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Central Coast Event To Help Homeless Veterans Cancelled Over Coronavirus Safety Concerns

A nearly decade old event on the Central Coast which helps homeless veterans is one of the latest victims of the coronavirus crisis.  The 2020 Santa Barbara County Veterans Stand Down event has been cancelled. 

The event brings together non-profit groups, government agencies and volunteers to help homeless veterans with everything from new clothes and haircuts to social services.

The nine-year-old event is sponsored by Santa Barbara County Supervisor Steve Lavagnino.  It usually helps about 500 veterans a year. 

It’s being cancelled because of state and county restrictions on gatherings intended to stop the spread of coronavirus.  However, organizers say they will continue to work with veterans on an individual basis to connect them with help.

Lance Orozco has been News Director of KCLU since 2001, providing award-winning coverage of some of the biggest news events in the region, including the Thomas and Woolsey brush fires, the deadly Montecito debris flow, the Borderline Bar and Grill attack, and Ronald Reagan's funeral.