Gavin Newsom Signs Law Limiting Mental Health Diversion for People Accused of Crimes
A new California law gives just more flexibility to keep defendants in jail rather than releasing them to community-based mental health treatment programs.
Year: 2026
Change the Supreme Court for our 250th Birthday
As we celebrate our 250th anniversary of independence, the best birthday gift we can give ourselves is to change how Supreme Court Judges are appointed.
Courage Matters in These ‘Interesting’ Times
I often wonder if, had I been a small New England merchant at that time, I would have had the passion and the courage to join in the resistance against our colonial overlords 250 years ago.
There’s Music in Us
Happy birthday, America, you great unfinished symphony, as Lin-Manuel Miranda described it in Hamilton. We have always been deeply flawed, but aspirational and self-correcting over time.
God Forgive America
The phrase “God Bless America,” from the song by the same name, is often invoked in the spirit of eliciting divine protection — and entitlement.
California School Libraries Blindsided By ‘Catastrophic’ Budget Cut
The state budget cut $5.5 million for school libraries. That money pays online fees for student research materials.
ON the Beat | The Art of Beating and Bowing, On Parade
Music Academy of the West’s festival shifts into full swing with two events on the recommended List — the Percussionfest and Friday’s Orchestra Series opener at The Granada Theatre.
Mr. Louie
Shy Kitty needs a home!
He Can Dance, but Can He Sing?
The actual reason he tried to close the Kennedy Center was that he wants to use it to rehearse a secret new musical starring himself!
Eric Friedman for Mayor of Santa Barbara
As Santa Barbara faces a significant budget shortfall, our next mayor must have more than good intentions.
