Recent Stories

International Antarctic Conference at UCSB

Hiding out on the bottom of the world, Antarctica has long lived in the far recesses of public interest-garnering rare attention for its radical weather patterns, penguin occupants, and occasional exploratory tragedy. However, the continent’s relative anonymity has changed in recent years, and the ever-increasing and irrefutable realities of global warming have helped the world’s fifth-largest continent surge to the frontlines of public discourse on climate change.

Reasons to Eat Out for Heather Mattoon on September 8

1) Community Spirit: A little more than a month ago, Heather Mattoon, one of Santa Barbara’s brightest rising artistic stars, came crashing back to earth in a spine-cracking fall from her third-story apartment. Though her fall from grace was only momentary, the repercussions remain-Heather is currently paralyzed from her belly button to her toes.

311 and Matisyahu

I think I knew every song played during the 311 and Matisyahu show at the Bowl last week. Before you go calling bullshit on that claim, let me explain: First and foremost, I have known and loved 311 since the release of their first independent albums-they were the soundtrack for everything in my life from pre-dawn surf missions and run-ins with the police, to high school keg parties and botched first dates.

Six Weeks and Burning

With favorable weather patterns and the tireless work of firefighters on the front lines to thank, Santa Barbara residents living in the ashy shadow of the Zaca Fire were breathing a little easier this week. Seemingly sparing closer-to-home locales like Paradise Road and East Camino Cielo, the still-raging inferno had, as of press time, turned its radically destructive front lines toward the north and east, continuing its flaming mastication of the Dick Smith Wilderness and the forest land around Santa Barbara Canyon.

Summing Up a Month of the Zaca Fire

As you read this, the Zaca Fire will be raging on. Burning a massive swath of land through the Santa Barbara backcountry, the month-old blaze has scorched more than 73,000 acres as of press time. Though considered to be on the brink of containment fewer than two weeks ago, the fire has since found new life, with the uncontrolled portions of its perimeter stretching for more than 25 miles throughout the wilderness.

The Summer Haze Tour

Years ago, back when the East Coast was my home and summer was seldom more than a two-and-a-half month season, G. Love used to call my ex-girlfriend and leave these hideously good messages for her on the answering machine-and I hated it. This week, as Zaca ash rained from above, Garrett Dutton’s trademark hip-hop casual voice was once again in my life (though this time with significantly more enjoyable results).

Lee “Scratch” Perry

There are moments in life when the circular nature of our existence becomes beautifully clear. Such was the case late last Monday night as I found my ears still ringing with the deliciously dark and captivating beats of Lee “Scratch” Perry and his band, Dub Is a Weapon.

Login

Please note this login is to submit events or press releases. Use this page here to login for your Independent subscription

Not a member? Sign up here.