Por El Latino Newsroom
EL NINO
Santa Barbara County is preparing for the possibility of a strong El Niño bringing increased rainfall and storm-related hazards to the region during the upcoming winter season, county officials told the Board of Supervisors on Sept. 1.
Seasonal forecasts indicate above-normal temperatures this fall and an increased probability of above-normal precipitation between October 2026 and April 2027.
Officials said those conditions could increase the potential for flooding, debris flows, transportation disruptions and coastal storm impacts.
County departments are coordinating preparations with federal, state and local agencies, including FEMA, the National Weather Service and the Army Corps of Engineers.
Emergency teams are updating response systems, conducting training exercises and reviewing wildfire burn areas to determine where heavy rainfall could trigger debris flows and possible evacuations.
County Fire crews have increased water-rescue training and are positioning boats, helicopters, sandbags and other specialized equipment at strategic locations.
Flood Control teams are working on basins and channels while preparing for debris basin management, levee patrols and sandbag distribution.
Transportation crews are inspecting and clearing culverts, arranging emergency contracts and preparing to evaluate roads and announce closures when necessary.
Parks and Community Services personnel are also clearing culverts, reinforcing beach berms and preparing trails for possible closures and shelter beds will be available if needed.
Residents can learn more during a virtual El Niño Community Meeting on Oct. 1 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
County officials will discuss the seasonal weather outlook, preparations involving local creeks and roads, and what residents should know during storm and flood emergencies.
The virtual meeting will provide multilingual closed captioning and simultaneous interpretation in Spanish.
PBS KIDS’ BUDDY IN SANTA BARBARA
Families and young dinosaur enthusiasts will have an opportunity to meet Buddy the Dinosaur, the popular PBS KIDS character from “Dinosaur Train,” during a special appearance at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History on September 13.
The meet-and-greet will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the patio of the museum’s Broder Building, next to its Prehistoric Forest exhibit.
Visitors will be able to interact with Buddy, ask questions and take photographs with the character. No advance registration is required, and the activity is included with regular museum admission. Museum members can attend at no additional cost.
“Buddy inspires curiosity about the prehistoric world and helps young learners connect with science through storytelling and adventure,” said Jessica Leathers, the Museum’s membership manager.
Buddy, whose full name is Budson “Buddy” Rexander, is the young Tyrannosaurus rex protagonist of the Emmy-nominated PBS KIDS series.
The character is known for exploring the prehistoric world and learning about different dinosaur species.
Buddy will also appear earlier that morning at Donuts & Dinos, the museum’s annual Member Appreciation Breakfast, scheduled from 9 to 10 a.m. in the Prehistoric Forest.
Advance reservations are required for that members-only event.
The activities will help launch the museum’s Member Appreciation Month, which runs from Sept. 8 through Oct. 10.
During the monthlong celebration, members will have access to special events, discounts at the Museum and Sea Center stores and complimentary admission to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden with a reservation.
THOUSAND OAKS ASSAULT
Three men were arrested following a violent early-morning assault at a Thousand Oaks apartment complex, and Ventura County Alguacil’s (VCSO), detectives are asking the public for information about others who may have witnessed or been involved in the incident.
The assault occurred around 2:15 a.m. Aug. 28 at Oakview Apartment Homes in the 600 block of Hampshire Road, according to authorities.
Investigators said a security guard initially responded to a noise complaint at the complex’s pool area and asked several people to quiet down and leave.
A short time later, the guard heard yelling and saw an adult man being attacked near the pool and barbecue area. Authorities said multiple people knocked the victim to the ground and allegedly punched, kicked and stomped him.
He suffered injuries to his head, face and body.
Detectives said the attack was preceded by an interaction in which several people questioned the victim about whether he had contacted law enforcement regarding the earlier disturbance.
Investigators subsequently identified and arrested Julio Trevino, Adan Domingo and Ivan Domingo. All three were booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility on suspicion of assault likely to produce great bodily injury, a violation of California Penal Code Section 245(a)(4).
Authorities believe additional people may have been present and are seeking witnesses, photographs or video from the pool and barbecue area.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the East County Major Crimes Unit at 805-494-8201. Detectives are also seeking footage that could assist the investigation.
MAN CHARGED IN ELDER FRAUD
A Fremont man has been charged with stealing $20,000 from an elderly Ventura County resident in an alleged computer fraud scheme, prosecutors announced Wednesday.
Ze Li, 35, pleaded not guilty Aug. 31 to charges including grand theft, theft from an elder or dependent adult, attempted theft and conspiracy, according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors allege the scheme began Aug. 4, when the victim received a computer pop-up instructing him to call “Microsoft.”
After calling, he was transferred among several people before speaking with a man identifying himself as “Damian Myers.”
Myers allegedly told the victim that someone had used his Ventura County Credit Union account to make a fraudulent $25,000 purchase involving child pornography in China. Authorities said the claims were false.
The victim was instructed to withdraw money to protect his funds.
He withdrew $20,000 from two credit union branches and purchased $5,000 in gift cards, prosecutors said.
The following day, Li allegedly met the victim in Ventura and collected a package containing $20,000. The victim later became suspicious and contacted law enforcement.
Authorities said investigators arranged another meeting August 27 after the alleged scammers sought additional money.
Li allegedly returned believing he would collect another $20,000 and was arrested shortly afterward.
Investigators believe Li acted as a courier for fraudsters operating outside Ventura County.
Li remains in custody with bail set at $250,000 and his next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 4.
Anyone who believes they was targeted by a similar scam can contact District Attorney Investigator Eric Jensen at, 805-662-1750.
