Category: keyt-local-news

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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News Channel 3-12

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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Below is a press release the Solvang Danish Days Foundation regarding 2025 Solvang Danish Maid, Addie Madrid

SOLVANG, Calif. – The non-profit Solvang Danish Days Foundation has officially announced the festival’s 2025 Danish Maid, Addie Madrid, who is set to preside over this year’s 88th Solvang Danish Days (www.SolvangDanishDays.org). The newest Danish Maid will fulfill her “royal” duties during this year’s event weekend – Friday through Sunday, September 19 through 21, 2025 – as she becomes the fourth woman in her family to hold the title of Solvang Danish Days Maid.

Solvang Danish Days has grown and evolved since its humble beginnings in 1936, when a one-day celebration commemorating the 25th anniversary of Solvang’s 1911 founding was first conceived. Danish Days is now a weekend-long festival showcasing the Danish-settled village’s heritage and history. The annual event, which honors the town’s Danish roots, includes authentic food, music, dancing, parades, live entertainment, and family activities. The 2025 Solvang Danish Days theme – “Be Happy – Vær Glæde!” – will be celebrated during this year’s September event weekend.

Serving as the 2025 Danish Maid, Addie follows the regal, third-generation path of her grandmother, Glenda Jaeger Madrid, Danish Maid in 1971; her mother, Ashlee Madrid, Danish Maid in 1999; and her sister, Aleena Madrid, Danish Maid in 2022.

PHOTO: Mike Mesikep

PHOTO: Mike Mesikep

“This [year’s Danish Days] feels especially meaningful. I am proud to serve as 2025 Danish Maid and even prouder to be part of a three-generation legacy in my family. To now step into my family members’ Danish Maid shoes and represent the same tradition that has shaped our family and this valley, is a dream come true. It connects me not only to my heritage but to the heart and history of this place I’ve always called home,” said Addie Madrid, 2025 Solvang Danish Days Maid.

Addie was born and raised in the Santa Ynez Valley, but her roots reach across the seas to Denmark. Her mother, Ashlee, is of mixed background, including Danish ancestry, and her grandmother, Glenda, traces her Denmark ties to her Danish-born parents, Marie and Johannes Jaeger.

Addie mused, “Our family’s story feels like something out of a treasured fairy tale.”

Addie’s great-great-grandfather, Viggo Tarnow, came to the United States from Copenhagen in 1914. He settled in Minnesota where he met and married Cora, later moving his family, including their daughter, Marie, to California. Tarnow taught at Solvang’s Atterdag Folk School and helped to shape what is now the Atterdag Village of Solvang senior care center. His love for the Santa Ynez Valley ran deep, and through his dedication, Addie’s family became woven into the very fabric of Solvang.

Addie’s great-grandfather, Johannes Jaeger, came from Tindbæk, Denmark, in 1948, with hope in his heart and carpentry tools in his hands. In Solvang, he met and married Marie Tarnow, and together they built not just homes but a life of service and commitment to the community. Johannes became a partner in the Madsen & Jaeger Contracting Firm, and many of the Solvang structures that he helped build, still stand today – such as the large windmill on Alisal Road and the Solvang Brewing Company windmill on Mission Drive. Alongside Marie, he gave back to the community through volunteer work at Atterdag College, Bethania Lutheran Church, the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art, and more.

“My ancestors’ story reminds me that building a life is not only about what you create, but who you uplift along the way,” Addie remarked.

The 2025 Danish Maid reflected, “My own memories of Danish Days have always carried that same sense of purpose and joy. For five generations, my family has helped bring this celebration to life, through folk dancing, baking, crafting open-faced sandwiches, and volunteering at the festival workers’ Danish luncheon from 1994 to 2014. I remember being a little kid in the kitchen, buttering trays of bread, stacking sandwiches, and peeking out the back door to catch a glimpse of the Carlsberg horses pulling their grand wagon through town.”

As Addie grew she would become more involved in the Danish Days “duties,” helping to serve coffee and jam at the aebleskiver breakfast tents, marching in the Saturday parade alongside her sister, and proudly leading the Children’s Parade.

Addie continued, “Every Danish Days weekend has felt like a blend of the past and present, honoring history while creating new memories.”

Over the years, Addie’s grandmother, Glenda Jaeger Madrid, has created many hand-sewn dresses for her, for her sister, Aleena, and for Addie’s mother, with Addie’s 2025 Danish Maid dress being the most recent. Addie and her grandmother worked together to create her new Danish Maid dress, based on a blue and yellow-gold color scheme because Addie felt that they were “light and bright,” and reminded her of her two favorite things, the ocean and sunshine.

The design of Addie’s Danish Maid dress is rooted in the traditional costume from Hedebo, Denmark, the region in which her great-grandfather, Johannes Jaeger, was raised. Addie’s great-grandmother, Marie Jaeger, made the lace used for the ruffle on Addie’s sleeves, and her great-great grandmother, Marie’s mother, made the crocheted trim on the dress’ apron.

Seventeen-year-old Addie is heading into her senior year at Santa Ynez High School. She plays  varsity volleyball and beach volleyball, and is involved in the Pickleball Club and the AP Art Club. Addie added, “I also serve as a youth leader at Valley Christian Fellowship, which means a great deal to me.”

After graduation, Addie plans to attend San Diego State University to major in psychology and business, with the dream of one day returning to the Santa Ynez Valley to run a business of her own. “If there’s anything my family’s story has taught me, it’s that coming home and giving back is part of who we are.”

Addie concluded, “Velkommen to Danish Days 2025! I’m so excited that we get to gather once again to celebrate our heritage, our stories, and everything that makes Solvang feel like home, for locals and for visitors. Whether you’re here for the buttered rye bread, the parades, or simply the feeling of community, I hope this weekend reminds you – just like it reminds me – of where we come from and why we keep returning.”

More information about Solvang Danish Days, including a brief history of the event, updated 2025 schedule and details, parade applications and contact information, is or will be available at www.SolvangDanishDays.org. Solvang Danish Days is also on Facebook and Instagram at facebook.com/SolvangDanishDays and @DanishDays.

Any questions, media requests for interviews and/or photos, may be directed to Anna Ferguson-Sparks, Stiletto Marketing, at 1.877.327.2656 or solvang@stilettomarketing.com.

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John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Appearing more confident than nervous at every turn, the leaders of Old Spanish Days are quickly smashing rumors of cancelations.

Within the last week, multiple calls have come in with questions about events being planned by Old Spanish Days, along with related events by other organizations.

As of Wednesday, all events are on. That includes La Reception del Presidente, Fiesta Pequena, Las Noches de Ronda, La Misa de Presidente, DIGS! (Celebración de los Dignatarios) at the Santa Barbara Zoo, Mercado de la Guerra – Casa de la Guerra entertainment and El Desfile Historico (the Fiesta Parade.)

The Fiesta three-day event by Our Lady of Guadalupe Church is also on. It is a church event. It features a variety of authentic homemade food, entertainment and traditional games.

The Children’s Parade El Desfile de los Ninos, is run by the City of Santa Barbara’s Parks and Recreation Department and it will take place on Saturday, August 2.

Th Fiesta Rodeo and Stock Horse show will take place at the Santa Ynez Valley Equestrian Center. It is free.

El Presdente Fritz Olenberger said Wednesday after the recent Immigration Control and Enforcement (ICE) search warrant raids through the Department of Homeland Security at a cannabis farm in Carpinteria and Camarillo, he understands concerns over more high profile actions. He doesn’t believe it will impact Old Spanish Days. “Raiding a marijuana farm is quite a bit different than raiding a 101-year-old festival,” he said.

805 UndocuFund Executive Director, Primitiva Hernandez, said she does not want to see Fiesta take place this year. Speaking Tuesday outside the Board of Supervisors hearing room she said this was not the time for this type of event and also had issues with its overall history in Santa Barbara.

 “My own learning has been acknowledging the struggles that the people here have gone through. And I think if we want to move forward in a positive way and reparations need to be made,” said Hernandez.

The most recent efforts by the group have been to address the enforcement actions in recent weeks, with a team of citizens looking out for government vehicles and maintaining both a hotline and social media resources.

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