Local Politics

Carbajal calls for ICE accountability as challenger Bob Smith disputes voter intimidation claims

October 26, 2026 10:19 pm Mina Wahab

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Congressman Salud Carbajal is calling for greater transparency and accountability from federal immigration authorities as concerns grow over ICE enforcement operations across California. His challenger, Bob Smith, also supports greater transparency but disagrees with Carbajal’s claim that the operations are intended to intimidate communities and suppress voter participation. Carbajal joined Congressman

Santa Maria City Leadership & State Lawmakers Publicly Condemn Federal Detention of Citizen Student

October 29, 2026 11:54 am Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Santa Maria city leadership issued a public address, joining county and state lawmakers in condemning the federal detention of a citizen student. Local advocates say it’s about time more leaders publicly condemn ICE activities like this. On October 21st, federal officers detained and injured a 20-year-old U.S. citizen and special education

Time is Ticking to Turn in General Election Ballots at U.S. Post Office

October 27, 2026 6:12 pm John Palminteri

Voters have been urged to get their ballots in early, especially if they are using the U.S. Postal Service. They will still be accepted on election day but need that specific post mark.

Carpinteria to Present Its Budget Issues to Voters During Measure I Meeting

October 27, 2026 6:16 pm John Palminteri

Carpinteria voters are being asked to support a sales tax increase to cover growing costs for services. It will be on the ballot as Measure I.

Housing Authority hosts Bella Vista Grand Opening Celebration in Santa Barbara

October 26, 2026 5:48 pm Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara hosted a ribbon cutting and Grand Opening Celebration for its just completed rental housing project called Bella Vista. The housing authority bought the 1.3 acre land that used to house medical offices seven years ago. They built Bella Vista from the

Voters Coming in Strong With Ballot Turn-In for the General Election

October 26, 2026 5:52 pm John Palminteri

Ballots for the November 3rd election are coming in at a strong pace. Elections officials also say the white ballot drop boxes are preferred for the rest of the week after Tuesday.

Remaining Doubts or Cleared Misconceptions? Santa Maria to Detail Measure C Revenue at Final Town Hall

October 26, 2026 12:15 pm Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Santa Maria city staff is encouraging more residents to attend the final town hall regarding sales tax ballot Measure C. This meeting is scheduled a little earlier than the previous four presentations. The fifth and final Measure C town hall is scheduled for 4:00pm Thursday at the Elwin Mussell Senior Center, just

Activist Lupe Anguiano Remembered

October 24, 2026 8:16 pm Tracy Lehr

VENTURA, Calif. (KEYT) A belated celebration of life took place for civil rights activist Lupe Anguiano in Ventura. UCLA archivist Xaviera Flores said her collection, gifted to the university, will be part of American History. “She was someone who felt like family, like a tia to many students to come and women, young females inspired

New draft Nipomo Community Plan identifies priorities for roads, parks & public services

October 23, 2026 11:54 am Dave Alley

San Luis Obispo County has released the draft update to the Nipomo Community Plan, the public document that will establish a vision for the future and guide land use and transportation decisions over the next several years.

Santa Barbara County Supervisors Approve Northern Branch Jail Expansion

October 22, 2026 4:22 pm Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – During Tuesday’s Board of the Supervisor meeting, an expansion plan was approved by Santa Barbara County Supervisors to add roughly 384 beds to the Northern Branch Jail. The plan to expand the smaller Santa Maria facility was approved in a 4-0 vote. The county’s main jail is bigger, but

UC Santa Barbara Researchers Develop Free Tool to Make Ocean Mapping Easier

October 20, 2026 5:17 pm Mina Wahab

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Scientists have access to vast amounts of ocean data, but finding and organizing that information can be a challenge. Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have developed a free software tool designed to make the process easier. The tool, called Oceandatr, helps scientists bring together ocean data from multiple sources, making it

Two Weeks Away from General Election; Thousands of Ballots Still Out

October 20, 2026 11:50 am John Palminteri

Ballot counting is underway for the November 3 election. The deadline is two weeks away.

Superior Court Workers Strike For One Day

October 20, 2026 4:39 pm Tracy Lehr

VENTURA, Calif. (KEYT) – Ventura Superior Court workers didn’t go to work on Tuesday morning, but they did go on strike for the first time. Members of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721 marched with signs around the Ventura Government Government center and held a midday rally. They accused the CEO, Kate Bieker, of

Santa Barbara County supervisors remain undecided on funding for new Orcutt library and senior center

October 20, 2026 10:31 am Dave Alley

The long-awaited plan for a new Orcutt Library is reaching a critical point, as the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors prepare to consider how to pay for the project and move it closer to construction.

Final Day for Voter Registration for Upcoming General Election

October 19, 2026 11:54 am John Palminteri

October 19 is the voter registration deadline for the Nov. 3 election to be verified and receive materials by mail. Voters can still register up to election day by using the conditional voter registration and still receive a ballot from an elections office.

A Leaking Wading Pool Inspires Ideas For New Chumash Cultural Element at West Beach

October 19, 2026 12:51 pm John Palminteri

New ideas are coming forward for the West Beach wading pool which has been closed due to a leak. Changes could include Chumash historical elements.

No Kings March Focuses on Early Voting

October 17, 2026 9:41 pm Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – ‘No Kings: Vote Early’ rally and marches took place on Saturday, just weeks from Election Day. One of the largest march and rallies took place in Santa Barbara, where people marched from Alameda Park to Santa Barbara City Hall. They marched about a quarter mile in the hot sun, searching for shade once participants got to

No Kings:Vote Early rally held in Ventura

October 18, 2026 12:23 am Tracy Lehr

VENTURA, Calif. (KEYT) People filled the streets near the Ventura County Government Center for another No Kings rally on Saturday, but like similar rallies from coast to coast participants urged people to vote and vote early. Supporters honked as they drove by. Some people dressed in costume. Many people showed off homemade signs.

Month-Long Labor Dispute in Solvang Ends As Tentative Deal Announced

October 15, 2026 11:54 am Jarrod Zinn

SOLVANG, Calif. (KEYT) – The city of Solvang and Teamsters Local 986 just reached a tentative labor agreement. It resolves a contract dispute that led to a four-week work stoppage. Members of Teamsters Local 986 approved and ratified the contract, sending the measure to the city for final approval. “We came to an agreement yesterday and

SBCAG Celebrates 60 Years & Marks Many Transportation Milestones

October 15, 2026 3:42 pm John Palminteri

The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments is celebrating 60 years. It is made up of leaders from all cities and the Board of Supervisors in the county.