Gauchos softball head coach Jo Evans gets first pro experience this summer
KEYT News Channel 3-12
June 9, 2026
If you’ve ever watched a Gauchos softball game at Campus Diamond, you know the energy Jo Evans brings. Now, this Hall of Fame coach is taking her talents to the pros. Evans will serve as Associate Head Coach for the Oklahoma City Spark in the brand-new Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) this summer—a first for her at the professional level.
It’s a huge nod to the caliber of coaching we have right here in Santa Barbara. Evans has built a powerhouse program at UCSB, and seeing her step onto a national pro stage puts our local softball community in the spotlight. KEYT News Channel 3-12 first reported the news, and it’s the kind of story that makes you proud to be a Gaucho. Whether you follow college ball or just love seeing local talent recognized, this is a win for the entire 805.
This summary was written by AI based on the original article from KEYT News Channel 3-12.
City
Santa BarbaraSource
KEYT News Channel 3-12Published
June 9, 2026
AI-curated summary from local news sources
Explore Santa BarbaraAll Santa Barbara NewsMore News from Santa Barbara
Santa BarbaraMorro Bay man arrested in connection with recent commercial burglary spree across SLO County
A 27-year-old Morro Bay man is behind bars following an investigation into a string of commercial burglaries that hit several Central Coast communities this spring. According to KEYT News Channel 3-12, the suspect was arrested Wednesday in connection with break-ins reported across San Luis Obispo County, including Cambria, Cayucos, San Simeon, and Templeton — all in April. While the arrest occurred in SLO County, the ripple effects of property crime often touch our own Santa County communities. For local business owners who’ve dealt with similar incidents, this news serves as a reminder to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity. We’ll keep an eye on further developments as the case moves through the courts.
Santa BarbaraGirls Inc. Bold Futures Brunch Raises More Than $160,000
More than 200 community members packed the Santa Barbara Club on June 4 for Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara's Bold Futures Brunch, raising an impressive $160,138 to support local girls. That's a whole lot of love for our community's future leaders. The funds will go directly toward programs that empower girls to be strong, smart, and bold—something our Central Coast families can really get behind. It's events like this that remind us what makes Santa Barbara special: neighbors showing up for each other. Whether you were at the brunch or just heard about it from a friend, this is a win for every girl in our area. A big thanks to Noozhawk for covering this heartwarming story—proof that when we invest in our youth, the whole 805 shines brighter.
Santa BarbaraPlastic-Free Expo Puts the Planet First
Summer is almost here, and the Community Environmental Council and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper are giving us a reason to celebrate — without the plastic hangover. The 5th annual Plastic-Free Expo returns Thursday, June 25, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., offering a fun, family-friendly evening that proves you can enjoy the season while keeping waste to a minimum. Think local vendors, hands-on demos, and plenty of inspiration for cutting down on single-use plastics in your daily routine. For those of us in Santa Barbara, this event hits close to home. Our coastline is one of our greatest treasures, and every piece of plastic we keep out of the environment makes a difference. Whether you’re a seasoned eco-warrior or just starting to swap out disposable water bottles, this expo is a great way to connect with neighbors who care. Noozhawk has the full details, so mark your calendar and come ready to learn — and maybe grab a reusable straw or two.