Category: keyt-local-news

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY,  Calif. (KEYT) – The forecast of a wet winter is too real to ignore, and local leaders are getting set if it should materialize.

The Santa Barbara County Association of Government  (SBCAG) is asking Governor Gavin Newsom to issue a statewide order to expedite work to reduce flood risks. A letter to Newsom has been authorized and supported by local cities and the county. In it asks in part, for the state “to provide all available funding, equipment, personnel, technical support, emergency-planning assistance, and other resources to help local communities prepare for a worst-case flooding scenario this winter.”

Forecasters say there is a 69% chance of a historic El Niño that would exceed the strength of previous El Niño events dating back to 1950.

Montecito is on area that is not known to handle strong continuous rainfall. One reason is the lack of concrete drainage areas which is part of the coastal character of the region. The concrete channels do exist in many areas of Carpinteria and Santa Barbara.

Help from the state, combined with work from the Santa Barbara County Public Works Department, will continue to clear vegetation that could become a problem in big storms by clogging waterways and leading to unexpected areas of flooding.

SBCAG stresses the benefits of work in advance of a disaster and the tremendous costs that come after an event if cleanup and repairs could take years of works, permits and the attempts at funding assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Already this year, the county has warned that FEMA support may come at a slower pace based on policy decisions from Washington.

Kris Bigham is a camp host who also has concerns. “I don’t even know how they (FEMA) do it with all the disasters we have.  They gotta be upside down and they are over over extended .”

Flood control crews have been digging out vegetation from creeks  and creating the maximum space for rainfall runoff.

A former local planner Addison Thompson in Santa Barbara Thursday said, “they are doing the right thing trying to be proactive and do things ahead of time rather than wait and try and fix it after it is already bad.”

Many people have experienced the bad storms in their neighborhoods or on local roads. “Yea, flooded freeways, the whole bit. In the city we have  had the water get into homes. I  don’t miss that at all,” said Synthia Pilic.

In addition to creek clearing, opening debris basins has been a priority. “Once it starts flowing, it flows pretty fast. Having a basin that is in place helps to hold it until it trickles out rather than comes out all at once, ” said Thompson.

If we have a major incident Thompson says the local residents can be very responsive. I think we ought to be doing more to take care of ourselves rather than depending on someone  like  FEMA  coming in later  and fix it.”

Bingham agrees.

“I just feel like the community is very strong here. and do what needs to be done even if they don’t have to.”

For more emergency information go to. ReadySBC.org

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Jarrod Zinn

Drivers on the south end of San Luis Obispo caught sight today of a groundbreaking ceremony for another section of the Bob Jones Trail project.

This is a day nearly fifty years in the making.

Contractors, city and county leaders, along with the grown daughters of the late Bob Jones gathered at the Octagon Barn in San Luis Obispo.

“This was something my father had a vision for,” says Michele Smith, daughter of Bob Jones. “And he was somebody that could get everybody talking.”

Construction is already underway on a 2-mile stretch, clearly visible from the roadside, especially on Higuera Street.

“The utility work has already begun, which is great progress,” says Stephen Hanamaikai, SLOCOG Transportation Planner. “You know, we need that to go in before we can begin real construction.”

The 4.5-mile connector trail from here at the Octagon Barn to the 2.5-mile segment at Ontario Road in Avila Beach creates an 8-mile “Class I” multi-use recreational trail.

“He’s somebody that opened the world up for me, the natural world,” says Smith. “I’ve always loved animals and fish and protecting our world, and I think it’s really good for kids.”

The long-term vision, which still has some undetermined phases ahead, ultimately seeks to connect the two currently separate segments into a single multi-use recreational path, fully isolated from any vehicular traffic.

“Eventually, you know, the idea is to have that connection fully to Los Osos Valley Road,” says Hanamaikai. “As it is now there’s a pretty good connection with the existing bike lanes. But, you know, we want to complete that vision.”

While jurisdictional coordination is on the horizon for the remaining mile, it will involve right-of-way and property acquisitions as well as other safety determinations.

“We brought as much family as we could to get down here today,” says Smith. “And we’re just really proud of his legacy.”

The connector trail has been highly anticipated for decades, and the project dates back to the early 1990s.

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Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – For many travelers, flying out of Santa Barbara Airport means starting the trip closer to home.

“It’s super convenient a lot less congested than LAX. You’re not waiting a long time,” said travelor Rachel Hernandez.

“Wonderful great small airport … convenient … takes me 15 minutes from my car to the gate,” said traveler Jon Reveles.

Nearly 1.5 million people passed through the Airport last year — the busiest year in its history.

New nonstop routes have given passengers additional choices.

“Just this year we added two new routes … one nonstop route to San Diego and a nonstop route to Chicago,” said marketing supervisor Lauren Gonzales of the Santa Barbara Airport.

Now, Santa Barbara Airport is one of 20 nominees in USA TODAY’s Best Small Airport contest.

“I’m not surprised it’s a wonderful airport. People staff cruise are wonderful,” said Reveles.

More people are flying from Santa Barbara, and now passengers can help put their hometown airport on top.

“We received great feedback on the routes we’ve added and we always get suggestions from passengers on where they’d like to fly,” said Gonzales.

The public vote will decide the winner.

Voting for the national honor continues through October 5th.

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Beth Farnsworth

GOLETA, CA (KEYT) – If there was ever a time to give Mother Nature a helping hand, it’s now. 

Santa Barbara-based Fish Reef Project is doing just that, giving nature an offshore, underwater boost in seven countries and, here at home.

The nonprofit team is now in a race against time ahead of California’s next super El Niño.

“We are what you’d call ‘true believers.’ Nothing stops us,” said Chris Goldblatt, Founder and CEO of Fish Reef Project.

We met up with Goldblatt at the Goleta Pier. He pointed to the site of an offshore reef system in nearly 40 feet of water off Goleta Beach and UCSB. Video shared with your News Channel showed structures teeming with sea life: schools of fish, lobsters, crabs, sea urchins — a thriving eco-system, man-made, mimicking mother nature. 

The underwater structures are the Fish Reef Project’s patented Sea Cave invention, a design Goldblatt called “deceptively simple.” 

“These little pock marks are half the size of a tennis ball. That allows the small plankton or kelp seeds a place to grab,” Goldblatt explained.

“When you put this on the sea floor, after about a year to 18 months, when you go down there, and there’s all this marine life growing on it, it looks like nature put it there.”

The individual caves are much larger than the prototype; 6 feet by 4 feet by 3 feet, each weighing one metric ton. 

Goldblatt described the material as pH-neutralized concrete, strong enough to endure sub-sea conditions — even in hurricanes — for more than 100-years, long enough to help restore damaged eco-systems. 

One of the Sea Caves’ greatest benefits is replenishing coastal kelp forests.

“If you’re over 50 you probably remember, the kelp was so thick that we had to have kelp cutters cut the kelp to get the boats out of the harbor.”

Not anymore. The super El Niño in 1983 wiped them out. Goldblatt said those kelp forests are an integral part of protecting local shores.

“We are losing the beach,” said Goldblatt. “Behind that is a restaurant, behind that is the airport and the sanitary district so we have to protect it.”

As another super El Niño builds, it’s bound to happen again.

“The kelp’s gonna get thrashed this year,” he said.

So, to him, the team’s quest to expand its 5-year pilot project to 100 acres off Goleta Beach makes sense. If not granted, the Fish Reef Project faces a bureaucratic wave of destruction, ripping out the sea caves.

“You would essentially kill thousands or millions of marine organisms needlessly. The flip side of that is you can expand it and get your kelp forest back.”

Goldblatt said the 2-year permitting process is costly and lengthy and the clock is ticking, the window is halfway closed. 

“Why not Santa Barbara? Why not California? This is where we’re from. Why does it take so long to happen here? It’s the ultimate legacy for anybody who helps, for hundreds of years, of giving life back to the ocean.”

Click here to learn more about the Fish Reef Project and its Sea Caves.

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Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – When the Planned Parenthood Book Sale began in 1973, it filled a small storefront, now it fills Warren Hall at the Earl Warren Showgrounds.

“The community has come out in such a big way to support us this year it brings me to tears every time I think about it, we have had a 25 percent over last year,” said volunteer Joanne “JoJo” Snyder.

Planned Parenthood volunteers and customers appear to be well aware that some people are opposed to the cause.

“I think around here most people tend to support Planned Parenthood, they do so many things for our community in a lot of different ways,” said Hala Evans.

“There was one protester this year, it happens, we understand everybody has free speech,” said Snyder.

Snyder said buying books is their way to actively protest.

There are tables full of banned books, fiction, nonfiction, art books, children’s books, music, cooking, gardening, travel, mystery and more that are replenished daily.

“”I just like to support the cause it is a great way to get out in the community and enjoy book,” said Patty Evens, “I got; “A String of Pearls, Pearl Chase of Santa Barbara,” there is, “A Murder at the Potter Hotel” which is a must read, and another “Murder in Montecito,” I don’t live in Montecito, so, I am good, a little joke book and 2 puzzles.”

“I got a Julia Child cookbook, which I have been trying to get forever, they are usually about $40, this one is $4,” said Hala Evans.

The sale is named after the late Mary Jane McCord who volunteered for decades.

The sale runs from Noon to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

On Sunday, the remaining books and items are 50 percent off and free in the final hour to non-profits that register in advance.

Planned Parenthood also sells books online.

Books, vinyl, CDs, DVDs, games, and puzzle donations are collected year-round.

Planned Parenthood volunteers said there is drop-off location at 5729 Thornwood Dr. in Goleta.

For more information visit https://booksale.ppcentralcoast.org

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – San Marcos High School announced the hiring of Jessica Spigner as the Royals new head softball coach.

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Spigner,” said Athletic Director Frann Wageneck. “Her background as a Division I athlete speaks for itself, but her commitment to developing the whole athlete set her apart. Her competitive drive will immediately elevate our program.”

A former Division I athlete, national award winner, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Spigner brings extensive experience in elite competition, athlete development, and mental performance to San Marcos.

Spigner was named the 2008 Gatorade California Softball Player of the Year, California Miss Softball, and CIF Division I Player of the Year after winning back-to-back CIF Division I Championships. She played collegiately at Tennessee and Arizona before serving as an assistant coach at Arizona.

“Coach Spigner knows how to build a team culture grounded in discipline, resilience, and unity,” added Wageneck. “Her background in mental performance will be an incredible asset on and off the field.”

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Dave Alley

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – Volunteers are needed to help take part in the 21st Annual Creeks to Coast Cleanup” being held across San Luis Obispo County.

On Saturday, Sept. 19, hundreds of volunteers are expected to help cleanup three dozen county locations, including the coastline, inland creeks, lakes, and parks.

Last year, the event drew 839 volunteers and collected 7,305 pounds of trash, 177 pounds of recycled materials and picked up used 4,248 cigarettes.

Among the locations scheduled for cleanup is Oso Flaco Lake, an 800-acre day-use area located in the Guadalupe-Dunes Complex just north of the Santa Barbara County line near Guadalupe.

“We love Oso Flaco, not only because it’s so gorgeous, but because we recreate there,” said Saule Baipsys, The Dunes Center Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator. “We go hiking there really often. We bring our school groups there multiple times a week and to do stuff retreats there and all sorts of fun stuff. We just love that area so much, so this is just a little way to show that love to the area that gives us so much love.”

The Creeks to Coast Cleanup is hosted by The Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo (ECOSLO) and will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Among the many other areas set for cleanup includes, Elephant Seal Viewing Point near San Simeon, Cayucos Pier, Morro Bay Embarcadero, Mission Plaza in Downtown San Luis Obispo, Laguna Lake Park in San Luis Obispo, Bob Jones Trail in Avila Beach, Pismo Pier, Lopez Lake east of Arroyo Grande, Arroyo Grande Creek near Oceano and Olde Towne Nipomo.

Oso Flaco Lake is at the southernmost point of the cleanup list and is a recreational destination Baipsys pointed out is a very popular draw for both locals and visitors alike.

“It’s a heavily trafficked area for a good reason, it’s beautiful,” said Baipsys. “We want to be in natural spaces, but we need to know how to enjoy them and be in those spaces and share those spaces correctly. We do see trash out there every single time we go out and it’s a good learning experience for the kids to see adults pick up trash when they encounter it, but to also see how it ruins those areas that we love so much.”

Baipsys is the Site Captain for the Oso Flaco Lake cleanup and is encouraging anyone who wants to help out to take part in the effort.

“It’s vital no matter what you believe about environmental protection or recreation in the dunes that trash is not good in natural spaces and that’s one thing that can unify us all,” said Baipsys. “It’s just fun to get out with your family with volunteer groups.”

Organizers asking those who are interested in volunteering to register here through the ECOSLO website for enough supplies will onsite ready for use.

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Dave Alley

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – San Luis Obispo County has started the process of demolishing the old building that was the long-time site of its Probation Department.

Located at 1730 Bishop Street and officially known as Casa Loma, the former Probation Department building dates back to the 1940s.

It was replaced earlier this year when the County officially opened up its new $40 million Probation Department building that’s essentially located next door.

With Casa Loma no longer functional, the Board of Supervisors voted back in 2017 to demolish the site and restore the site to its natural state.

According to the County, the original plan was to demolish the structures, restore the property to its natural grade, and install erosion-control measures as a single construction effort.

However, the County said in a release the heavy El Niño-related rains that are forecast to begin later this year raised concerns of increased risk of erosion.

As a result, work to remove the building, as well as two nearby modular buildings, and the restoration efforts, will now be divided into two phases.

The County said Phase 1 will include the removal off all three buildings, while the front portion of the property will be cleared up to the existing asphalt parking lot and will remain until Phase 2.

In addition, the basement area will be filled and compacted.

Phase 2 will remove the retaining wall, concrete areas, and portions of the asphalt, restore the property to its original natural grade, and install additional erosion control.

Work is scheduled to take place between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The County is expecting Phase 1 work to run through October.

As a result of the project, the County said people in the area will see an increased construction truck traffic in the Bishop Street and Johnson Avenue area, construction equipment and personnel on-site, temporary noise and vibration associated with demolition activities, and periodic traffic control or temporary access restrictions, as needed, for public safety.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Going one piece at a time, tons of trash will be picked up for Coastal Cleanup Day, set for Saturday from 9 a.m to noon.

There will be 37 sites just in Santa Barbara County with a team captain,  pickers,  gloves and buckets ready for volunteers. It is also a chance to see locations you may not normally visit.

The California effort overall is in coordination with worldwide cleanup programs.

Organizers say it is amazing how small buckets of trash can add up to tons of waste removed from the environment before it pollutes the shoreline and ocean.

The locations are not just on the beach. They include nearby parks, creeks and waterways that would have items that end up in the ocean or are harmful to the marine mammals in the waters.

Last year the number one item was a cigarette butt. Also discarded often are food wrappers, plastics and bags of all types. Often after a busy weekend, clothing and toys are also left on the beaches.

Jill Cloutier with Explore Ecology says, “it is really like a joint effort to stand up for the beach  and the coast and the beautiful marine mammals that we all love.” Throughout the state, she says there will be programs this weekend.

A UC Santa Barbara student in Environmental Studies was on a recent weekend cleanup and she was on a small team up with big results.

Kalea Isaac said, “we had four or five people come  but we had 20 pounds of liter picked up so every small thing does makes a difference.”

Even though we are a non smoking city, Cloutier said, “definitely cigarette butts are still number one. unfortunately and people may not know they have  plastic in them.  Plastic overall is the number one item.”

On a typical walk along the waterfront you may often find small plastic containers that are used for items such as salsa, or plastic straws, lids and utensils.

Those participating in Coastal Cleanup Day keep a log of the items they pick up for an overall statewide calculation. Results come out later this year.

Isaac says she hopes some of the trash can be converted or reused into a new product.

For more information go to: Explore Ecology

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Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – A brand new season of the hit television series, Survivor, is returning for an exciting 51st season, and this season will feature a special Central Coast castaway.

Santa Barbara-based crisis manager Kristin Flickinger is one of 21 castaways looking to win a grand prize of $1 million, completing in a series of challenges on the island of Fiji. Coming off an exciting 50th season, this newest season marks the start the series’ “Open Era,’ meaning any twist or change to the game could happen at any time, without warning.

Kristin is a long-time fan of the show, and says it took over two decades of auditioning to finally get the casting call.

“After 26 years, I was very excited. I thought, you know, ‘finally, we’ve done it. When can I go? Can I go now? How long can I stay out there?’ It feels awesome to represent Santa Barbara, and I get to represent Santa Barbara with the work that I do too, which is really particular to Santa Barbara,” said Flickinger.

Working as a professional crisis manager, Kristin says Survivor is the perfect element for her, and looks forward to audiences to join in on the excitement of the Open Era.

“As someone who works in crisis management, as a planner, as a risk assessor, it’s exciting to go into a space where anything could be possible.”

You can cheer on Kristin and all the other contestants on Survivor 51, which airs on Wednesdays starting September 23rd on News Channel 12 or Paramount Plus.

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