Category: keyt-local-news

Jarrod Zinn

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – Cal Poly university president Jeffrey Armstrong testified before Congress this week about the rise in antisemitic incidents on campus.

President Armstrong and two other university presidents received a letter from the House Committee on Education and Workforce asking them to testify about antisemitic incidents on campus.

The education and workforce committee cited a 388% surge nationally in antisemitic incidents in the month after the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023.

The Anti-Defamation League gave Cal Poly a “D” grade on their Campus Antisemitism Report Card…. which led to president Jeffrey Armstrong’s testimony before the committee on Wednesday.

“The violence permeated that day must be condemned without equivocation, and the targeting of Jewish students on campuses across the U.S. that followed was terrible and unacceptable. Both as a university president and a human being. This is a matter I take particularly seriously. We have to do better,” says president Armstrong.

Incidents cited by the house and anti-defamation league include alleged verbal harassment by a cal poly professor and threatening graffiti.

Armstrong expressed how seriously he takes the matter.

“I want to emphasize that our goal is continuous improvement. We will work to give each student the safest possible environment free from discrimination and religious intolerance so they can learn, grow and succeed. We call it being ready day one,” says president Armstrong.

Several students say the Cal Poly campus normally has a well-managed and non-threatening atmosphere, one that’s quite conducive to learning.

“I feel very, very safe at Cal Poly and the entirety of SLO as well. And I’ve never really had an issue with like, you know, finding a safe space to study or a safe place to go,” says Hudson Lund, a first-year student.

“Cal Poly is a really, like, comfortable place. I’ll go to Subway at two in the morning and feel totally fine walking a total of like a miles from my dorm to subway at back in two in the morning. I can’t like when it’s night. I can’t really walk around and not see a police officer, which is also like a very reassuring thing,” says Kennan Knowles, another first-year student.

The Trump administration is scrutinizing many college campuses across the nation, demanding Jewish students be kept safe lest their federal funding be pulled.

Some universities have pushed back against those demands.

And the American Jewish Committee has said it welcomes actions preventing antisemitism, but that overly broad funding cuts or punishment will hurt the standing of American universities.

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Christa Kurkjian

CARPINTERIA, Calif. – As national flower prices rise due to import tariffs, Westerlay Orchids in Carpinteria is offering a budget-friendly, locally grown alternative just in time for Mother’s Day. The popular orchid grower has kept its prices steady this year, thanks to its Santa Barbara County-based facilities that produce every bloom from flask to flower.

“All of our orchids are 100% grown in Carpinteria,” said showroom manager Virginia Hayes. “We haven’t raised our prices at all. What you paid last year is what you’ll pay this year.”

Unlike many florists affected by tariff-related price hikes on imported flowers, Westerlay Orchids maintains affordability without sacrificing quality. With prices ranging from $12 to $300, the nursery provides gifts for every budget—from small “little darlings” to luxurious multi-stem arrangements.

Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as beginner orchids, are Westerlay’s specialty. These easy-care plants bloom for 3 to 4 months and require only weekly watering and indirect light. Hayes noted that the cheerful yellow variety is among her personal favorites.

Customers can browse the newly remodeled showroom, which now features a larger arrangement bar with grab-and-go displays, custom planting services, and the option to bring in personal containers.

This Mother’s Day weekend, Westerlay is extending its hours:

Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For those unable to visit in person, online ordering is available at www.westerlayorchids.com.

“This is our Super Bowl,” Hayes said. “It’s the most exciting and busiest week of the year.”

For more information, visit https://www.westerlay.com/

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Mike Klan

FRESNO, Calif. – Westmont Baseball (40-12) is one win away from claiming the PacWest Tournament Championship after posting a 15-4 win over the second-seeded Sea Lions of Point Loma (37-15). The Warriors belted out six home runs to tie a single-season program record.

Bryan Peck earned the win for the Warriors, improving to 6-1 on the year. The senior right-hander allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits in five and two-third innings. He struck out five and walked just one.

“I shared with the guys, when you have quality starting pitching, that gives the office an opportunity to get their engines going,” said Westmont’s head coach Paul Svagdis. “Bryan did a tremendous job today. It was a great reflection of what a senior leader and a four-year starter looks like in this program.”

Before Peck took the mound, the Warrior hitters handed him a 4-0 lead.

Westmont started the game with five straight hits. Grant Yzermans, who produced four hits in the game, started things off with a double to right.

Asked about his role as a lead-off hitter, Yzermans said, “It tells me Coach Svagdis has a lot of trust in me to be a spark plug for the team and get it going and get us some momentum. It worked out.”

Michael Soper was walked after Yzermans at bat, bringing up Bryce McFeely. The senior first baseman delivered a three-run home run over the fence in left center field to spot the Warriors to a 3-0 lead. Daniel Patterson followed McFeely with a solo home run to center. Increasing the Warrior lead by one.

Regarding taking the mound with a 4-0 run, Peck said, “It changes your whole approach to the game. We are always competing, but it means I get to fill it (the strike zone) up more – more strikes. There is more pressure on them. They are supposed to get out. When you have a lead like that there is no fear to pitch around guys, you just go right at them. You get to attack.”

The score remained 4-0 through the end of the third inning when Svagdis called his team together in the dugout.

“We had a hitting plan going in like we always do,” explained Svagdis. “I felt like sometimes you can take your foot off the gas for a little bit. One of the things that is cool for me as a coach is that I can get into these guys. They are old, they are mature and hopefully we have built a level of trust. They certainly responded.”

Westmont sent the entire batting order to the plate in the top of the fourth, tallying six hits and six runs to take a 10-0 lead. With one away, Yzermans singled to center field to start the engine humming. Soper then singled to left, putting Warriors on first and second. Once again, McFeely stepped to the plate with two men on and, once again, he blasted a three-run home run to left-center field – this one on the first pitch of the at bat.

The Warriors were firing on all cylinders.

“We had a hitting plan and I just stuck to the plan. I just basically did what I was supposed to do and it ended up working out for us. That’s kind of all thanks to Coach Svagdis because without his plan, I don’t know if I hit those homers,” said a modest McFeely.

Patterson followed McFeely with a double to left, bringing Trey Dunn to the plate. Dunn joined the hit parade with the Warriors’ fourth home run of the day – a two-run shot to left. That drove the Point Loma starter from the game, but Westmont was not done scoring in the fourth. Jesse Di Maggio powered a line drive over the left field fence that was never more than 10-15 feet off the ground.

Point Loma scored its first run (unearned) in the bottom of the fourth. An RBI-single by Jake Schwartz drove in Jake Entrekin from third, making it a 10-1 game.

Westmont added three more runs in the top of the fifth. Zach Mora produced a lead-off single down the left-field line. Then, Yzermans notched his second double of the game, advancing More to third. Soper drove in the first two runs with an opposite-field double to left, allowing Mora and Yzermans to score.

An infield single by McFeely continued the inning and moved Soper to third base before Patterson drove a sacrifice fly to left field, plating Soper and making the score 13-1.

Westmont’s 14th run came in the top of the six, courtesy of a towering solo home run to right field by Shane Hofstadler – record tying sixth home run of the game.

Point Loma tallied two runs in the bottom of the sixth to make the score 14-3 before Westmont added one more in the top of the seventh. With one away, McFeely singled to left field. One out later, Dunn was walked. Jack Bollengier then singled to left field, driving in McFeely.

The Sea Lions scored their final run in the bottom of the ninth to make the score 15-4.

Caden Beloian earned a save, his fifth of the year, by pitching the final three and one-third innings, he allowed one run on four hits, struck out two and walked one.

Westmont hitters produced 20 hits, including 11 for extra bases. The 43 total bases ranks as second most in program history.

The win meant that Westmont did not have to play a second game today, to which Svagdis quipped, “That means a lot for my feet, right now. I told the guys to get on the bus, this guy needs to ice his 55-year-old feet.

“Playing doubleheaders, and particularly nine-inning doubleheaders is a lot. We get to go back, get a little dinner and rest. Using two pitchers, with low pitch counts and high innings pitched is really advantageous for the team.”

Game five followed Westmont’s game and featured Hawai’i Pacific and Point Loma in a rematch of yesterday’s second game. Point Loma won the first match-up by a score of 14-5. The Sharks advanced to the night game by defeating Biola 11-5 in an elimination game earlier today. In their second elimination game of the day, Hawai’i Pacific defeated Point Loma 7-6 with a bases loaded, infield single.

As a result, the Warriors will take on the Sharks in game six on Friday at noon. If Westmont wins, the Warriors will claim the tournament championship. If Hawai’i Pacific wins, the two teams will play again in a winner-take-all scenario 30 minutes after the completion of the earlier game.

Reflecting on what winning the tournament would mean, Peck said, “Winning the PacWest Tournament is the first step of a three-piece process to get where we need to go.”

The second and third steps would be winning the West Regional and then the West Super Regional. Victory at those events, would drive the Warriors all the way to Cary, North Carolina – the home of the NCAA Division II World Series.

(Article courtesy of Westmont Athletics)

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Mike Klan

NIPOMO, Calif. – Nipomo High School has a head football coaching vacancy after Stephen Field announced he is returning to Arroyo Grande.

Field led the Titans program the past three seasons, winning an Ocean League title in 2024.

But he is headed back to Arroyo Grande to take a teaching position.

Field starred as a football player for the Eagles and also served as the school’s athletic director before leaving for Nipomo in 2022.

Titans athletic director Russ Edwards will take over the football program on an interim basis.

He was the head coach for the Titans for 8 years which included the 2014 CIF-Southern Section Northwest Division title.

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Mike Klan

FULLERTON, Calif. – Despite falling behind early, the UC Santa Barbara Softball team (30-24, 17-10 Big West) again showed grit and resilience in a come-from-behind 6-2 win over No. 1 seed Cal State Fullerton. The Gauchos plated three runs in the fifth and three runs in the sixth to advance in the elimination bracket of The Big West Championships.

HOW IT HAPPENEDUC Santa Barbara faced the Titans in a competitive matchup, with the game opening quietly as both teams failed to score in the first inning. CSUF broke through in the second inning when with a solo homer. Following the home run, a single and then a two-out triple by the Titans brought in a second run, putting them up 2–0.

The Gauchos and Titans traded zeros on the scoreboard until UC Santa Barbara broke through in the fifth inning. Erin Mendoza singled, followed by Jazzy Santos getting hit by a pitch, setting up Tehya Banks, who singled to drive in Mendoza. Elicia Acosta continued the rally with a single that brought home Santos and Giselle Mejia, giving UC Santa Barbara a 3–2 lead after the fifth.

The momentum continued for UC Santa Barbara in the sixth inning. Santos tripled to right field, driving in two more runs, and Mejia singled to score Santos, extending the lead to 6–2. The Titans were unable to counter as UC Santa Barbara’s defense held strong, closing out any further scoring opportunities.

UP NEXTThe Gauchos will continue their run through the elimination bracket as they will take on the sixth seeded UC San Diego Tritons in a rematch of their opening round game.

(Article courtesy of UCSB Athletics).

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Alissa Orozco

If you’re looking for some activities following your Mother’s Day brunch this weekend, the Central Coast has got you covered. Here’s what’s going on this weekend near and far:

SANTA BARBARA – SOUTH COUNTY

Meet Me in Old Town Goleta ~ Thursday, May 8th in Goleta

📍Goleta Community Center

⏰ 5:00pm – 8:00pm

🪩 On the third Thursday of May, July, and August, the City of Goleta is hosting a community block party to highlight the charm of Old Town! Old Town businesses will participate with tastings and promotions, and each event will have a unique musical performance! Learn more here.

Community History Day ~ Saturday, May 10th in Santa Barbara

📍El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park

⏰ 11:00am – 2:00pm

🪩 This free, family-friendly event celebrates Santa Barbara’s unique and diverse history. Enjoy hands-on learning stations, arts & crafts tables, activity tables led by local organizations, historical walking tours and interactive exhibit experiences that highlight the layered histories of Santa Barbara’s Presidio Neighborhood over time. Learn more here.

Santa Barbara Cactus & Succulent Society Show and Sale ~ Saturday, May 10th in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Barbara Women’s Club

⏰ 10:00am – 3:00pm

🪩 This local plant society will be showing off and selling cacti, succulents, ceramic pots, and pottery. The society is also accepting plant donations to showcase, and the community can even put their own plants on display at the ‘Club Members” table. Learn more here.

Santa Barbara Community Yard Sale ~ Saturday, May 10th in Santa Barbara

📍Various Locations | Check digital map for locations

⏰ 8:00am – 2:00pm

🪩 Help the city of Santa Barbara reduce waste and repurpose items by shopping at the community-wide yard sale. Over 100 community members will be hosting yard sales at their homes, and you never know what you might find. Learn more here.

Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show 60th Anniversary ~ May 10th – 11th in Santa Barbara

📍E. Cabrillo Blvd

⏰ 10:00am – 6:00pm

🪩 The Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts show is held every weekend, but this upcoming weekend marks the 60th anniversary of the beloved community event. To celebrate the milestone, Participating artists will give away free commemorative tote bags while supplies last. Learn more here.

Breathe & Blossom: A Mother’s Day Celebration ~ Sunday, May 11th in Santa Barbara

📍Paseo Nuevo

⏰ 11:00am – 12:00pm

🪩 Bring the mom in your life to this relaxing event centered around her. Enjoy a 45-minute nourishing yoga class led by local confidence coach Itzy Canales, live music, a hands-on bouquet bar by Flora Divina, and warm beverages from Considered Coffee! Remember to bring a yoga mat, water, and anything your little one might need. Learn more here.

Wine Country Half Marathon ~ Saturday, May 10th in Solvang

📍Downtown Solvang

⏰ 7:00am

🪩 This marathon hosted in the heart of Santa Barbara Wine Country offers a one-of-a-kind trail through flower bedded vineyards and magical views. Celebrate the accomplishment with a wine festival with some of the best local wineries in Santa Ynez. Learn more here.

SANTA MARIA – NORTH COUNTY

7th Annual Santa Maria BBQ Festival ~ Saturday, May 10th in Santa Maria

📍Pioneer Park

⏰ 12:00pm – 4:00pm

🪩 This 21+ event features great BBQ from various BBQ masters, and cold beer from Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. You can shop from local vendors to make your own Santa Maria BBQ at home! The event supports a local non-profit’s Back-to-School Shopping Program! Learn more here.

3rd Annual Mother’s Day in the Garden ~ Sunday, May 11th in Nipomo

📍Birchwood Plant Shop & Beerery

⏰ 11:00am – 3:00pm

🪩 Celebrate Mom at Birchwood where they’ll have a variety of things to do. They’ll have great food, jewelry to shop from, photo opportunities, and more! Birchwood has a gorgeous garden that is perfect to walk through in this warmer weather. Learn more here.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Photo: Downtown Paso Robles

Paso Robles Olive and Lavender Festival ~ Saturday, May 10th in Paso Robles

📍Downtown City Park

⏰ 10:00am – 4:00pm

🪩 Get a taste of some of Paso Robles’ rich offerings of olive oils and lavender products. The fresh scents will be hard to ignore as local farmers set up their displays of products and tastings! Plus unique jewelry, arts, and crafts! Learn more here.

Family Free Day: Faerie Festival ~ Sunday, May 11th in San Luis Obispo

📍San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden

⏰ 10:00am – 2:00pm

🪩 The SLO Botanical Garden is hosting their free Faerie Festival – perfect for all ages! You can make a one-of-a-kind wand, plant some seeds in the Children’s Garden, help create a beautiful faerie mural, and make & take home a mini faerie garden! Faerie attire is welcomed and encouraged. Learn more here.

Pacific Breeze Concerts ~ Sunday, May 11th in Shell Beach

📍Dinosaur Caves Park

⏰ 1:00pm – 4:00pm

🪩 The City of Pismo Beach is hosting some monthly concerts on the 2nd Sunday throughout the summer. Enjoy talented, regional musical group with an unbelievable view! There will also be special family activities and food available for purchase. Learn more here.

Law Enforcement Night ~ Thursday, May 8th in San Luis Obispo

📍Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market

⏰ 6:00pm – 8:00pm

🪩 Various law enforcement officers and departments will be at this week’s farmer’s market. The public can ask officers questions, engage in interactive demonstrations, test out equipment and vehicles, and more! Learn more here.

VENTURA COUNTY

Photo: KYMA

Findings Market Spring Fair ~ Saturday, May 10th in Ventura

📍 Findings Market

⏰ 10:00am – 5:00pm

🪩 If you’re still in need of a last minute Mother’s Day gift, this is just the event for you. You can choose from over 100 vendors and merchants and their handcrafted goods. There will be live music, delicious food and drinks, and fun activities for all ages. Learn more here.

Mother’s Day Market ~ May 10th – 11th in Ventura

📍Ventura Harbor Village

⏰ 11:00am – 6:00pm

🪩 Find a unique, ceramic gift this Mother’s Day at this market. Hosted by Ventura Pottery Gallery, you can find handcrafted mugs, vases, and sculptures you won’t find anywhere else! Learn more here.

Apricot Festival and Art Fair ~ Saturday, May 11th in Moorpark

📍Arroyo Vista Community Park

⏰ 11:00am – 5:00pm

🪩 Once named the apricot capital of the world, this fruit festival celebrates Moorpark’s rich history. It will be full of apricot-themed food, drinks, arts, and more! A full line up of performances are scheduled so get there early! Learn more here.

Mother’s Day Mariachi Festival ~ Saturday, May 10th in Oxnard

📍Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center

⏰ 2:00pm

🪩 The annual Mother’s Day Mariachi Festival is kicking off this weekend with performances from Mariachi Reyes Del Aserradero and Mariachi Reynas de Los Angeles (de Jose Hernandez). There will be some early pre-shows to the main show starting at 11:00am. Learn more here.

The Addams Family ~ May 8th – 11th in Oxnard

📍Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center

⏰ Various Showtimes

🪩 See this bizarre and iconic family LIVE in Thousand Oaks! Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family.  Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. Learn more here.

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Jarrod Zinn

SOLVANG, Calif. – Local Catholics are still reeling from this morning’s announcement from the Vatican that the first American pope has been elected.

Most reactions seem hopeful and positive.

Certainly a lot of surprise, a lot of raised eyebrows, as no one expected an American to ever be elected pope, but here we are.

If a TV, radio, or social media outlet was on near you Thursday morning, it’s likely you heard the Vatican’s announcement that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost became the first American pope in history.

“Granny Moth, you have an American pope so you can dance up there in heaven. And I’m happy for everyone in the family that’s up there now, enjoying this moment. A great moment for all of us,” says Michael McKown, who was visiting Old Mission Santa Ines from his home in Paramount.

The new pope has chosen to be known by the name Pope Leo XIV.

“The choice of a name has always been an intrigue. It’s been a game to play. What’s he going to be called? What’s he going to choose? The da da da da. And he chose Leo,” says 

Father Aidan Peter Rossiter, St. Louis de Montfort Church’s pastor in Orcutt.

Local church leaders do admit to being a little surprised, as an American pope didn’t seem to really be on anyone’s radar.

“I hadn’t even heard his name before. And his story is pretty remarkable that he actually spent most of his life in Peru. Even though he was from Chicago and lived there for most of his early life,” says McKown.

The St. Louis de Montfort pastor says he has good feelings about this pope’s track record and forward vision.

“It is in that sense, very early days to say what this man will be like. But from his history, we know that he is primarily a holy man and a good man, an intelligent man and a man for all people, especially those who seem to be poor, marginalized and distant,” says Pastor Rossiter.

Pastor Rossiter says the new pope’s choice of name is an indication of the past popes who have inspired him, and that the previous 13 Leo’s emphasized peace and unity.

Locals hope the name Pope Leo XIV will be synonymous with the very compassion and peace-seeking understanding the name invokes.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Yellow and white flags are up on the towers at the Old Mission Santa Barbara after the announcement of Leo XIV as the new Pope.

The word spread throughout the Catholic community and the world just after 9 a.m.

The Santa Barbara Old Mission, one of the iconic locations for Catholics, non- Catholics, tourists in general, and community gatherings is marking the historic time.

“Peace be with all of you!” – were the first words of Pope Leo XIV followed by reactions worldwide.

The Conclave has elected Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome. He is the first American elected, originally from Chicago.

Many visitors who were aware of the announcement reflected on the choice. The message of accepting everyone and following in the footsteps of Pope Francis with a forward looking approach to the world’s challenges was mentioned by many people discussing Pope Leo.

Susan Hughes from Santa Barbara said, “we all hope that we will have the legacy of Frances to build upon that, but also getting a new future for the Catholic Church. I think a new direction, perhaps. “

A mission visitor Virginia Carlos said, “his heart his humbleness. I would love to see that continue and grow its acceptance of everyone. No matter who you are, no matter who you call God, no matter where you worship. It’s just humanity for one, especially the least of us. “

An all inclusive style of leadership looks to be a binding message Catholics and non Catholics we spoke with seem to favor.

Hughes said “he  is 69 years old. We are entering a new and new future. ” With a past in Chicago and Philadelphia, “It’s exciting he’s from America. I think that’s interesting,” said Sherry Jerome.

“His background. He was at Villanova he has been he has so much in my experience that he brings to us,” said Hughes.

The Old Mission draws visitors from around the world, and that brings a broad perspective to the entrance steps  from many people  facing some difficult challenges.

Jerome said, “I think, the right person for the right time. I just, you know, just to keep the Catholic Church going along in a good way.”

(More video, photos and details from the Old Mission will be added here later today)

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Ryder Christ

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) has reversed course on previously announced arts staffing reductions, rescinding layoff notices for junior high band and Santa Barbara High School theater positions.

Superintendent Hilda Maldonado sent out the announcement on Friday, May 2.1

Although two visual arts teachers, one each at San Marcos and Santa Barbara High, will not be replaced due to staff transfers, district leaders emphasize that no arts or music educators are being laid off for the 2025–26 school year. San Marcos High School is also set to add a new dance teacher, funded by Proposition 28, which earmarks dedicated funding for arts education statewide.

In total, the district will see a net loss of just one arts teacher next school year. “We are celebrating the wins – no arts layoffs,” said Naomi Jane Voigt, Santa Barbara Teen Star and SBUSD student. “But we must continue to push for restored high school course offerings and a full, well-rounded education for every student.”

Superintendent Maldonado added that while the staffing picture has improved, the process is not yet finalized. “We are still finishing the process, and the final vote will take place next week at the May 13 board meeting,” Maldonado said.

In an update shared with the school community, SBUSD reported that it had avoided large-scale layoffs while still addressing a $9.4 million budget deficit. After weeks of reviewing enrollment, staffing, and unfilled positions, the district identified a need to lay off only 3–5 employees.

Arts and music positions are not among the final cuts, and there are no layoffs at the elementary school level. Maldonado said staffing restorations—including 3.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions in elementary arts, music, STEAM, and instructional support for English and math—were made possible through retirements, resignations, employee transfers, and the reallocation of unfilled positions. A slight increase in junior high and high school enrollment also helped reduce the total number of layoffs.

“While we would prefer that no employees are ever laid off, we are thankful for our collaboration with CSEA and SBTA in navigating this challenging period,” Maldonado said.

Employees affected will receive compensation packages, additional resources, and priority consideration for future openings.

Despite the positive staffing news, concerns remain over reduced class schedules at the high school level. Next year, most 10th-grade students will only be able to take seven classes, while 11th and 12th graders will be limited to six. Advocates say this creates “dismissal periods” that limit access to electives such as the arts, world languages, and career technical education.

The district originally issued 85 Reduction in Force (RIF) notices, though all but one have now been rescinded. Still, stakeholders argue that the annual uncertainty takes a toll. “This yearly cycle creates instability and stress for teachers and students,” said Voigt. “We need better planning and earlier decision-making.”

Looking ahead, parents and students are calling on the district to:

Restore an eight-period schedule or similar options to expand elective capacity.

Ensure Proposition 28 funds—nearly $2 million annually—are used to hire new arts teachers, not to replace existing ones or purchase materials.

Provide regular public updates on staffing, course offerings, and Prop 28 expenditures in accordance with the SBUSD Strategic Arts Plan 2023–28.

The plan commits the district to expanding arts access at every school, and advocates say transparency and accountability will be key to achieving that goal.

“Eighty percent of Prop 28 funding must go to hiring new arts teachers,” said Voigt. “We need to make sure this money truly expands access to the arts for all students.”

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Alissa Orozco

MALIBU, Calif – Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected to succeed Pope Francis as the next leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday, and will now be known as Pope Leo XIV.

Father Larry Gosselin from the Serra Retreat in Malibu joined your News Channel to discuss this monumental day. Pope Leo has been recognized as a great leader in the Catholic faith who is expected to continue Pope Francis’ path.

“This selection of the Pope as truly a leader in our world and a person who brings great leadership and foresight to where we are going, and who we are as as a world and as a world community,” Father Larry told your News Channel.

Originally from Chicago, Pope Leo was named a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023 and was selected to lead the Vatican’s bishop office. Father Larry says Pope Leo’s background of being an Augustinian will shape his priorities.

“The Augustinians follow a common path as the Franciscans and truly it’s a more human felt spirituality, you know, earth-based. Spirituality, but it’s completely in keeping with Catholic theology and it will bring a very human aspect, I believe, to his papacy and to his leadership in the church and in the world.”

Pope Leo XIV is the first ever American elected for the papacy, and was an unexpected choice. How the Catholic Church will run under an American Pope? We’ll just have to wait and see.

“We will just have to wait and see what that all means, but it certainly is an honor for our country and the American Church to have an American chosen for this position, and it truly affirms us as American Catholic people following the gospel and seeking to live the gospel of Christ.”

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