receive four printed calendars and are featured in a 2026 social media post, email and website post. All contestants who raise a minimum of $25 will win a calendar and will have their pet photo included on the calendar’s collage page.

Woods will unveil the 2026 calendar and winners at the Woods Humane Society Wiggle Waggle Fall Festival on October 25, 2025, where the calendars will be available for sale.

“After enjoying these pet photos and stories on our wall calendar each month for the past two years, we can’t wait to see all of the beautiful nominations celebrating the human-animal bond that come in during this fun contest,” says Woods CEO Emily L’Heureux. “Not only is this such a great chance to honor a beloved family pet, but it is also a unique way to help homeless pets who are still looking for a family. Every vote cast by donating to pets’ pages makes a difference for dogs and cats in need at Woods Humane Society.”

There is no registration fee to participate in Woods Humane Society’s Pets of the Year Calendar Contest. Calendar contestants earn votes with every donation made to their contest pages, and the ten top fundraisers will win a featured spread in the calendar. All contest participants who raise $25 or more will win a print calendar and their pet’s picture in a collage page in the calendar. 

The Pets of the Year contest begins on September 1, 2025 and runs until midnight on September 30, 2025. To read more about the contest rules, prizes, and guidelines, visit www.WoodsHumane.org/Contest.

Woods Humane Society is located at 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 and at 2300 Ramona Rd., Atascadero, CA 93422, and is open to the public daily from 12-5 p.m., with adoption hours from 12-4 p.m. For more information about Woods, visit www.WoodsHumane.org or call (805) 543-9316.

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