Tagged News

• Santa Maria Fire trains new firefighters

  October 10, 2012 9:34 PM

  The Santa Maria Fire Department is in the middle of training 10 new firefighters. This week marks their third week of training. A couple of months ago, the fire department received a SAFER grant, which is a federal grant, worth $1.6 million. The money from the grant will... more »

• Some locals turn to public transportation amid gas price hike

  October 8, 2012 9:34 PM

  The high cost of gas prompted people to change their driving habits. From carpooling, to riding the bus, some people are doing whatever they can do to avoid spending money at the pump. Santa Maria Transit said, so far, they haven't seen any big increase in their numbers... more »

• Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office swear in first group of new custody deputies

  September 28, 2012 8:11 PM

  Thousands of low-level inmates are now being housed in county jails under Governor Jerry Brown's prison prison realignment plan to reduce prison overcrowding. On Friday, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office swore in its first group of new custody deputies to help handle the increased number of inmates. ... more »

• Father of alleged victim in St. Joseph High School sexual assault case breaks silence

  September 27, 2012 8:40 PM

  The father of one of the alleged victims in the St. Joseph High School sexual assault case sat down with KSBY's Nikki Ibarra Thursday. Chris, whose last name KSBY is not reporting because his daughter is an alleged rape victim, said the principal and former dean of students at... more »

• Central Coast referee in the middle of NFL controversy Play Video

  September 25, 2012 7:21 PM

  The referee who made the controversial call during Monday Night Football on Monday is from the Central Coast. Lance Easley has lived in Santa Maria for the past 15 years, and has officiated high school and junior college football games up and down the coast. KSBY's Nikki Ibarra... more »

• Santa Maria High School awarded check for literacy program Play Video

  September 10, 2012 10:12 PM

  Santa Maria High School was given a big check Monday to help improve student literacy. United Way and PG&E handed over a $7,500 check which will go to the school's "Power Reading" program. KSBY visited a freshman class Monday, where the majority of students read at a fourth... more »

• Kelli Groves talks life after Buellton crash Play Video

  August 21, 2012 1:00 AM

  Kelli Groves and her family thanked the rescuers in Santa Barbara on Sunday for saving her and her two daughters' lives, as they were trapped inside their car, hanging over a bridge, just south of Buellton. Back in January, an 18-wheeler crashed into their car, killing the big rig... more »

• Kelli Groves returns to the Central Coast, thanks rescuers

  August 20, 2012 1:41 PM

  It's been seven months since Kelli Groves and her two daughters were trapped inside their car, hanging over a bridge, in Buellton. On Sunday, Groves returned to Santa Barbara to give thanks to the first responders who helped save their lives. This was the first time Groves and... more »

• Local teachers prepare for the first day of school Play Video

  August 13, 2012 8:50 PM

  It's back to school time for some Central Coast students. But what actually goes in to preparing for the big day? "They come in just with their eyes open, all excited about school, asking questions," said Rosalie Jones. For Jones, this is her favorite day of the year.... more »

• Former Santa Maria police officer sues city, former chief

  August 10, 2012 8:39 PM

  For the second time this week, the city of Santa Maria has been hit with a lawsuit. This time by a former police officer, who said he was fired after, what he called, "a manufactured internal investigation" led by former chief Danny Macagni. "This had nothing to do with... more »

• Former Santa Maria police explorer files lawsuit against city, Covarrubias estate

  August 10, 2012 12:58 AM

  In an exclusive interview with KSBY, we heard, for the first time, from the attorney of the former Santa Maria police explorer, who allegedly had a sexual relationship with Officer Albert Covarrubias Jr. KSBY has learned a federal lawsuit has been filed by the former explorer. Officer Covarrubias... more »

• Last minute preparations for California Mid State Fair Play Video

  July 17, 2012 8:45 PM

  The California Mid State Fair in Paso Robles kicks off its 12 day run Wednesday afternoon. Concerts, foods and carnival rides are just some of the things that the fair has to offer. But how are the days leading up to the big opening? It's one of the... more »

• Central Coast 4-H, FFA students weigh livestock for qualification at Santa Barbara County Fair

  July 9, 2012 10:28 PM

  The Annual Santa Barbara County Fair kicks off its 5-day run Wednesday at the Santa Maria Fairpark. Live music, food, petting zoo and rides will be there for your entertainment. Doors open from 11 AM to 10 PM, but the carnival is open a little later, and closes... more »

• Locals react to officer-involved shooting in Santa Maria, say crime is becoming too common

  June 28, 2012 10:36 PM

  UPDATE: We now know the identity of the man who was shot and killed in Santa Maria Thursday morning. Police say he is 22 year old Jose Luis Ortega, from Santa Maria. Ortega was killed after an officer-involved shooting this morning in Santa Maria. Police said the... more »

• Some local doctors say bath salts are becoming popular among young adults Play Video

  June 27, 2012 9:31 PM

  It's known as a designer drug. Some doctors on the Central Coast said it's becoming more popular. It's called bath salts. It's the same effect as if you take cocaine and methamphetamine. Since October 2011, it's been illegal in California to sell all designer drugs. Aggressiveness and... more »

• Family of Santa Maria Officer Albert Covarrubias Jr. responds to Santa Barbara County District Attorney's report

  June 26, 2012 9:23 PM

  The Covarrubias family breaks their silence Tuesday in their first TV interview since the Santa Barbara County District Attorney found the shooting death of Officer Albert Covarrubias Jr. by another officer as legally justified. KSBY spent more than an hour with Officer Covarrubias' father, as well as his widow.... more »

• About 125 Central Coast businesses take part in Santa Maria trade show

  June 21, 2012 10:52 PM

  It's billed as the largest trade show between Los Angeles and San Francisco, and it happened here on the Central Coast. About 125 local businesses, including KSBY, were at the Santa Maria Fairpark for the 27th Annual Business Trade Show. For many of the businesses, this was a... more »

• Santa Maria police looking for person responsible in the stabbing death of man Play Video

  June 20, 2012 8:44 PM

  Santa Maria police are looking for the person responsible for fatally stabbing a man early Wednesday. KSBY has learned the victim, who was in his late 40's, was stabbed in the chest. It happened on North Broadway and Bunny Street. Police got a call around 2:45 AM... more »

• Santa Barbara County District Attorney finds Covarrubias Jr. shooting as lawfully justified Play Video

  June 19, 2012 4:47 PM

  The Santa Barbara County District Attorney has found the shooting death of Santa Maria Officer Albert Covarrubias Jr. as lawfully justified. District Attorney Joyce Dudley made the announcement Tuesday afternoon. Covarrubias Jr. was shot by another city officer when two supervisors tried to arrest him while on duty... more »

• Owner of local auto detailer shop worked on vehicle possibly involved in Montecito collision, alerted CHP

  June 12, 2012 10:06 PM

  The Santa Barbara County District Attorney filed charges Tuesday against 28 year-old L. Tyrone Richardson, in connection with the death of 26 year-old Allison Meadows, of Santa Barbara. Meadows was killed last Wednesday morning in Montecito; 25 year-old Lindsay Keebler was seriously hurt. On Friday, the California Highway... more »

• Santa Barbara man arrested in connection with the death of Allison Meadows Play Video

  June 11, 2012 7:20 PM

  The Santa Barbara District Attorney will decide Tuesday what charges will be filed against 28 year-old L. Tyrone Richardson of Santa Barbara. Richardson was arrested Friday night in connection with the death of Allison Meadows, also of Santa Barbara, who was killed last week in Montecito. 26 year-old... more »

• Arrest made in Lompoc homicide

  May 31, 2012 9:25 PM

  Detectives have made an arrest in Wednesday's homicide in Lompoc. 23 year-old Phillip Joseph Johnson of Lompoc was arrested Thursday. It happened in the 1700 block of Calle Lindero, which is in the city's Mission Hills area. At about 10 PM Wednesday, dispatchers got a 911 hang up call.... more »

• City of Paso Robles hit with lawsuit from former police officer

  May 30, 2012 8:18 PM

  The city of Paso Robles was hit with a lawsuit Tuesday from a former, fire police officer. In the papers, Brennan Lux claimed former police chief Lisa Solomon made sexual advances towards him. Solomon resigned from her role in March, after allegations of sexual misconduct, as well as a... more »

• Golden eagle found injured in Nipomo released back into the wild Play Video

  May 29, 2012 8:46 PM

  After weeks of rehabilitation, a golden eagle was released back into the wild Tuesday. Three and a half weeks ago, a farmer found two golden eagles fighting on a dirt road in Nipomo. While they were not injured, neither of them could fly, and that's when Pacific Wildlife Care... more »

• Local couple honored for 'Welcome Home Military Heroes' ceremonies

  May 28, 2012 9:30 PM

  Memorial Day is a reminder not all troops can be welcomed home. But a local couple is being honored for their tireless work to make sure those who are, get a hero's welcome. Cheryl and Robert Tolan's organization, "Welcome Home Military Heroes", meets at local airports to welcome and... more »

• Cigarettes could cost you more if Proposition 29 passes in June

  May 24, 2012 9:44 PM

  Smokers could be paying more for the pack of cigarettes, if Proposition 29 passes on June 5th. The Proposition 29 tax increase would pay for cancer research and support programs. Right now, the tax on cigarettes is .87 cents. And, if could go up to a $1.87 if Proposition... more »

• Paddleboarding rules enforced just in time for Memorial Day Weekend

  May 23, 2012 10:18 PM

  Paddleboarding is becoming more popular locally, and the Harbor Patrol and Coast Guard are stepping up enforcement of some little-known rules ahead of Memorial Day Weekend. A state law signed in 2008 said anyone under the age of 12 has to wear a life vest while stand-up paddleboarding. For... more »

• Marian Regional Medical Center officially opens its doors; first baby born

  May 22, 2012 11:25 PM

  The new Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria is finally open for business. The hospital's emergency room started to see patients at 7 am Tuesday morning. And by 2 pm, all 110 patients from the old hospital were transferred to the new one. The 'Patient Move Team' has... more »

• Local students honored for mastering English

  May 21, 2012 9:40 PM

  The Paso Robles School District honored a group of students Monday, who've mastered the English language. It's called a "re-classification" ceremony. The students started school speaking fluent Spanish, and knew very little English, but are now fluent in English. The California Department of Education tests all students not... more »

• Arrest made in November shooting death of Oceano teen

  May 18, 2012 9:15 PM

  A 21 year-old Santa Maria man is under arrest Friday, accused in a drive-by shooting that killed one teenager and injured another in Oceano. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department arrested Armando Yepez after stopping him on Highway 101 in Nipomo. 17 year-old Gabriel Salgado was fatally... more »

• Construction in Paso Robles could cause extra traffic during wine festival weekend Play Video

  May 17, 2012 9:38 PM

  The Paso Robles Wine Festival starts Friday, and if you're going, you may want to give yourself some extra time. You could hit traffic due to construction. Since late last year, construction crews have been working on the Highway 46 East-Highway 101 interchange project. Crews are currently adding an... more »

• Central Coast schools try to tackle food waste in cafeterias Play Video

  May 16, 2012 8:46 PM

  It's a California State Food Code. Anything that goes on a student's plate, touched or untouched, must be thrown away if uneaten. According to the California Department of Education, schools across the state are reimbursed $2.77 per student for free and reduced lunches; that's whether they're eaten or thrown... more »

• Local couple wants stricter laws after dog killed by pit bull Play Video

  May 15, 2012 9:25 PM

  A Nipomo couple is grieving the loss of their dog, after it was killed by another dog at a Morro Bay RV park on Mother's Day. Gary and Patty Roche were visiting friends at the Morro Dunes RV Park at around 5 Sunday evening. They put their 8 lb.... more »

• CHP look at possible fatal hit and run, car fire connection

  May 14, 2012 10:01 PM

  A car fire in south Santa Maria have investigators looking at whether or not it could be connected to Sunday's fatal hit and run in Nipomo. A witness said a blue Chevy Corvette hit and killed a man walking across the off-ramp of Highway 101 North at the 166... more »

• Survey: 49% of Americans aren't saving for retirement

  May 10, 2012 9:41 PM

  Saving for retirement is not something most Americans are doing these days. In fact, a new survey showed 49% of Americans aren't contributing to either a 401K or an IRA. The survey, conducted by LIMRA, a trade association for the financial services industry, said the numbers are higher among... more »

• CHP reminds drivers and motorcyclists about road safety Play Video

  May 8, 2012 10:31 PM

  A Paso Robles motorcyclist died Tuesday, after a crash early morning. The California Highway Patrol said the motorcyclist and a Honda sedan collided. It happened on State Route 229, near Route 58. The CHP said it appears the motorcyclist came out of a turn too wide, and may have... more »

• Central Coast fire officials prepare for a busy fire season

  May 7, 2012 11:01 PM

  As fire officials throughout the Central Coast prepare for an active fire season, the extended runway at the Santa Maria Public Airport will be getting a lot of use this summer. About 1,700 feet were added to the already 6,700 feet runway. Tanker planes will be flown in during... more »

• San Luis Obispo shelter encourages public to not give money to panhandlers Play Video

  May 3, 2012 9:45 PM

  You see a panhandler on the corner begging for money, or just holding up a sign. So, do you give them money? Well, a San Luis Obispo homeless shelter is encouraging you not to do so. According to the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo, there are about... more »

• San Luis Obispo shelter encourages public to not give money to panhandlers

  May 3, 2012 9:45 PM

  You see a panhandler on the corner begging for money, or just holding up a sign. So, do you give them money? Well, a San Luis Obispo homeless shelter is encouraging you not to do so. According to the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo, there are about... more »

• Downtown San Luis Obispo credit card meters brings revenue to city Play Video

  May 2, 2012 10:00 PM

  Parking in downtown San Luis Obispo has become a little easier thanks to some credit card meters installed mid-March. Those 400 meters are bringing in more money to the city. The soloar-powered meters were put in because the city decided to raise parking from a $1.25 to $1.50 in... more »

• Paso Robles officials ready for new police chief, ask Los Gatos firm for help Play Video

  May 1, 2012 10:57 PM

  Paso Robles officials told KSBY Tuesday that they're ready to find a new police chief, and have asked an executive search firm to help. It will cost the city just under $20,000 to get the help. This, after former police chief Lisa Solomon resigned back in early April. ... more »

• Skateboarding not allowed in bike lanes in San Luis Obispo

  April 30, 2012 10:33 PM

  With gas prices still high in some parts of the Central Coast, many people have had to use other forms of transportation. For one local college student, he's been skateboarding to work for the past couple of years; and, just last month, he got a $203 fine for skating... more »

• Survey: Local business owners optimistic about future

  April 10, 2012 10:29 PM

  Some local business owners in Santa Maria are feeling rather optimistic about how business is going. This, according to a new survey, conducted by the Economic Development Commission. Although the results showed things are looking up, there are some areas that aren't doing so well. The survey showed... more »

• Allegiant passengers now have to pay $35 for overheard carry-ons Play Video

  April 4, 2012 10:27 PM

  You might have to pay an extra $35 when you fly Allegiant Air. Starting Wednesday, passengers who chose to bring carry-on bags that need to go in overheard bins, will have to pay up to $35. Passengers will still be allowed to bring one personal item with them, like... more »

• Local Mexican restaurants say Chipotle is no competition Play Video

  March 28, 2012 10:24 PM

  When Chipotle recently went looking to hire staff for 30 positions for their new restaurant in Santa Maria, about 1,000 people applied to work there. A couple of the people who managed to get jobs lived at local homeless shelters. The national chain officially opened their first Santa... more »

• County of San Luis Obispo, Sheriff's Department hit with lawsuit

  March 27, 2012 9:49 PM

  A former sergeant with the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department has filed a lawsuit against the department and the county. Dale Strobridge alleged the county and sheriff's department retaliated against him by firing him. The papers were filed earlier this month. Strobridge was fired from his... more »

• Spring cleaning could save your home

  March 26, 2012 10:40 PM

  Spring is here, and with this season comes lots of cleaning. De-cluttering and maintaining your home could save it from a fire. Central Coast fire departments are speaking out about the importance of making sure your home is clean, and fire proof. "It's just a matter of doing... more »

• Cancer center opens in Santa Maria Play Video

  March 26, 2012 9:58 PM

  The Central Coast is home to a new cancer treatment center, aimed at making patients feel more comfortable. The Mission Hope Cancer Center opened Monday in Santa Maria. It is located on the Marian Regional Medical Center campus. The center includes accommodations for patients families who want to... more »

• Locals react to new study about marriage

  March 22, 2012 10:07 PM

  A new government study that came out Thursday said only half of first marriages last 20 years. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, there is a 52% chance that a first marriage for a woman will survive 20 years. For men, the number is a little higher... more »

• Some San Luis Obispo homeless can now legally park in facility off Prado Road Play Video

  March 21, 2012 10:31 PM

  Some homeless people in San Luis Obispo will now be able to park their cars and RV's overnight in the Prado Day Center, which is a facility for homeless people, located off Prado Road. The city council voted unanimously to allow 5 parking spots to become available. The... more »

• Local family shares personal story about suicide Play Video

  March 20, 2012 8:25 PM

  The mother of a 12 year-old Santa Maria girl who died by suicide last week is speaking out. She hopes her story will shed light on this social problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 36,000 people in the United States die by suicide each... more »

• Study: High school dropout rates high in California Play Video

  March 19, 2012 8:41 PM

  A new study shows California as one of the top 10 states where high school graduation rates are declining, but there are positive signs on the Central Coast. The study by "America's Promise Alliance" shows 71% of high school students in California received their high school diplomas in 2009.... more »

• California rent among highest in nation Play Video

  March 14, 2012 10:14 PM

  A new study shows California has the third highest rents nationwide. But, in terms of cities, San Francisco tops that list. According to the National Low Income Coalition, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the city is about $1,900 a month. The hourly rate needed to make... more »

• California rent among highest in nation Play Video

  March 14, 2012 10:14 PM

  A new study shows California has the third highest rents nationwide. But, in terms of cities, San Francisco tops that list. According to the National Low Income Coalition, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the city is about $1,900 a month. The hourly rate needed to make... more »

• Low income Santa Maria students receive free dinners through government-funded program Play Video

  March 13, 2012 10:08 PM

  About 300 students in the Santa Maria-Bonita School District are now receiving free dinners, through a government-funded program. The "Supper Program" gives needy students free and healthy dinners. According to school administrators, about 80% of the students in Santa Maria come from low-income families. Right now, only three... more »

• Four bodies found near capsized boat off Channel Islands coast Play Video

  March 12, 2012 11:32 PM

  Four boaters are dead after their boat was found late Sunday afternoon, near the Channel Islands. Three bodies were recovered, but the fourth is still missing. Three of the victims have been identified as 55 year-old Edgar Allan Isnec of Port Hueneme, 59 year-old Ramiro-Alvarez Duarte from Oxnard and... more »

• High gas prices forces locals to take the bus Play Video

  March 8, 2012 11:03 PM

  As gas prices remain high, some people on the Central Coast are now finding ways to avoid those trips to the gas pump. According to AAA, the national average cost of a gallon of unleaded gas is $3.75. Here in California, things are a lot higher. On average,... more »

• San Luis Obispo house fire raises questions about safety codes Play Video

  March 6, 2012 10:28 PM

  A fire that swept through a San Luis Obispo house over the weekend has raised questions about the safety of older homes in the city. Nine people escaped the burning home on Johnson Avenue early Sunday morning. The Red Cross said one woman was transferred from a local hospital... more »

• Strawberry growers ahead of the game this season Play Video

  March 1, 2012 9:56 PM

  Strawberry season doesn't officially start on the Central Coast until spring. But some growers are getting ahead of the game. According to the California Strawberry Commission, California produces almost 90% of the nation's strawberries. About 25% of the strawberries in California are grown in Santa Maria. Strawberry picking... more »

• Santa Maria woman dead after being struck by car Play Video

  February 29, 2012 9:50 PM

  A Santa Maria woman is dead and her boyfriend is in jail after his vehicle somehow struck her Tuesday night. The victim, 20 year-old Antoinette Raygoza, was a part-time employee at the city's Department of Recreation and Parks. The driver is 30 year-old Jack Misiaszek. It happened on... more »

• California Community College Fee Waiver recipients on the rise Play Video

  February 27, 2012 9:07 PM

  According to California Community College Chancellor, Jack Scott, more students are receiving fee waivers this year. The state-issued fee waivers helps qualified low-income students pay tuition. Since more students are receiving them, the 112-campus system faces a $149 million deficit. This is on top of an already $400 million... more »

• Local fears for livestock after sheep killed Play Video

  February 15, 2012 9:18 PM

  A Nipomo woman said two of her sheep were killed Monday, after being attacked by dogs. Last April, investigators said dogs were likely responsible for killing 19 turkeys belonging to the Future Farmers of America program at Nipomo High School. The campus is less than a mile from the... more »

• Local floral shop accomodates last minute orders on Valentine's Day Play Video

  February 14, 2012 10:22 PM

  It's Valentine's Day, and for some people there's no better way than to celebrate than with flowers. They show up by the dozens at work, at home, just about everywhere. Have you ever wondered what those flower shops go through on days like today? In Santa Maria, one couple... more »

• Local counselor says prescription drug abuse is a "quiet epidemic" Play Video

  February 13, 2012 10:20 PM

  Although Whitney Houston battled prescription drug addiction for years, it is too soon to know if drugs were a cause for her death. We do know, however, that prescription drug abuse is a very big problem in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,... more »

• Roses will cost you on Valentine's Day Play Video

  February 9, 2012 10:13 PM

  Valentine's Day is only five days away and people are already thinking of ways to show their loved ones they care. For the floral industry, this is one of their busiest times of year. According to Skyline Flower Growers in Nipomo, the floral process begins 12 to 16 weeks... more »

• Lompoc homeless shelter reopens Play Video

  January 25, 2012 10:25 PM

  The Marks House shelter in Lompoc is set to open its doors again. Money problems forced the shelter to close last week. The Lompoc shelter, which once housed homeless women and children, will now be a place where homeless families can stay. Marks House holds 19 beds for... more »

• UCSB student educates community about the dangers of carbon monoxide Play Video

  January 24, 2012 9:00 PM

  It's colorless, odorless, and tasteless. You don't know it's there, but it can hurt you the same way it harmed Nikkie Sedaghat. "They told my mother, she had a two percent chance of living. She's not going to wake up for 6 months to a year, and she might... more »

• Much needed rain causes inconvenience for locals Play Video

  January 23, 2012 10:08 PM

  The much needed rain storm has come and gone. It was a short stay for the first rainfall of the new year, but it was just enough for Central Coast residents. According to Santa Maria city officials, there were no problems on the roads. The California Highway Patrol said... more »