Lance Orozco

News Director

Lance Orozco has been News Director of KCLU since 2001, developing the station's local news coverage as it transitioned to a news/talk format. He has provided award-winning local coverage of some of the biggest news events in the region, from brush fires and mudslides to Ronald Reagan's funeral. 

Lance has won more than 200 journalism awards for KCLU, including more than 90 Golden Mikes, 20-plus regional Edward R. Murrow awards, a national Edward R. Murrow Award (an honor which came to David Letterman’s attention on “The Late Show.”), and a national Society Of Professional Journalists Award  He has been AP's small market reporter of the year in the western U.S. nine times. 

Lance is a familiar face in the region, having worked nearly two decades as a television reporter and weathercaster in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. His adventures included an unexpected guest appearance on "Late Night With David Letterman."

You can reach Lance here.

Whale Census Underway In Santa Barbara County To Help Assess Status Of Gray Whales

By • Mar 22, 2016

A team of volunteers from the Central and South Coasts is taking part in a very unique census effort.

For nearly 100 days a year, for eight hours a day, volunteers are camped out on a scenic bluff near U-C Santa Barbara, scanning the ocean for gray whales. It’s an important part of efforts to assess the state of the gray whale population.

Historic Santa Barbara County Building Being Honored For Eco-Friendly Makeover

By • Mar 22, 2016

Many new buildings on the Central and South Coast are getting high marks for being environmentally friendly.

But, a historic old building in Santa Barbara is now celebrating being certified as a “green” business.

The Lobero Theater’s multi-million dollar facelift included low flow toilets and eco-friendly lighting and landscaping. The theater also uses biodegradable products for food services, and has a composting program for scraps.

The Lobero will be honored for its efforts at a Green Business event in Buellton tomorrow.

Rams Going To Be Spending More Time In Ventura County?

By • Mar 21, 2016

There’s a new sign that the Los Angeles Rams could be spending more time in Ventura County.

The team already has a deal to hold spring workouts in Oxnard, at the longtime home of the Dallas Cowboys summer training camps. Now, a developer has filed an application with the City of Thousand Oaks to put up to 50,000 square feet of modular buildings on the north campus of California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks.

Wastewater Recycling Plant On South Coast On Cutting Edge Of Technology

By • Mar 21, 2016

California's drought is prompting all kinds of approaches to conserving water on the Central and South Coasts.

One of the most high-tech is a plant in Ventura County.

The plant saves millions of gallons of drinking water a day by purifying wastewater into water so clean it can be used for agriculture.

U.S. Secretary Of The Interior Visits Channel Islands

By • Mar 18, 2016

One of the White House’s top environmental officials got a closeup look at the Channel Islands today, as part of an effort to get kids interested in visiting the nation’s parks.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell toured the Channel Islands by boat, and was briefed on efforts to help the Island Fox make a comeback from near extinction.

State Approves Funding For More Than $14 Million Dollars In Central Coast Highway Projects

By • Mar 18, 2016

The state has approved more than $14 million dollars in funding for some major transportation projects on the Central Coast, including repaving of a section of a heavily used highway.

Arrest Made In More Than Decade Old Open Murder Case In Ventura County

By • Mar 18, 2016

Detectives had made an arrest in a more than decade old murder case in Ventura County.

On November 13th, 2005 Joaquin Castaneda was found shot to death on the 900 block of Richmond Avenue in Oxnard. Investigators weren’t sure what led to the killing, but found evidence indicating it might be linked to a string of robberies in the city that week.

Mystery Illness Leaves One Dead, Eight Seriously Ill In Ventura County

By • Mar 18, 2016

A mysterious heart-related illness has caused one death, and a rash of serious illnesses in Ventura County.

County health officials are working with state, and federal investigators to try to determine what’s behind the unusual surge in the incidents.

Chairman Of Chumash Tribe Resigns To Pursue Culinary Degree

By • Mar 17, 2016

The head of the Chumash Tribe has resigned.

Vincent Armenta has been Chairman of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians since 1999. He headed the tribe during the biggest period of financial growth in its history, overseeing construction of the Chumash Casino Resort, the purchase and relaunch of one of the largest hotels in Solvang, and the addition of multiple parcels of real estate in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Channel Islands Star In Global Nature Webcam Network

By • Mar 17, 2016

The Channel Islands are home to some of the most unique elements of nature in the world, yet most people living in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties have never had a close up look.

What’s being called the largest nature webcam network in the world can now give you a glimpse of what’s happening on the islands, and under the sea.

Ventura County Sheriff's Deputy Injured In Confrontation

By • Mar 17, 2016

A Ventura County Sheriff’s deputy is recovering from injuries he suffered dealing with a domestic disturbance.

The deputy was called to the 800 block of Brossard Drive Tuesday morning. Sheriff’s Department officials say as the officer was collecting information about the incident, he was attacked and injured by Omar Flores. The 21 year old man then tried to flee the scene. The deputy caught him, and Flores fought with the officer.

Oxnard Investigating Allegations Of Internal Municipal Utilities Theft

By • Mar 16, 2016

A South Coast community says it’s investigating the possible internal theft of municipal utility services.

Oxnard officials say they launched a probe two months ago, when information about possible thefts was discovered. City officials say the allegations involve solid waste disposal services.

They say they are still in the early stages of the investigation, but will take appropriate steps to insure accountability and transparency.

The Oxnard Police Department is also conducting an investigation into the alleged thefts.

Ventura County School Moves Ahead With Relocation Plans To Avoid Concerns About Oil, Gas Pipelines

By • Mar 16, 2016

A tiny, one school Ventura County school district is dealing with what it considers a potentially explosive problem.

Concern about possible danger from four oil and gas pipelines which run through, and next to the campus prompted the district to move ahead with a plan to relocate the entire school.

Burglars Hit Three Dozen Vehicles In Santa Barbara County Community

By • Mar 16, 2016

There’s a warning in one Santa Barbara County community this morning about auto burglaries, after it’s been hit by more than three dozen break-ins since the first of the month.

The burglars have targeted vehicles in the Winchester Canyon, Fairview Avenue, and Langlo Ranch areas of Goleta.

Four Lost Teenage Hikers Found By Search And Rescue Team On Central Coast

By • Mar 15, 2016

Four Central Coast teenagers have quite the story to tell after their hike ended with them being the focus of a search and rescue mission.

The 17 year olds were hiking near Mussel Point, west of Santa Maria Sunday afternoon when they became lost.

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