Elizabeth Schwyzer, Charles Donelan, and Aly Comingore

Eyes on the Prize: On Sunday, September 20, The Independent received the City of Santa Barbara Arts Advisory Committee’s Business in Art Award at the 45th annual Santa Barbara Beautiful Awards presentation, held at the Music Academy’s Hahn Hall in Montecito. The paper’s arts writers and editors were recognized specifically for the contributions they’ve made to the city’s vibrant arts scene, not only through articles and listings, but also by organizing the annual Indy theater awards and Road to West Beach battle of the bands competition. Editors Elizabeth Schwyzer, Charles Donelan, and Aly Comingore are shown here with the award, an original artwork by Cass Ensberg.