Scene in S.B.

Before opening Handlebar Coffee Roasters two-and-a-half years ago, Aaron Olson and Kim Anderson were professional cyclists traveling the world and spending a lot of time in cafés. “Cafés are an important part of European culture, and we wanted to bring a little of that atmosphere to Santa Barbara,” said Olson, who takes his coffee black. “We are expanding into the building next door soon, as well,” he added while roasting a fresh batch of Costa Rican beans.

“This is my last day of work before a two-month leave of absence to finish my PhD thesis,” said Ben Best after taking a swig of green tea at The French Press on State Street. Best works at UCSB’s Ocean Health Index where he and others aim to quantify how sustainably we are using our oceans. “I feel lucky to be gainfully employed and living here in Santa Barbara,” he added.