Category: keyt-local-news

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from The County of Santa Barbara Health Department regarding their commitment to the community regardless of citizenship status

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The County of Santa Barbara Health Department (County Health) wants to reassure our community that no proof of citizenship is required to receive care at any of our five health centers throughout the county. We continue to operate under our current policies and procedures, providing safe, equitable, and confidential services to all patients as we do not inquire about immigration status.

While recent federal policy announcements have caused concern and confusion for many in our community, we want to emphasize that no formal implementation guidelines have been issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) at this time. As such, there are no changes to the way our health centers operate or the services we provide.

“We are committed to serving every individual who walks through our doors with compassion and respect,” said Mouhanad Hammami, Director of County Health. “Public health depends on everyone feeling safe enough to seek care. Our health centers are safe places where patient privacy and rights are protected.”

County Health is actively exploring alternative ways to expand access to care for all families, especially our immigrant and indigenous communities. To better serve our communities, our health care centers offer a range of flexible and culturally responsive options, including a Walk-in Clinic in Santa Maria, Behavioral Health Telehealth appointments, and Mixteco voiceovers for our Mixteco-speaking populations.

If you have any concerns about attending your appointment in person due to recent events, please contact us. In some cases, we may be able to offer a phone appointment instead. County Health urges all community members to continue accessing the medical and preventive care services they need.

For more information about services and health center locations, please visithttps://www.countyofsb.org/2150/Health-Care-Centers or call the following health center near you.

Santa Maria Health Care Center2115 Centerpointe Pkwy, Santa Maria, CA 93455+1 805-346-7230

Lompoc Health Care Center301 N R St, Lompoc, CA 93436+1 805-737-6400

Santa Barbara Health Care Center345 Camino del Remedio, Santa Barbara, CA 93110+1 805-681-5488

Franklin Health Care Center1136 E Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103+1 805-568-2099

Carpinteria Health Care Center931 Walnut Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013+1 805-560-1050

Traducción al Español

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – El Departamento de Salud del Condado de Santa Bárbara (County Health) quiere asegurar a nuestra comunidad que no se requiere prueba de ciudadanía para recibir atención en cualquiera de nuestros cinco centros de salud en todo el condado. Seguimos funcionando bajo nuestras pólizas y procedimientos actuales, proporcionando servicios seguros, equitativos y confidenciales a todos los pacientes ya que no preguntamos sobre el estatus migratorio.

Aunque los recientes anuncios legislativos federales han causado preocupación y confusión para muchos en nuestra comunidad, queremos enfatizar que hasta hoy el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los Estados Unidos (HHS, por sus siglas en inglés) no ha publicado guías para implementación.

«Nos comprometemos a atender con compasión y respeto a todas las personas que cruzan nuestras puertas», dijo Mouhanad Hammami, director del Departamento de Salud, «La salud publica depende de que todos sientan lo suficiente seguro para buscar atención médica Nuestros centros de salud son lugares seguros donde la privacidad y los derechos de los pacientes están protegidos.»

County Health está explorando activamente maneras alternativas de expandir acceso a la atención médica para todas las familias, especialmente nuestras comunidades de inmigrantes e indígenas. Para servir mejor a nuestra comunidad, nuestros centros de salud ofrecen una gama de opciones flexibles y culturalmente sensibles, incluso una clínica sin cita previa en Santa Maria, citas de telesalud de salud conductual y locuciones en mixteco para nuestras poblaciones de habla mixteca.

Si le preocupa asistir a su cita en persona debido a los recientes eventos, póngase en contacto con nosotros. En algunos casos, podemos ofrecerle una cita telefónica. County Health insta a todos los miembros de la comunidad a seguir accediendo a los servicios de atención médica y preventiva que necesitan

Para más información sobre servicios y locales de los centros de salud, visite:https://www.countyofsb.org/2150/Health-Care-Centers o llame al centro de salud más cercana.

Santa Maria Health Care Center2115 Centerpointe Pkwy, Santa Maria, CA 93455+1 805-346-7230

Lompoc Health Care Center301 N R St, Lompoc, CA 93436+1 805-737-6400

Santa Barbara Health Care Center345 Camino del Remedio, Santa Barbara, CA 93110+1 805-681-5488

Franklin Health Care Center1136 E Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103+1 805-568-2099

Carpinteria Health Care Center931 Walnut Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013+1 805-560-1050

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News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from County of Santa Barbara regarding their County Master Plan for Aging from 2025 – 2030.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on July 15, 2025, approved the Santa Barbara County Master Plan for Aging 2025 – 2030, a comprehensive five-year roadmap designed to strengthen support for older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers countywide. Rooted in community input and local data, the plan provides a strategic framework to improve quality of life and address the growing needs of an aging population.

The Plan highlights four central priorities: awareness of community resources, caregiving, housing and homelessness, and access to healthcare and community services—including transportation, behavioral health, nutrition, and long-term care.

The Plan reflects a growing recognition of the challenges and disparities faced by aging residents across the county, especially as one in four residents is expected to be over the age of 60 by 2030. It outlines goals and objectives to ensure that people of all ages and abilities can live with health, safety, and dignity.

The Plan builds on a strong local foundation of services, while identifying key areas for system improvement. It emphasizes the need for a coordinated, countywide response to address long-standing service gaps, growing demand, and equity challenges.

A Demographic Shift with Local Consequences

Santa Barbara County is experiencing a rapid increase in its aging population. By 2060, the number of residents aged 60 and older is expected to grow by 32%, with significant impacts on housing, caregiving, and healthcare. Among older adults:

33% live with a disability

20% are at risk of developing dementia

70% will need long-term care during their lifetime

Over 30% experience economic hardship

“Local demographics illustrate a need for proactive planning to ensure older adults and people with disabilities can age in place with access to vital resources,” shared Barbara Finch, Adult & Aging Network Director. “This five-year plan seeks to continue building a path for older adults today and into the future.”

Plan Objectives and Priorities

The local plan complements California’s statewide Master Plan for Aging and focuses on critical local issues:

Housing and Homelessness – Increasing age-friendly housing options and addressing the high rate of homelessness among adults 55+.

Caregiving – Expanding support for unpaid caregivers and improving caregiver workforce development.

Healthcare Access – Enhancing culturally responsive, community-based care services.

Information and Navigation – Improving visibility and use of resources such as 211 and the Aging & Disability Resource Center.

Community Engagement and Leadership

The Plan was shaped through extensive community engagement. Over the past two years, the Adult and Aging Network (AAN), and dozens of community partners held focus groups, surveys, and listening sessions to understand the needs of older adults and caregivers—especially from underserved populations including Spanish speakers, individuals with disabilities, and Black/African American residents.

Their feedback revealed significant challenges related to affordability, language access, transportation, and isolation, which directly informed the goals and strategies outlined in the plan.

Implementation and Next Steps

Now that the plan has been approved, the Adult and Aging Network will lead implementation in partnership with County departments, nonprofit agencies, and individuals with lived experience. Annual reviews will assess progress and adjust strategies to ensure continued relevance and impact. The plan is designed to align with state and federal initiatives and to leverage existing partnerships and funding opportunities.

The Santa Barbara County Master Plan for Aging 2025-2030, marks a major milestone in Santa Barbara County’s commitment to becoming an age- and disability-friendly region for all residents.

To read the full Santa Barbara County Master Plan for Aging 2025–2030, visithttp://www.sbcaan.org/master-plan-for-aging.html.

Traducción al Español:

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – El 15 de julio de 2025, la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Santa Bárbara aprobó el Plan Maestro sobre el Envejecimiento del Condado de Santa Bárbara para el 2025 – 2030, una hoja de ruta integral de cinco años diseñada para fortalecer el apoyo a los adultos mayores, las personas con discapacidades y sus cuidadores en todo el condado. Basado en los aportes de la comunidad y los datos locales, el plan proporciona un marco estratégico para mejorar la calidad de vida y atender las necesidades crecientes de una población que envejece.

El plan destaca cuatro prioridades centrales: la concientización sobre los recursos comunitarios, el cuidado, la vivienda y la falta de hogar y el acceso a la atención médica y los servicios comunitarios, incluidos el transporte, la salud mental, el tratamiento del uso de sustancias, la nutrición y la atención a largo plazo.

El plan refleja un creciente reconocimiento de los desafíos y las disparidades que enfrentan los residentes de edad avanzada en todo el condado, especialmente porque se espera que uno de cada cuatro residentes tenga más de 60 años para 2030. Además, describe metas y objetivos para asegurar que las personas de todas las edades y capacidades puedan vivir con salud, seguridad y dignidad.

El plan se basa en una sólida base local de servicios, al tiempo que identifica áreas clave para la mejora del sistema. Enfatiza la necesidad de una respuesta coordinada en el condado para abordar las brechas de servicios de larga data, la creciente demanda y los desafíos de equidad.

Un cambio demográfico con consecuencias locales

El Condado de Santa Bárbara está experimentando un rápido aumento en su población que envejece. Para 2060, se espera que el número de residentes de 60 años o más crezca en un 32%, con impactos significativos en la vivienda, el cuidado y la atención médica. Entre los adultos mayores:

El 33% vive con una discapacidad

El 20% está en riesgo de desarrollar demencia

El 70% necesitará cuidados a largo plazo durante su vida

Más del 30% experimenta dificultades económicas

“La demografía local ilustra la necesidad de una planificación proactiva para garantizar que los adultos mayores y las personas con discapacidades puedan envejecer en su lugar con acceso a recursos vitales”, compartió Barbara Finch, directora de la Red de Adultos y Envejecimiento (AAN, Adult and Aging Network). “Este plan de cinco años busca continuar construyendo un camino para los adultos mayores hoy y en el futuro”.

Planificación de objetivos y prioridades

El plan local complementa el Plan Maestro sobre el Envejecimiento del estado de California y se enfoca en temas locales críticos:

Vivienda y falta de hogar: aumentar las opciones de vivienda apta para personas de edad avanzada y abordar la alta tasa de personas sin hogar entre los adultos mayores de 55 años

Cuidados: ampliar el apoyo a los cuidadores no remunerados y mejorar el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral de los cuidadores

Acceso a la atención médica: mejorar los servicios de atención basados en la comunidad y culturalmente receptivos

Información y navegación: mejorar la visibilidad y el uso de recursos como 211 y el Centro de Recursos para el Envejecimiento y Discapacidad

Compromiso comunitario y liderazgo

El plan se configuró a través de una amplia participación comunitaria. En los últimos dos años, la Red de Adultos y Envejecimiento (AAN) y docenas de socios comunitarios llevaron a cabo grupos de enfoque, encuestas y sesiones de escucha para comprender las necesidades de los adultos mayores y los cuidadores, especialmente de poblaciones desatendidas, que incluye hispanohablantes, personas con discapacidades y residentes afroamericanos.

Sus comentarios revelaron desafíos significativos relacionados con la asequibilidad, el acceso al idioma, el transporte y el aislamiento, que informaron directamente las metas y estrategias descritas en el plan.

Implementación y próximos pasos

Ahora que el plan ha sido aprobado, la Red de Adultos y Envejecimiento liderará la implementación en asociación con los departamentos del condado, agencias sin fines de lucro e individuos con experiencia vivida. Los exámenes anuales evaluarán los progresos realizados y ajustarán las estrategias para garantizar la pertinencia y el impacto constantes. El plan está diseñado para alinearse con las iniciativas estatales y federales y para aprovechar las asociaciones existentes y las oportunidades de financiamiento.

El Plan Maestro sobre el Envejecimiento del Condado de Santa Bárbara para el 2025-2030 marca un hito importante en el compromiso del Condado de Santa Bárbara de convertirse en una región amigable con la edad y la discapacidad para todos los residentes.

Para leer el Plan Maestro sobre el Envejecimiento del Condado de Santa Bárbara para el 2025–2030, visite http://www.sbcaan.org/master-plan-for-aging.html.

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Andrew Gillies

TEMPLETON, Calif. — The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday that four juveniles from northern San Luis Obispo County have been identified in connection with the devastating fire that destroyed the historic Templeton Feed & Grain building on July 4.

According to a press release, detectives determined that one of the juveniles is allegedly responsible for starting the fire, which is believed to have been ignited by illegal fireworks. All four individuals are reported to be male and under the age of 18.

While the Sheriff’s Office has completed its part of the investigation, officials say the identities of the juveniles and the evidence collected have been turned over to the Templeton Fire Department, which is leading the case moving forward.

The Sheriff’s Office also thanked the public for their help and cooperation during the investigation. As of Thursday, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office said no charges have been recommended.

The fire consumed the Templeton Feed & Grain structure, a fixture in the community for more than a century. Originally constructed in 1912, the building was not only a visual landmark but also a symbol of the town’s agricultural roots—so iconic, in fact, that its image appears on Templeton’s emergency service vehicles.

It remains unclear whether any of the juveniles have been detained or arrested. Your News Channel has reached out to Templeton Fire and Emergency Services for additional comment. Their response will be included as soon as it is received.

Templeton Feed and Grain Fire on July 4, 2025. Image courtesy of the San Luis Obispo County Fire Department.

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Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – On Thursday, the University of California Board of Regents announced UC Santa Barbara’s sixth chancellor as Dr. Dennis Assanis.

Assanis will take over for former chancellor Henry Yang, who just concluded his 31 year tenure on July 14th. Executive Vice Chancellor David Marshall was named Interim Chancellor while the search for the university next permanent chancellor was underway. Marshall will continue as Interim Chancellor until Assanis assumes his role on September 1, 2025.

Assanis is a Greek-native who previously served as President of the University of Delaware (UD). An article published by The Current credits Assanis with overseeing the many programs and opportunities that made the University of Delaware one of the best colleges in the United States according the U.S. News & World Report and the Wall Street Journal. 

Research spending skyrocketed over 160 percent during Assanis’ time at UD, and he oversaw the development of multiple interdisciplinary centers and institutes – including the creation of the Science, Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) campus, now home to over 1.2 million square feet of new facilities and more than 3,000 professionals.

The UC Regents formally approved Assanis’ appointment at their July 17th meeting.

“Dr. Assanis is the right person to lead UC Santa Barbara into the future,” said UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D. “His deep understanding of the power of interdisciplinary work combined with his energy, insight and strategic vision will blend perfectly with the excellence of UC Santa Barbara students, faculty and staff as they address the world’s most urgent challenges.”

Assanis spoke via Zoom about his personal academic journey and his excitement to begin a new journey at UC Santa Barbara.

“I always remember my late father, who never stopped encouraging me to pursue my academic dreams to the fullest as chancellor,” Assanis said. “I look forward to building on the outstanding accomplishments created by Chancellor Yang and the faculty, staff, and senior leaders who have shaped UC Santa Barbara with their daily contributions and dedication.”

Assanis earned his bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering from Newcastle University, and proceeded to earn three master’s degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. Assanis completed his Ph.D. in Power and Propulsion at MIT.

“Above all, [my wife] Eleni and I are thrilled to join the vibrant Gaucho and Santa Barbara communities, to make new friends, hear your stories, learn, and lead with integrity. Together, we will win and write the next chapter in UC Santa Barbara’s incredible story.”

The Current reported the UC Regents approved Assanis’ salary at $880,000.

The search for the university’s sixth chancellor concluded just in time for the 2025-2026 academic school year. Assanis will assume his role on September 1, 2025.

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Ivania Montes

PORT HUENEME, Calif. – In a bold step toward cleaner air and climate leadership, the Port of Hueneme unveiled its second STAX Engineering emissions capture and control barge this week—making it one of only two ports in California to operate multiple barges of this kind.

The STAX barge is part of a cutting-edge technology that captures harmful pollutants directly from ships docked at port. According to STAX Engineering, the barge removes 99% of particulate matter (PM) and 95% of nitrogen oxides (NOx) — both of which are known to impact human health, particularly in communities near the port.

The STAX technology is especially important for working ports like Hueneme, which are located near residential neighborhoods. A recent study by the California Air Resources Board found that coastal communities often face elevated levels of air pollutants due to port and shipping activity.

STAX’s Chief Technology Officer, Bob Sharp walked and showed your News Channel STAX’s latest addition: STAX 6. Right across from where it is placed is STAX 3.

The mayor of Port Hueneme was present saying, “It is a concern that we have had in the city was that our community, was being impacted. And so any step that the port can take towards, decreasing those emissions is a good thing.

The new barge also supports the Port of Hueneme’s ambitious Zero Emissions by 2030 initiative. If achieved, it would make Hueneme the first zero-emissions port in the nation—and possibly the world—by the end of the decade.

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Mina Wahab

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. — VC Defensa Volunteer Leo Martinez says the demand for food deliveries has shot up, and the attendance at many food distribution sites has dropped. “Our volunteers are having to load up their cars with all the extra food at the end of the food distribution and going out to do deliveries, whether it be in neighborhoods that we know are in need or as part of our network of already existing families that we’re trying to serve, that we’re directly affected by the first raid,” said Martinez. Prior to the ICE raids, the volunteers would go to food distribution sites to pass out “Know Your Rights” flyers to community members.  Now, they’re focused on delivering the food to some of the community’s most vulnerable. “We’re running to the box, food stores sometimes are going to local distributors, and that’s where we put together our bundles and we buy in bulk dry beans, dry rice, dry pasta, and then we mix it in together with a lot of canned proteins and we try to put together bundles of meals that at least are cohesive and go together.” Yvonne Lomeli says it’s the farm workers who are struggling the most, as they’re skipping days of work in the fields out of fear of deportation. She’s helping to feed the workers she says dedicated their lives to feeding the community. “We get big bulks of thing, the bulk of beans and rice, and then we have volunteers by hand, putting them in like quart size bags and then really like distributing and putting these things together,” said Lomeli, a VC Defensa Volunteer who wears many hats. It’s not just food they’re delivering. It’s also basic hygiene necessities like diapers and toiletries. Yvonne Lomeli says it’s bringing dignity to families that have been stripped of their humanity. “It’s just one tiny stress off of a family’s plate that has already experienced so much trauma. And that’s actually a lot of the work that we do. It is not about it’s not about so much support in the thriving. It is literally support in surviving the day-to-day.”  

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Patricia Martellotti

A new hands-on exhibit at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is taking visitors on a journey beyond Earth just in time for a community increasingly fascinated by the stars.

The Museum’s newest addition, Our Cosmic Coast, A Space Sciences Exhibit is officially open to the public.

The exhibit explores everything from Moon phases and gravity to meteorites and the sounds of space, with interactive stations that connect cosmic phenomena to life here on Earth.

Timed with a wave of local space-related events—including a talk from the pilot of NASA’s Mars Helicopter and the opening of the Rubin Observatory—the exhibit is designed to capture the curiosity of all ages.

The exhibit opens daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and is included with regular museum admission.

To top it off, the Museum is also offering solar viewing and immersive planetarium shows all summer long. For more, head to sbnature.org/astronomy.

For more information, visit: https://www.sbnature.org/.

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Ryder Christ

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Social isolation and loneliness are growing public health concerns among older adults, with nearly half of seniors reporting feelings of depression or disconnection.

Across California, programs like the Oasis Adult Day Center in Fresno are helping seniors re-engage with their communities.

The Oasis Day Center, run by the Valley Caregiver Resource Center, offers older adults with memory loss or dementia a chance to socialize, stay active, and give caregivers much-needed respite.

“When I moved here, I didn’t know anybody at all,” said Fresno resident Bill Copeland, who now visits the center daily. “I love to chat about what’s going on in sports and the news. It’s a great place to connect.”

Meghan Velasquez, Executive Director of the Valley Caregiver Resource Center, said isolation often worsens after a dementia diagnosis—both for the individual and their caregiver.

“It’s hard for your loved one to get out and feel safe and comfortable,” Velasquez said. “Programs like this help create friendships and reduce stress for caregivers, who can take a break or attend support groups.”

According to a 2023 California Department of Aging survey of more than 17,000 seniors, 40% reported feeling lonely or isolated, and 43% said they experienced depression. One in four older Californians now lives alone.

To address this, California officials are urging families to explore community programs.

“If it’s something you’re on the fence about, I’d encourage you to pay a visit,” said Susan DeMarois, director of the California Department of Aging. “Take a buddy with you. Introduce yourself.”

The Oasis program is expanding with help from a $50,000 grant from the City of Fresno. Fresno Councilmember Tyler Maxwell said the funding will help fill a gap for families who can’t provide elder care on their own.

Central Coast Resources for Seniors

Similar programs exist on the Central Coast to help older adults facing loneliness or isolation:

Santa Barbara County:

Family Service Agency – PEARLS Program offers free in-home coaching to help seniors reduce depression.

Center for Successful Aging provides peer counseling, wellness check-ins, and support groups.

Cottage Health Coast Caregiver Resource Center offers caregiver support and education throughout Santa Barbara, Ventura, and SLO counties.

Ventura County:

Ventura County Area Agency on Aging connects seniors with social services, meal delivery, and transportation.

Senior Support Line: 1-800-235-9980 for free emotional support.

PathPoint Life Skills Center offers a therapeutic day program with activities and social support.

San Luis Obispo County:

Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens provides peer counseling, legal assistance, and advocacy services.

Wilshire Community Services supports older adults with counseling, volunteer companionship, and end-of-life care.

Transitions-Mental Health Association offers community drop-in centers and social support programs for seniors across SLO and northern Santa Barbara counties.

For a full list of programs or to find services in your area, visit the California Department of Aging.

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Dave Alley

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – New mapping that goes into effect today shows a greater number of homes in San Luis Obispo are now at risk of being damaged or destroyed from a wildfire.

San Luis Obispo City Council recently approved an updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map, a requirement by the state for all municipalities.

The new map, along with homeowner mitigation requirements, officially went into effect on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

The new map shows many more homes are now located within risk zones designated moderate, high and very high.

According to the city, the amount of homes that are now listed within “Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone,” has increased 250% compared to 2011, when the map was last updated.

“In 2011, there was about 36 parcels that were in that very high fire hazard zone,” said Fire Chief Todd Tuggle. “As we fast forward into 2025, 15 years later, what we’re looking at is there’s about 2,800 parcels in that Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Additionally, the state added two more zones, so there’s now a High and a Moderate Zone in the local responsibility areas as well, and there’s an additional about 1,500 parcels in each of those zones, so now in the 2025 maps where we previously we had a very small number of impacted parcels, now there’s a really a big chunk of our city is within a fire hazard severity zone.”

The Fire Hazard Severity Zones have been determined CAL FIRE by looking at certain criteria, including large areas with similar wildfire risks, based on factors like slope and vegetation.

The State’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone model is based on two important factors, how likely an area is to burn and how a fire would behave under extreme conditions, such as strong winds, dry vegetation, and hot weather. 

“The zones developed by CAL FIRE include a more robust modeling capacity than what was available in 2011,” said Tuggle. “The biggest thing that’s been learned in that in the subsequent 15 years is that when fire burns from the vegetation towards the built environment, there’s two ways that fire can initiate structure fires or start buildings on fire. That’s either through direct flame contact, in other words, flames literally touching a house or embers cast where embers are lobbed into the air and are caught by the wind and then land in the built environment. We’ve seen that over and over again. We’ve seen it in Santa Rosa. We saw it in Paradise. We saw it in LA and in Pasadena just this year, and what happens is when those embers are cast down into the urban environment, they find a receptive fuel bed, whether that’s leaves in on a roof or in a gutter or in mulch or brush up against the house or even combustible fences, and so those embers can then catch those combustible materials near structures on fire, which then leads to the structure fires themselves.” 

With the updated map now in effect, property and homeowners are now required to take necessary steps to reduce wildfire risks, such as adding and maintaining defensible space around buildings.

“The most immediate will be the need to create defensible space,” said San Luis Obispo City Manager Whitney McDonald. “It will be essentially looking at vegetation around your home, making sure that it really puts into practice some sort of evasion practices, and really looking at your vegetation and making sure your, your trees are limbed up, and don’t have things growing over your roofs, and also to clear dead material, and trying to make sure that in the event of a fire or a wildfire nearby, that embers that could be floating don’t catch on fire any of the vegetation surrounding your home and then be more likely to get into your home itself.”

In addition, certain one designations will also require property and homeowners to take extra steps to mitigate wildfire risks.

For more information about the updated San Luis Obispo Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map, click here.

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Below is a press release from the City of Goleta regarding a special city council meeting being held Monday, July 21st.

GOLETA, Calif. –  The community is invited to the City of Goleta’s Special Council meeting this Monday, July 21st, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. The Council will discuss the City’s next steps following recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in our region. The Council heard from community members on the topic during public comment at its July 15th meeting. Participate in the July 21st Special Council meeting either in-person, via Zoom, or by watching live on our website, Goleta TV Channel 19, or on our YouTube channel. 

How to Participate:

Attend In-Person: City Council meetings take place in Council Chambers at Goleta City Hall located at 130 Cremona Drive. In-person simultaneous Spanish interpretation is now conducted at all City Council meetings. Agendas are also translated into Spanish and can be found on the City’s website in advance of the meeting at www.cityofgoleta.org/meetings-agendas.

Virtual Participation: Join the meeting via Zoom. A link will be available in the agenda. Oral comments during a meeting may be made by electronic participation.

Written Participation: If you would like your comment to be distributed to City Council, please submit via email by 12:00 p.m. on the Monday of the Special City Council meeting. Please submit your comment to the City Clerk at: cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org. Your comment will be placed into the record and distributed appropriately.

Just Watch: You can watch the meetings live on our website in high definition at www.cityofgoleta.org/meetings-agendasor live on Goleta TV Channel 19. Meetings are also available live and recorded on the City’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/cityofgoleta1) where you can add auto-generated closed captions or Spanish-language captions in video playback.

An agenda for the Special Council meeting is scheduled to be released this Friday, July 18, and can be found on the City’s website. Sign up to receive an agenda sent to you via email or text here: https://tinyurl.com/y36ervg4.

Traducción al Español:

GOLETA, Calif. – La comunidad está invitada a la reunión especial del Consejo Municipal de la Ciudad de Goleta este lunes 21 de julio de 2025 a las 5:30 p.m. El Concejo discutirá los próximos pasos de la Ciudad luego de las recientes actividades del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE, por sus siglas en inglés) en nuestra región. El Consejo escuchó a los miembros de la comunidad sobre el tema durante los comentarios públicos en su reunión del 15 de julio. Participe en la reunión del Consejo Especial del 21 de julio, ya sea en persona, a través de Zoom, o viéndolo en vivo en nuestro sitio web, Goleta TV Canal 19, o en nuestro canal de YouTube.

Cómo participar:

Asista en persona: Las reuniones del Concejo Municipal se llevan a cabo en las Cámaras del Concejo en el Ayuntamiento de Goleta ubicado en 130 Cremona Drive. La interpretación simultánea al español en persona ahora se lleva a cabo en todas las reuniones del Concejo Municipal. Las agendas también se traducen al español y se pueden encontrar en el sitio web de la Ciudad antes de la reunión en www.cityofgoleta.org/meetings-agendas.

Participación virtual: Únase a la reunión a través de Zoom. Un enlace estará disponible en la agenda. Los comentarios orales durante una reunión pueden hacerse mediante participación electrónica.

Participación por escrito: Si desea que su comentario se distribuya al Concejo Municipal, envíelo por correo electrónico antes de las 12:00 p.m. del lunes de la reunión especial del Concejo Municipal. Por favor, envíe su comentario a la Secretaria Municipal en: cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org. Su comentario se colocará en el registro y se distribuirá adecuadamente.

Solo Ver: Puedes ver los encuentros en vivo en nuestro sitio web en alta definición a www.cityofgoleta.org/meetings-agendas o en vivo por el canal 19 de Goleta TV. Las reuniones también están disponibles en vivo y grabadas en el canal de YouTube de la Ciudad (www.youtube.com/cityofgoleta1), donde puede agregar subtítulos generados automáticamente o subtítulos en español en la reproducción de video.

La agenda de la reunión especial del Concejo está programada para ser publicada este viernes, 18 de julio, y se puede encontrar en el sitio web de la Ciudad. Regístrese para recibir una agenda que se le enviará por correo electrónico o mensaje de texto aquí: https://tinyurl.com/y36ervg4.

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