The Santa Barbara Independent

High Hopes for UCSB Men’s Basketball

Sports By Victor Bryant

Returners, freshmen, and transfers could meld into a new Gaucho powerhouse.

Finding Hope in History: UCSB Hosts Screening of ‘American Agitators’

Labor By Ryan P. Cruz

The documentary and panel discussion dove into the legacy of labor organizer Fred Ross, Sr.

Step Inside Artists’ Homes

Visual Arts By Tiana Molony

Mesa Artists Studio Tour offers an intimate look at the artists — and the spaces — that define them.

Review | Rebelution Good Vibes Cali Tour 2025

Music By Xavier Pereyra

Santa Barbara Bowl gig shows why fans keep turning up for this I.V.-rooted reggae crew.

A Nod to Home Cooking at Corazón Comedor

Food By Leslie Dinaberg

Updated menu features daily brunch and new homestyle Mexican offerings.

‘Jagged Little Pill’ Brings Broadway and Alanis Morissette’s Music Together

Theater By Maggie Yates

A suburban family story about pain, healing, and empowerment — from Out of the Box Theatre Company.

Santa Barbara Firefighter Inspires Young Readers with ‘Sparky the Brave’ Series

Books By Alice Dehghanzadeh

Jorge Hurtado’s books teach kids about adventure, science, and the environment.

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.