Matt Kettmann, Author at The Santa Barbara Independent

Travel By Matt Kettmann | Thu Jun 14, 2007 | 12:00pm

Fast Cars, Good Times

I’m not a “car guy”-I don’t know a radiator from a carburetor, I’ve never been tempted to trade in my dusty pick-up for a shiny sports car, and I don’t really understand the constant left-turning that is NASCAR. But, like any red-blooded boy from the good ol’ U.S. of A., I grew up with posters of Ferraris and Lamborghinis on my walls, ma stered the arcade games Pole Position and Out Run, and relished that I was a passenger in a Saleen Mustang going 135 miles per hour as “my fastest ride.”

Food & Drink By Matt Kettmann | Tue Jun 12, 2007 | 4:32pm

Wine Cask Sold Without Los Olivos Restaurant

The Wine Cask was officially sold on June 1, but without the Los Olivos restaurant as part of the deal.

Opinion By Matt Kettmann | Thu Jun 07, 2007 | 5:58pm

News-Presser Scott Steepleton Lets Lawyers Do His Talking

When The Indy contacted the associate editor directly about his job, the News-Press‘ attorneys responded with threats. We’ll take it as a “no comment.”

Business By Matt Kettmann | Thu May 31, 2007 | 12:00pm

Good for Looking, Better for Party Planning

Keeping your party schedule in order can prove difficult for even the most organized Santa Barbaran. And don’t we all hate that blank spot on the wall that just begs for something to be hung?

Film & TV By Matt Kettmann | Thu May 24, 2007 | 12:00pm

Director Ali Selim
Discusses Sweet Land

The average 21st-century American thinks very little about the life of a German immigrant settling into the Minnesota farming life amid a post-World War I period of raging xenophobia. But as Ali Selim’s insightful film Sweet Land reveals, such an experience is integral to understanding the American dream, and the nightmarish paths that some must endure before acceptance in a new society.

Arts & Entertainment By Matt Kettmann | Thu May 24, 2007 | 12:00pm

Profant Foundation for the Arts

It is unfortunately a common refrain for classrooms across California: Arts funding is being slashed leaving children with few creative outlets, barely any artistic inspiration, and a life centered solely on reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic. Luckily for Santa Barbara, there’s a nonprofit organization whose directive is to give scholarships to “artists of all ages” as a means of “preserving Santa Barbara’s cultural heritage.” This is the John E. Profant Foundation for the Arts, and it’s accepting applications for the next round of scholarships until May 31.

Living By Matt Kettmann | Wed May 23, 2007 | 6:18pm

Frontlines of the Nojoqui Grade Fire

Here are some frontline photographs from the brush fire on the Nojoqui Grade, which started in the afternoon of Wednesday, May 23.

Opinion By Matt Kettmann | Tue May 22, 2007 | 4:17pm

Dr. Laura’s Son Under Investigation

Conservative radio talk show host Dr. Laura, who started penning a News-Press column following last July’s mass resignations, takes a break after charges that her son posted objectionable images of rape, murder, and child molestation on his MySpace page.

Opinion By Chris Meagher | Thu May 17, 2007 | 4:54pm

Leana Orsua Goes to KSBY

It’s official: Leana Orsua began working as KSBY’s Santa Barbara bureau chief this week. Plus, more media notes.

Arts & Entertainment By Matt Kettmann | Thu May 17, 2007 | 12:00pm

The Bowl Raises the Roof, Literally

If you’ve been feeling like something’s missing this spring, you’re right. By this time last year, the Santa Barbara Bowl’s concert series was already in full swing, delivering the best in live music to our ocean-view, hillside venue on the corner of Milpas and Anapamu streets. This year, however, the concerts don’t start until the Norah Jones show on June 22, making it one of the latest Bowl season starts in recent memory.

Author: Matt Kettmann