The Santa Barbara Independent

Today Is Voting Day

Election 2025 By Jean Yamamura

Democrats put Prop 50 on the California ballot in an attempt to win back the U.S. House of Representatives.

California Democrats Made Prop. 50 About Trump. Polls Show It’s Working as Voting Ends

Election 2025 By Maya C. Miller, CalMatters

While lopsided polling and fundraising have given the Yes on 50 campaign an undeniable advantage, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s team is taking nothing for granted as Election Day arrives.

Law Enforcement Narrows Timeline in Search for Missing 9-Year-Old Lompoc Girl

Courts & Crime By Christina McDermott

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office says Melodee Buzzard was last seen near the Utah-Colorado Border on October 9.

Santa Barbara Man Charged, Then Cleared, in State Street Murder Is Arrested on New Gun and Drug Charges

Courts & Crime By Tyler Hayden

Juan Fernando Rios, 28, was allegedly found in possession of a loaded firearm, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

Adelante Charter School Honors Culture, Community with Día de los Muertos Festival

Community By Ryan P. Cruz

The neighborhood festival drew hundreds as Adelante Charter School celebrates 25 years in Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara Man Arrested for Sexual Assault, Burglary, and Robbery

Courts & Crime By Ella Heydenfeldt

Eduardo Gallardo-Arizmendi, 22, was charged with multiple felonies in connection to two separate incidents in October.

Teen with Loaded Handgun Arrested in Isla Vista on Halloween Weekend

Courts & Crime By Ella Heydenfeldt

Curfew stop on Saturday leads to the recovery of a stolen gun on an otherwise quiet weekend following the previous weekend’s off-campus parties and high-attendance concert at UCSB.

multimedia Stories

DJ Javier and Mother Dough Bagels Come Together for a Kamayan Feast to Celebrate Their Roots

Filipino dining tradition gathers supporters to celebrate art, community, and MCASB.

Watch: As New Polling Shows Prop. 50 with a Big Lead, Our Pundit Panel Dives into the Politics and Policy of the Special Election

Video

Gavin Newsom set forth a pro-Democratic gerrymander of California to fight a pro-Republican gerrymander in Texas. Santa Barbara Newsmakers’ panel of experts demystifies the issues and personalities behind the fight.

The Best in Town Boogie at Best Fest

As our Best of Santa Barbara® issue hit the stands, the Indy team got ready to roll the celebration into

Can’t Beat the View — and the People Watching — at the Palm Tree Music Festival

New music festival at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is a sight to behold.

Author Alexis Okeowo on ‘Air Time’ from UCSB Arts & Lectures

Audio

Alexis Okeowo, New Yorker staff writer and author of the new book Blessings and Disasters: A Story of Alabama, will

Kids at the Bowl with Las Cafeteras

Photo

Outreach event brings a joyful performance to Santa Barbara County students.

Prop. 50 Explained in a Minute

CalMatters reporter Jeanne Kuang explains why Democrats are asking voters to temporarily approve California congressional maps they drew.

Watch: Nick Welsh Goes Deep and Detailed on Santa Barbara’s Offshore Oil Wars, with a Primer on the Raging Sable vs. California Conflict

As the shifty Texas oil company gears up to gain Donald Trump’s approval of plans for launching offshore tankers, S.B.’s top journalist on the beat deconstructs, demystifies and disentangles the story.

Air Time: Samara Joy

Audio

‘Air Time’ debuts with jazz sensation Samara Joy, previewing her Oct. 2 Granada Theatre concert and reflecting on her rise as one of today’s brightest new voices.