SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) - Last night was a big night for Santa Maria’s City Council meeting.

Before proceedings got very far, Councilman Carlos Escobedo, who has been representing Santa Maria’s District 1 for over five years, announced his resignation and left the chamber.

Escobedo began serving when he was elected in November 2020, and he was re-elected in 2024.

At Tuesday night’s city council meeting, his resignation appeared abrupt, seeming to catch other council members off-guard.

Brief discussion in the chamber reflects a lack of notice to city staff from the councilman.

Later in the meeting, Mayor Patino made a motion for the establishment of an ad-hoc immigration committee, something that had been “on the table” for over half a year.

With Escobedo’s seat vacant, the motion tied 2-to-2, meeting with defeat.

Residents in attendance were audibly shocked and upset by the evening’s proceedings.

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By Daniel Wine, CNN

Welcome to 5 Things PM! The Academy Awards are right around the corner, and it’s difficult to find another year when the major categories were this wide open.

Here’s what else you might have missed during your busy day.

5 things

1⃣ Water worries

Sea levels are on average 1 foot higher than previously assumed, raising alarms that the world is underestimating how much land and how many people will be affected by rising oceans. That could spell trouble for the future.

2⃣ ‘It’s not going to end here’

The conviction of Colin Gray, a Georgia school shooter’s father, isn’t the first time a parent has been found responsible for a mass shooting committed by their child. Legal experts said it sends a powerful message to gun owners.

3⃣ Is NYC ready?

CNN went on the campaign trail with JFK’s grandson, Jack Schlossberg, as he runs for Congress. He shared his thoughts on President Donald Trump’s changes to the Kennedy Center, his cousin RFK Jr. and the loss of his sister.

4⃣ ED and your heart

Erectile dysfunction can be a sign of underlying cardiovascular disease in men who are otherwise healthy. A doctor explains what you should know about the potential risks.

5⃣ Flavor on the side

You’re probably familiar with kimchi, one of Korean cuisine’s best-known accompaniments. But there’s so much more to explore — take a spin through some other delicious dishes.

Watch this

Sky-high save: Firefighters climbed 920 feet to reach two people after their hot air balloon got tangled in a cell phone tower in Longview, Texas. Watch the dramatic rescue.

Top headlines

• US says it’s striking ‘deeper’ into Iran as war spreads across region
• House Oversight panel votes to subpoena AG Pam Bondi in Epstein probe
• House Ethics Committee will investigate allegations against Rep. Tony Gonzales

Check this out

Hot spot: Saunas aren’t just a wellness experience — they can be a fun night out, a first date or a way to build community. The latest trend has ancient roots.

For CNN subscribers

• ‘He’ll start a war’: Trump’s past Iran warnings resurface as US bombs Iran
• Why gas prices aren’t expected to skyrocket like they did

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SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Santa Barbara Humane returned to your Morning News with a face you just can't resist.

In a group of 16 new dogs, 7-year-old Benji arrived in Santa Barbara from the organization's transfer program, already arriving three legged and with a skin and ear infection. Unfortunately doctors discovered Benji's eyes to be in poor condition as well so the decision was made to remove them.

"I think when he came to us those eyes were in such bad shape that he really couldn't see anyway, so it's not a huge thing to be a new thing to be blind. Just a sweet little guy. He just wants to hang out in your backyard in a patch of sun, you know, just be cute little Benji," says chief operating officer, Dory Villalon.

Benji, along with the other pups, will be available for adoption starting Thursday.

In a few days SB Humane will be throwing their Wild West Fest! The fundraising event helps support the organization and all those sweet animals they take in, just like Benji.

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