Leaders See an Economic Boost Coming From Vandenberg in 2027
Vandenberg launches are forecasted to boost the economy and they will create more jobs in the future. This is expected to boost the economy countywide.
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Rent Stabilization Referendum Gains Momentum
An effort to put the controversial rent stabilization issue in front of the voters in Santa Barbara is gaining momentum. Over 9000 signatures were gathered.
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Santa Barbara County Shares its Status at ‘State of the County’ Event
The ‘State of the County’ event takes place today in Santa Barbara County. Issues with the economy, housing and jobs will be discussed.
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Guadalupe Delivers Fated Mayoral Flip as Voters Bridge Budget Gaps
GUADALUPE, Calif. (KEYT) – Guadalupe may have a new mayor for the first time in 8 years. Current city council member Christina Hernandez has a lead in the mayor’s race. As Mayor Pro Tem Christina Hernandez shows a significant lead according to the latest reported ballot counts, current mayor Ariston Julian gives his blessings. Christina
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Santa Barbara leaders look to faith-based groups for help addressing homelessness
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Santa Barbara city leaders are looking to strengthen partnerships with faith-based organizations and community groups as they work to address homelessness. The 2026 City and Faith Leader Summit brought together community partners to discuss updated strategies, recognize progress and explore ways to expand the community’s response to homelessness. Santa Barbara City
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Eric Friedman Clinging on to Lead in Tight Mayoral Race; Remaining Ballots May Bring a Surprise
Ballot drop boxes were cleared out several times on election day to keep the ballots going through the tabulation machines. Some tight races could change.
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‘Blue Tsunami’: Santa Barbara voters react to historic election results
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Democrats are celebrating major victories across the country following Election Day, with several historic firsts and a political shift that some are calling a “blue tsunami.” For many voters, the results reflect a growing demand for change. “People have spoken. People want things to be cheaper. People want things to be
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Re-elected Congressman Carbajal Shares To-Do List For Democratic Party
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Rep. Salud Carbajal talked about winning his re-election campaign and what’s next following a night of celebrating with fellow Democrats. The Congressman scheduled a morning call online to take questions from local journalists. He spoke about Sable Offshore that has restarted oil and gas production off the Gaviota Coast in
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Local Voters Stayed Motivated Until the End of Election Day
Ballots returned on election day are now getting processed. In some cases it may change results in tight races.
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Race for Santa Barbara Narrows Down to Two Council Members
Eric Friedman is leading in the race to be the new Santa Barbara Mayor. Many ballots are still being counted.
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Incumbent James Kyriaco Leads Goleta District 2 City Council Race
GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT) — Incumbent James Kyriaco has taken an early lead over challenger Phebe Mansur in the race for Goleta’s District 2 City Council seat. The two candidates are competing to represent Old Town and southeast Goleta for the next four years. Kyriaco is seeking another term on the City Council, focusing his campaign on
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Carbajal and Smith Face Off For 24th Congressional District
CARPINTERIA, Calif. (KEYT) As votes were counted, 24th District candidates headed to election night watch parties. Incumbent Democrat Salud Carbajal secured an early lead against his No Party Preference challenger Bob Smith in the 24th Congressional District that covers Santa Barbara County, the southern part of San Luis Obispo County and parts of Ventura County
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Valencia leads Aguilera in tight race for Santa Barbara County District 5 supervisor
The race to win the seat for District 5 supervisor in Santa Barbara County is a tight contest as many expected
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LIVE BLOG: 2026 General Election
All night the KEYT News Team will be LIVE with real-time tracking and coverage of today’s General Election – both State and Local races. Voting Polls close at 8:00pm | Track all races and results with the New Channel 3-12 Voter Guide LIVE BLOG: 8:00 P.M.: Polls are now closed in California 5:00 P.M.: Jerry
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Santa Barbara District 4 Election Results: Voters Decide Who Will Represent the Riviera and Surrounding Neighborhoods
Four candidates are competing for an open Santa Barbara City Council seat, with housing affordability, public safety and the future of downtown among the key issues. SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) — Voters are deciding who will represent Santa Barbara City Council District 4, with four candidates competing for a seat on the city council. The
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Santa Maria City Council Candidates Sit in Suspense Awaiting Initial Midterm Results
SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – High stakes surround three critical open seats for Santa Maria City Council and local policy measures on this midterm election night. Candidates experienced the nerve-wracking reality of waiting out the ballots in drastically different ways. For the active council members, the night demanded a dual itinerary. Sitting officials Richard Batalla
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Voters tire of Election Mail and Texts
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) There is at least one issue most voters can agree on. Many feel inundated by election mail and texts. The flyers can add up, especially if an address has more than one voter at the home. One former postal worker said it is good for the United State Postal Service. The
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Carpinteria Sand Berm Going Up to Protect Coastal Properties
A protective sand berm is going up in Carpinteria . It will be about 9.5 feet tall in front of properties.
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Final Hours Until Election Day; Full Ballot Gives Voters a Big Voice
Vote by mail ballot boxes will be open until 8 p.m. on election day. Then they are locked and cleared out of the final ballots.
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SLO County DA announces election fraud charges against John Ruel S. Ambos
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow announced election fraud charges against John Ruel S. Ambos, 31, in a press conference Monday morning. Federal authorities noted 63 suspected non-citizens being registered to vote, beginning a local investigation into the claim last week. Ambos and six others from Los
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