After selecting a few of my favorite stories from the past year, I realized just how much the journalists at the Indy are on top of the stories that are important to the community and to me personally. This includes the stories about S.B. history, such as Santa Barbara High School’s 150th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of the S.B. earthquake, success stories of immigrants and especially the coverage of ICE, from their first appearance and continued coverage by Ryan P. Cruz. I’m always eager to put the annual guides together (Weddings, Summer Camp, Fiesta, Halloween, and ‘Tis the Season) and assist community members and tourists in getting the most out of what S.B. has to offer.
Here are a few of my favorite pieces from 2025.
Cheers to a happy new year!
Terry Ortega
Events Editor
805 UndocuFund Leading the Fight for Immigrant Rights on Central Coast | Ryan P. Cruz
How It Happened: Timeline of Immigration Raid in Carpinteria | Ryan P. Cruz
Rapid Response Hotline Reports More than 1,000 Immigration Arrests on Central Coast | Ryan P. Cruz & Nick Welsh
Past Times at Santa Barbara High | Callie Fausey
Searching for Ghosts on the Central Coast | Ryan P. Cruz
An American Dream Fulfilled | Ryan P. Cruz
Santa Barbara’s Old Earthquake Yields New Discoveries | Matt Kettmann
‘We Are Our Ancestors’ Hopes and Dreams’ | Oscar Gutierrez
And, of course, some of the Guides:
Santa Barbara’s Complete Guide to Halloween Happenings, Haunts, and Fun
2025 ‘Tis the Season Santa Barbara’s Annual Guide to Holiday Happenings
