Category: keyt-local-news

Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The investigation in the mysterious death of Elizabeth Hamel – the UC Santa Barbara student who died from her injuries after falling from an on-campus residence hall back in February – has now pick up speed thanks to the community’s help.

Her death left family and friends with unanswered questions about what exactly happened to the UCSB freshmen the night of February 14th. After spending the evening out with friends local restaurant, witnesses say Hamel was last seen with unknown man. Lack of surveillance footage and evidence put the investigation at a standstill, and her family has worked with UCPD to searched for answers since then.

On April 30th, Elizabeth’s father, Alain Hamel, along with their attorneys and private investigator held a press conference outside of San Rafael Hall, just a few steps from where Elizabeth was found. They asked the public for help and revealed a photo of the young man last seen with Elizabeth the night she fell.

They pleaded with the man or anyone with information to come forward.

“We’re calling upon our greatest resource, the UCSB community, to help identify this person,” Alain Hamel said at Wednesday’s press conference. “If you recognize the individual in the photos, or if you saw anything that night that may be relevant – no matter how small – please come forward. Your information may be key to helping us understand what happened to Liz.

A just a little more than 24 hours later, a UCSB spokesperson released this statement from UCPD:

“An individual who was identified in relation to the incident at our residence hall has been located and interviewed. 

The investigation is still ongoing, and we cannot discuss any additional details at this time.  

UCPD is keeping the family informed and is working closely with the Santa Barbara District Attorney’s Office.”

Alain Hamel confirmed with your News Channel on Thursday night that the young man police interviewed is the same individual seen in the photos released by the family’s attorney. He did not disclose anymore details.

In a personal message with your News Channel Alain Hamel shared his gratitude towards the community, saying they helped revive the investigation.

“The community just unblocked them as far as we know, like we’re not on the inside, of course, but it seems that way. It was so quick and the calls were so supportive, of course,” Hamel says. “We had a private investigator that would work through the calls and you know, the data was so good from the community. 

“Santa Barbara did everything right. You couldn’t t have done better. And I’m just so appreciative. Thank you.”

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help with Elizabeth Hamel’s medical and funeral expenses.

As the investigation continues, Alain Hamel remembers his daughter as a life cut too short.

“She was a joy to have as a child. She made those 18 years we had with her spectacular, and we loved every moment of it. And um, you know, we just wish she had more time, that’s all, just wish she had more time.” 

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Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – A recent study shows that autism diagnoses in the U.S. are at a all time high, and the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has sparked controversies with his recent comments and increased efforts to study autism.

Plans of a national disease registry for people with autism and other mental health diagnoses was discussed by the National Institutes of Health, in which medical records would be obtained to track and study autism.  An official at the HHS later though walked back those comments, saying that they were not creating an autism registry.

Kathleen Stengel, founder and CEO of Neurabilities joined your News Channel to discusses patient confidentiality and how the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA, protects a person’s medical information.

Nearly 30 years ago, HIPAA was signed into law, and later the HIPAA Privacy Rule was created giving individuals rights over their own protected health information.

“Allowed us to have privacy rights for our personal, private health information and that includes the diagnosis of autism or other mental health disorders, so it protects us by allowing us to control access to our personal health information. And it’s the federal law,” Stengel says.

Stengal says early diagnosis is key for anyone questioning if they, or someone they know has autism.

“The key is to get the diagnosis early and understand what your patient rights are. Actually that’s for everyone, including those who don’t have a diagnosis of autism or a mental health,” Stengal says.

Paying attention to what you’re signing at the doctor’s office and who has access to your medical information gives you control over your personal rights and medical autonomy.

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KESQ

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) –  The Texas Public Policy Foundation filed a lawsuit questioning the constitutionality of the Biden Administration of the 624,000-acre Chuckwalla National Monument.

The monument was declared in January, and plaintiffs claim the declaration was in violation of the Antiquities Act of 1906 allowing presidents to designated national monuments.

They argue “it was clear at the time that the bill was intended for much smaller areas of land,” according to the press release.

In a press release statement, the Texas Public Policy Foundation Attorney Anelise Powers said, “The earliest national monuments were between 160-1,000 acres, but now presidents are designating millions of acres at a time. It is abundantly clear that Congress never intended for the Antiquities Act to be used in this way, but that has not prevented the Executive branch from using the Act as a vehicle to acquire extensive control over essentially all public lands. For this reason, sitting members of the U.S. Supreme Court have indicated an interest in reviewing the Antiquities Act.”

The lawsuit includes two plaintiffs in Daniel Torongo and the BlueRibbon Coalition. Torongo’s family has been mining in the Chuckwalla territory since 1978, and plans to continue mining in the territory into his retirement. Torongo is a full-time Michigan resident.

However, the lawsuit says the monument proclamation “burdens” Torongo’s mining in the territory by increasing restrictions and regulations to maintain his claim, and will keep him from expanding to nearby areas.

The BlueRibbon Coalition joined Torongo’s lawsuit claiming its members are prevented from enjoying the same trails prior to the monument declaration. Uncharted trails along with other temporary closures halted BRC member activity.

The monument designation interferes with “the ability of members of BRC to drive, hike, and otherwise explore trails within the national monument.”

The case defendants include Douglas Burgum, the Secretary of the Interior and overseer of management of the Chuckwalla National Monument through the Bureau of Land Management, the BLM and the United States Department of the Interior.

For the full lawsuit go to texaspolicy.com

News Channel 3 is working to speak with the BlueRibbon Coalition and members of the Protect Chuckwalla National Monument.

Stay with us for the latest update on the lawsuit tonight at 5 p.m.

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Ryder Christ

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — From immigration raids and soaring tariffs to school board battles and sweeping federal job cuts, President Donald Trump’s first 100 days back in office are already reshaping life on California’s Central and South Coasts.

Former State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson and former Santa Barbara City Councilmember Dale Francisco joined KEYT for political commentary, offering opposing takes on the rapidly changing national landscape and its growing local consequences.

Immigration Crackdown and Local Arrests

One of Trump’s earliest campaign promises — to close the border and launch the largest deportation operation in U.S. history — is now underway. Border Czar Tom Homan says 139,000 people have been deported, with border crossings down 83%, marking the lowest monthly totals since the 1960s, according to FactCheck.org.

In Santa Barbara County, 39 people have been arrested by ICE since January, most in Santa Maria, according to the 805 Undocufund.

Primitiva Hernandez, with the 805 Undocufund, said, “They’re really going after anyone who is here undocumented, regardless [of] whether they have a criminal record or not.”

Immigration attorney Vanessa Frank added that the enforcement campaign is sparking widespread fear:

“Whenever a government has asked that everybody in the country sign up to be registered… it never ends well.”

Public opinion remains deeply divided. A PBS poll found that 87% of Republicans support Trump’s immigration policies.

Francisco defended the crackdown, citing what he sees as long-overdue enforcement.

“He absolutely has kept the promise,” Francisco said. “Illegal immigration is down to some of the lowest numbers ever recorded in history. That’s a testament to enforcing immigration law. The damage has been done under the last administration. But this is not about mass deportations. We just heard — 39 arrests in all of Santa Barbara County. We’re enforcing the law.”

Jackson strongly disagreed, accusing the administration of overreach.

“If you have an injury on your finger, you try to cure that injury — you don’t cut off the whole hand,” she said. “We are going after people who’ve been here for 25 or 30 years, who are contributing members of our community.”

She warned that such policies betray American values.

“This is not about safety. It’s about fear. These are the people who pick our food, who work the hard jobs. The notion that we are cleansing ourselves is absolutely wrong.”

Tariffs Shake Wall Street, Raise Prices

On “Liberation Day,” April 2, President Trump’s announcement of a 10% blanket tariff on all imports and a 145% tariff on Chinese goods sent the S&P 500 tumbling more than 10% — the worst week for Wall Street since the 2020 COVID-19 recession.

A Reuters poll found 57% of Americans oppose the tariffs, and 73% expect prices to rise on everyday goods. Even locally, the Assistance League of Santa Barbara says prom and wedding dresses are becoming more expensive or harder to find, due to disrupted imports.

UC Santa Barbara economics professor Peter Rupert called the policy economically damaging:

“You would be hard pressed to find an economist that thought tariffs helped,” Rupert said. “Tariffs do nothing but hurt. They hurt consumers. They hurt businesses.”

According to Rupert, the biggest import disruptions so far have been seen in avocados and steel-based goods.

Key price changes during Trump’s first 100 days:

Eggs: up 17% due to bird flu

Meat, poultry & fish: up 1.1%

Gas: down 7.8% this quarter, over 10% compared to this time last year

Jackson criticized Trump’s tariffs as reckless and harmful.

“This is a totally bonehead move by this president — creating chaos throughout the world, disruption in our food supplies, in services, and in international trade without any justification,” she said. “Business requires certainty, and all these tariffs have done is create greater uncertainty. It’s a bad decision. Prices are going up — they are not going down.”

Francisco defended the strategy as a necessary step toward economic independence from China.

“It will undoubtedly be painful because of how intertwined our economies are, but we have to do this.”

Biologist Reinstated After Firing Under Trump’s Efficiency Mandate

Alongside tariffs, Trump’s push for government “efficiency” is being felt in a wave of federal job terminations and budget slashes, recommended by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk.

Among the local casualties was Benjamin Vizzachero Viza-Caro, a wildlife biologist working in the Los Padres National Forest. In February, Vizzachero received notice of his termination. The official reason given was “poor performance.”

Vizzachero defended his record, saying he helped create fuel breaks to prevent wildfires and had earned strong praise from supervisors. He was just weeks from completing his probationary period as a new hire.

“I was stunned to lose the job I loved,” he said.

After public outcry and internal review, Vizzachero has since been reinstated.

Farmers and Food Banks in Crisis

In Carpinteria, farmer Juan Osorio says he feels “overwhelmed” after Trump canceled the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA), a federal program helping small farms sell produce to food banks.

“What’s going to happen is I won’t be able to provide for my family,” Osorio said.

The Santa Barbara County Foodbank expects to lose more than $4 million in support, including:

Over 1.5 million pounds of food

A $24,000 FEMA emergency food grant

A $500,000 loss from LFPA alone

The SLO Food Bank is also losing $600,000 annually, with a proposed 20% cut to federal food aid threatening to increase hardship across rural communities. Officials say SNAP reductions could double local demand.

Transgender Policy Sparks School Board Tensions

Meanwhile, a Trump executive order targeting transgender athletes and students has ignited heated debate in Arroyo Grande, where a recent Lucia Mar School Board meeting drew national attention.

Arroyo Grande High School student and track athlete Celeste Duyst shared her experience using the same locker room with a transgender student, whom she referred to as a “biological male.”

“What about us?” cried Duyst. “We can’t let our rights be given up to cater to the individual.”

“It’s sad that members of our community are willing to show hate to children who just want to feel comfortable in their own skin,” said another public speaker.

Some San Luis Obispo County parents now say they’ll keep their children home unless school districts follow the new federal guidelines. But district leaders say state law still protects gender identity, including participation in sports and access to facilities.

So far, there have been no campus walkouts or major absences reported.

Francisco highlighted that cultural issues like this one is why Trump’s supporters believe the country is moving in the right direction:

“Trump agrees with most Americans on this,” Francisco said. “These aren’t fringe concerns — they’re about restoring fairness and common sense to public policy.”

Jackson countered that more than half of the public would disagree that President Trump is doing a good job at this point.

Tracking the Promises: The MAGA-Meter

According to the Poynter Institute’s MAGA-Meter, President Trump has kept key campaign promises, including:

Pardoning Jan. 6 rioters

Leaving the Paris Climate Accord

Designating drug cartels, such as MS-13 in Santa Maria, as foreign terrorist organizations

Closing the border on Day One

The largest deportation operation in American history remains a work in progress, but his administration says it’s on track.

Polls Reflect Deep Division

While nearly 130,000 people in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties voted for Trump last November, national support is more divided.

Pew Research, Reuters, and CNN all show Trump’s approval at around 40% — the lowest of any newly elected president at the 100-day mark. Pew also found 59% disapprove of the tariffs, and 55% disapprove of federal cuts.

Francisco believes the president is delivering results.

“From the point of view of people who supported Trump… things are going in the right direction now.”

Jackson warns of lasting damage.

“Trump is not king… He’s cutting services for people who need them so the rich can get tax cuts.”

KEYT will continue tracking how President Trump’s second-term agenda unfolds in the months ahead — and how Central Coast residents are responding.

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Jarrod Zinn

LOMPOC, Calif. – A long-awaited moment finally arrived at the historic Lompoc Theatre, where the groundbreaking is 25 years in the making.

Once the heart of Lompoc’s cultural life, the theatre sat vacant and decaying for decades.

Now, a new generation of artists is eager to revive the space and share it with the community.

After 25 years of slow but steady progress, the city of Lompoc officially broke ground on phase 2 of the theatre’s restoration.

“It is in the center of town. It used to be the center of town emotionally and spiritually, in that all of the art happened here, people would gather. I’m looking forward to the heart and soul of this city beating strongly again,” says Mark Herrier, the Lompoc Theatre Project’s executive director.

In February, the stage will be opened as an 85 seat black box theater, while the rest of the building is renovated and restored to its former glory in time for its Centennial Grand reopening in 2027.

“2027 will be its 100th anniversary. And so we’re hoping to have phase three finished by then,” says Senator Joan Hartmann, 3rd district supervisor.

As it will be a new home for drama troupes, music bands, and more, it has the potential of reflecting the meaning of the word “Lompoc” as ‘liminal waters’ as opposed to ‘stagnant waters.’

“The theater will represent this new understanding of the term Lompoc, a place of dynamism and creativity, and that nurtures everything around it,” says Senator Hartmann.

Construction teams are updating the building to meet modern codes and redesigning the interior to restore its original elegance and grandeur.

The Lompoc Theatre Project is still fundraising for phase 3.

You can find out how to donate by clicking the link and visiting their website.

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network is seeing an unusual influx of coyote pups this spring, adding to an already busy baby animal season.

While the nonprofit typically treats just one or two coyote pups every few years, staff say they have already received eight so far this season — a record number.

“We normally don’t get any coyote puppies,” a spokesperson said. “We’ll get older juveniles and adults brought into care, but this is highly unusual.”

The center is currently treating 357 animals, up 57 from the previous week. The increase includes a wide variety of species, but the number of coyote pups stands out as an anomaly. Other wildlife centers across the region are also reporting they are at or near capacity with similar cases.

It’s unclear what’s driving the spike. Wildlife experts suspect the pups may have been orphaned, but they are awaiting surveys and biologist reports for more insight.

The center is now working to create a new enclosure specifically for coyotes and other larger mammals. Staff say the pups are recovering well and will soon be moved into a larger outdoor habitat.

“They are a handful, but it’s great to see them doing well,” the spokesperson said.

The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network is asking for volunteers to support its efforts during this busy season. Community members who see a coyote in distress are encouraged to call the organization’s hotline.

For more information or to get involved, visit https://www.sbwcn.org.

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – For years, lifeguard Leighton Bell has made it her mission to save lives in Santa Barbara.

“I think we live in a city sit around the beach and kids need to understand the value of ocean skills,” said Bell.

Now, Bell is training kids to learn those skills at the upcoming Santa Barbara County Junior Lifeguard Program.

“Teach beach safety and education around how they can make good decisions and honestly potentially save their lives in a dangerous situation,” said Bell.

The program is a dynamic training experience for youth ages 6 to 17 taught by professional Santa Barbara County Lifeguards.

Participants will gain hands-on experience in ocean rescue techniques, paddleboard use, CPR, and first aid.

“Medical training, life saving training, how to deal with people on the beach … all those type things. Extremely invaluable,” said lifeguard Jack David of Santa Barbara County.

This year, the program is offering a new category called the Minis.

“I’m so excited for this. It starts at ages five and six and it’s meant to be centered around fun, but just creating an understanding and an awareness of the ocean,” said Bell.

Daily activities include swimming, running, paddling, surfing, beach games, and water safety drills. 

“Fun way that we can also change lives. You know … we want to implement just an education around something that is so integral in our community,” said Bell.

The new program will introduce the youngest participants to ocean safety in a fun and supportive environment.

The program also includes educational sessions on marine ecology and ocean conservation.

The focus of the Junior Lifeguard Program is to promote physical fitness, safety awareness, teamwork, and respect for the coastal environment.

From Santa Barbara County Parks:

(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) – Santa Barbara County Parks is excited to announce that registration for the 2025 Junior Lifeguard Program is now open! Families can sign up by visiting www.sbparks.org/jgs and clicking the green Register Now! Button. There are currently summer sessions available for youth aged 6 to 17.

This summer, the Junior Lifeguard Program will offer four fun-filled and educational sessions at Goleta Beach County Park. Each session runs Monday through Friday, from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Each session cost $250. There are discounts for registering multiple children.

• Session 1: June 16 – June 27

• Session 2: June 30 – July 11 (No program on July 4)

• Session 3: July 14 – July 25 (Includes optional Jalama group camp July 21–25; details to follow)

• Session 4: July 28 – August 8

Tryouts

All new participants will join returning Junior Lifeguards on the first day of their session for an untimed ocean swim test. Swim distances will be age appropriate.

New for 2025: Minis Program!

For the first time, Santa Barbara County Parks is welcoming 6- and 7-year-olds to join the new Minis Program, featuring age-specific activities designed to introduce our youngest participants to ocean safety in a fun and supportive environment.

About the Program

The Santa Barbara County Junior Lifeguard Program is a dynamic and enriching training experience for youth ages 6 to 17, taught by professional Santa Barbara County Lifeguards. Participants will gain hands-on experience in ocean rescue techniques, paddleboard use, CPR, and first aid. Daily activities include swimming, running, paddling, surfing, beach games, and water safety drills. The program also includes educational sessions on marine ecology and ocean conservation.

The Junior Lifeguard Program promotes physical fitness, safety awareness, teamwork, and respect for the coastal environment.

For full program details, including session breakdowns and FAQs, please visit www.sbparks.org/jgs

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Mike Klan

OXNARD, Calif. – Andre Reed is not catching touchdown passes anymore but he is still scoring big by giving back to kids.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver was the keynote speaker at the Great Future for Kids Breakfast at Heritage Square in Oxnard.

He spoke to Boys & Girls Club supporters with a goal of raising $150,000 for the clubs in Oxnard and Port Hueneme.

Reed was a Boys & Girls Club member growing up in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

“The Boys & Girls Club cared about my future and we just got to get the kids to move forward and keep going in a positive direction,” said Reed.

The 7-time Pro Bowl receiver helped the Buffalo Bills reach the Super Bowl 4 straight years in the 1990’s although his team never won the big game.

“I lost four Super Bowl games in a row but I am still standing,” began Reed. “There’s a lot of guys who hadn’t played in one and say I wish I had played in one and you guys went to four, yeah we didn’t win but that’s life.”

Reed played 16 seasons in the NFL, all but one of them with Buffalo. He currently ranks 18th in all-time touchdown receptions with 87.

Andre Reed lives in San Diego now and puts reading rooms in clubs.

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Mike Klan

VENTURA, Calif. – Santa Barbara High School sophomore Elina Stump had a big day at the Channel League Track and Field Championships.

Stump won in the 100m hurdles (15.41), the long jump (16-6.25) and the triple jump (33-11).

Santa Barbara strongman Malachi Johnston pulled off a double win.

A personal best throw of 51-8 was a winning mark in the shot put and he also brings home the discus title at 138-10.

Dons senior Carter Battle soared 6-3 to win the high jump.

In a thrilling 1600m race Dos Pueblos junior Cullen Gulley passed teammate Owen Abbott to edge him at the finish line. Gulley won with a time of 4:24.42 while Abbott was 4:24.61.

Ventura freshman Sophie Nuckols won the girls 1600m in a time of 5:17.67.

San Marcos junior Logan Patterson Deakyne continues to control the 400m distance as he wins the title at 51.09.

Helena Marin of Oxnard captured the girls 400m event at 60.90.

The speed king is Ventura junior Myles Russell who wins the 100m in a time of 10.82.

He added the 200m crown as well at 22.13.

Aubrey Easter of Buena wins the girls 100m at 12.44 and the 200m at 25.70.

For more results visit https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/575513/results

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Mike Klan

GOLETA, Calif. – Stella Lawler made 15 saves to lead Dos Pueblos to a 9-7 win over Paloma Valley in a second round CIF-SS Division 3 playoff game.

The Chargers advance to the quarterfinals where they will host Glendale on Tuesday, May 6.

The DP offense was led by Reagan Arnold who scored 4 goals.

Also in D3 Cate won at Beckman 16-10 and will play Trabuco Hills next.

In Division 2 San Marcos lost on the road at St. Margaret’s 14-9.

The Royals finish an outstanding season at 18-3.

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