Best of Santa Barbara® Readers’ Poll 2018
Our Annual Celebration of the People and Places That Rule Santa Barbara’s Seaside Kingdom
Unlike humans, Cecil the Cephalopod isn’t limited in the limb department. That’s given him a distinct advantage in his quest to visit as many of our Best of Santa Barbara® Readers’ Poll awardees as possible, which is what this eight-armed hombre has been doing since crawling out of the Pacific Ocean a couple of weeks ago.
“Your seafood game is tight,” Cecil shared with us this week, as we put together the biggest issue of the year. “Of course, I expected that. But I’m also digging your burgers, your brunches, and your medi-spas. Eight thumbs up, all around!”
It’s been quite a journey for Cecil, but 2018 also marks a new adventure for our annual Best of Santa Barbara® Readers’ Poll. After 30 years of following the same format, we shook up the process this year. Starting in June, we opened up a monthlong nomination process whereby those with the most nominations were elevated to the official ballot. (Businesses seeking to be nominated next year should watch out for our announcement!)
The poll of nominees went live in August, and, in another technological leap, we hosted all voting on independent.com. That’s right: no more paper ballots, which made the process much more efficient, fair, and eco-groovy.
The results were staggering: 12,779 voters, from 13 to 100 years old, cast nearly 420,000 votes in 201 categories.
So, with that breadth and with Cecil the Cephalopod’s support, we are confident in presenting the results of 2018’s Best of Santa Barbara® Readers’ Poll.
Eating: Fancy dishes, big burgers, and taco triumphs can all be found in this best dining round-up.
Driving: Cars, motorcycles, and more — here are the best places to get your automobile fixes.
Sporting Life: From martial arts studios to surf shops, here are the best places for keeping active.
Media: From columnists to websites, here’s the best way to stay in touch with the world around us.
