The Santa Barbara Independent

We Keep Us Safe: The People Fighting to Keep ICE Out of Santa Barbara

Cover Story By Ryan P. Cruz

How Rapid Response Network volunteers work to protect their neighbors and stand up for immigrants.

Ashlee Buzzard Doesn’t Appear in Lompoc Court for Second Time in Murder Case

Courts & Crime By Christina McDermott

The Vandenberg Village woman accused of murdering her child has her next court appearance on March 18.

Pacific Surfliner Service Suspended Through Santa Barbara March 7-8 for Corridorwide Track Work

Transportation By Ella Heydenfeldt

Several rail agencies are coordinating infrastructure work along the tracks between San Diego and San Luis Obispo.

Republican Steve Hilton Campaigns for Governor in Santa Barbara, Promotes ‘Califordable’ Agenda

Election 2026 By Nestor Manzanares

The former Fox News commentator, who is leading several recent polls in the tight governor’s race, calls California the “worst-performing state in America” and promises to end state’s sanctuary policies.

Black Creativity as Living History

Visual Arts By Maya Johnson

Artist Toni Scott and photographer Rod Rolle Host Black History Month Art Salon at Santa Barbara’s Elevate Gallery.

Santa Barbara Rental Property Association to Legally Challenge Rent Freeze

Courts & Crime By Ryan P. Cruz

The property owners group contends that the city moratorium on rent increases is illegal.

Santa Barbara County Supes Face Budget Bloodbath

Politics By Nick Welsh

Huge cuts needed put Sheriff’s Office on the hot seat.

Music & Meditation SB – Concert March 6, 2026

Fri, Mar 06 2:00 PM

Santa Barbara

El Carro Park Cannabis Career Fair – Carpinteria

Sat, Mar 07 9:00 AM

Carpinteria

2-Day Expressive Painting Creative Workshop

Sat, Mar 07 10:00 AM

Santa Barbara

6th Eco Hero Award Brock Dolman & Kate Lundquist

Sun, Mar 08 6:30 PM

Santa Barbara

ART 4 GRIEF Support Group

Mon, Mar 09 6:00 PM

Santa Barbara

An Evening with Steep Canyon Rangers

Fri, Mar 06 7:30 PM

Santa Barbara

Funk Band Kool & The Gang at Chumash

Fri, Mar 06 8:00 PM

Santa Ynez

Spring 2026 Healing Arts Faire

Sat, Mar 07 12:00 PM

Santa Barbara

The Magic’s In the Music

Sat, Mar 07 7:00 PM

Carpinteria

UCSB Arts & Lectures Presents Arturo Sandoval Legacy Quintet

Sat, Mar 07 7:30 PM

Goleta

Jazz Concert with Wayne Bergeron

Sat, Mar 07 7:30 PM

Goleta

Fairytale Weekend at the Zoo

Sun, Mar 08 10:00 AM

Santa Barbara

Brawlin’ Betties: Love v. Luck Scrimmage

Sun, Mar 08 4:00 PM

Santa Barbara

SBAcoustic Presents Natalie Gelman & Mark Legget

Sun, Mar 08 7:30 PM

Santa Barbara

multimedia Stories

Goleta Punk Show Raises Money for Undocumented Families

Video

Desmadre Media hosted the event, which took place at Foundation Press in Old Town Goleta on February 28.

Shaping S.B. Response to Regime’s Deportation Raids: ‘Fear by Design: ICE Tactics, Impact, and What We Can Do About It”

Video

Next Monday, a special public forum convenes amid ongoing attacks by Trump’s masked paramilitary agents on local neighborhoods, families and those bearing witness, presented by Dem Women of S.B.

UCSB Arts & Lectures ‘Air Time’ | Tiler Peck: Curating the Jerome Robbins Festival

Audio

A conversation with Charles Donelan.

UCSB Arts & Lectures ‘Air Time’: Jon Cleary of Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen

Audio

A conversation with Charles Donelan.

Waves Crash over Santa Barbara Breakwater

Photo

Photographer Dave Everett captured the tall waves at the Santa Barbara Harbor Breakwater on the morning of February 17, as the surf and tides reach a peak with the new moon cycle. “Those who dared to take on the breakwater this morning … got wet,” Everett said.

One Last Look at the 2026 Santa Barbara International Film Festival

Photo

A photo recap of the 41st edition of SBIFF.

Bill Brown Chides ICE for “Excesses” – But Says Sheriff Must Stay “Neutral” Amid Anti-Immigrant Crusade

In an exclusive interview, Santa Barbara County’s top lawman expresses “empathy” for communities under federal siege, but insists his deputies cannot serve as watchdogs to protect protesters.

‘Welcome to Isla Vista’ Episode 6: The Cliff’s Edge

Audio

Property owners are cutting back parts of houses on Del Playa as the cliff erodes. Meanwhile, Santa Barbara County’s rental inspection program is underway. And folks talk about what could make I.V. a better place to live.