2026 - Page 6 of 27 - The Santa Barbara Independent

Education By Ella Heydenfeldt

La Cumbre Junior High Band Director Marches in Rose Parade

Charles Ortega brings his alto sax and Santa Barbara pride with him to the internationally televised New Year’s Day tradition in Pasadena.

Music By Leslie Dinaberg

Hank Azaria and The EZ Street Band fete The Boss, for charity, at the Chumash Casino.

Letters By Heidi Hutton Rigoli, S.B.

I want to command Ryan Cruz for his article about Jupiter Castillo’s capture by ICE agents.

Music By Josef Woodard

The “Mariposa” series concert from Edgar Meyer, Tessa Lark, and Joshua Roman exceeds expectations, showcasing Meyer’s compositional aplomb.

Housing By Callie Fausey

Former Fire Marshal Rob Hazard cites fire risks and inadequate infrastructure in appeal to the County Planning Commission.

Courts & Crime By Callie Fausey

The 19-year-old suspect was booked on January 8 in connection to distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material.

Sports By Victor Bryant

Sergio Ramirez and Luis Campos came through with goals for San Marcos.

The Great House Detective By Betsy J. Green

This award-winning home has watched the Mesa grow from open fields to a beloved neighborhood.

Cover Story By Ryan P. Cruz

Jupiter Castillo, a UC Santa Barbara graduate and healthcare worker, shares his experience of detention and deportation.

Opinion By Beth Rogers

AI is no longer just a tool that delivers facts. It is shaping emotional experience while denying that it does so.