The Indy

Ep. 93 - INSIDE AI: How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping our LivesIn this episode, The Indy host, Rebecca Fairweather, sits down with Assistant Professor of Computer Science and head of the Artificial Intelligence Integration Lab at UC Santa Barbara, Misha Sra. The two discuss the significance of AI and how it will impact our everyday lives. Chat GPT has taken the world by storm with the site having up to 200 million visitors daily. While this is one example of AI, new software and formats of intelligence are evolving quickly. Ever wanted to train for a marathon without a physical coach? Ever needed physical therapy but wanted it in the comfort of your home? These are possibilities AI could potentially work on addressing. Learn more about this and other cool AI features in the episode. Hosted by Rebecca Fairweather.Image Credit: Canva (Ryan King)The Indy: A Podcast was co-created by Molly McAnany and the Santa Barbara Independent.Theme music was written by Molly McAnany.Follow ‘The Indy’ on social media @theindypod to support and contact podcast@independent.com for advertisements.

In this episode, The Indy host, Rebecca Fairweather, sits down with Assemblymember Gregg Hart to discuss concerns over the environment and the ongoing housing crisis.The Assemblymember has recently restarted ‘Sidewalk Office Hours’ that is available in twelve communities across the central coast including; Orcutt, Guadalupe, Goleta, Santa Barbara, Vandenberg Village, Lompoc, Solvang, Montecito, Summerland, Nipomo, Santa Maria, and Buellton.During his ongoing tenure, Assemblyman Hart has authored numerous bills addressing concerns ranging from the environment to affordable housing. Recently two bills addressing environmental concerns, authored by the Assemblyman, have been approved by California Governor, Gavin Newsom. Assembly Bill 584 allows state and local agencies the ability to aid in the protection of life and property alongside restoration and cleanup as a result of natural disasters. The bill allows the Coastal Commission more flexibility to issue emergency waivers. Assemblyman Hart also introduced AB 631 which increases penalties and enforcement options, empowering state and local enforcement to shut down oil companies with chronic compliance issues.To contact the Assemblyman, visit https://a37.asmdc.org/contact.Hosted by Rebecca Fairweather.Image Caption: Assemblymember Gregg Hart being sworn into the California State Assembly on December 5, 2022. (Courtesy image)The Indy: A Podcast was co-created by Molly McAnany and the Santa Barbara Independent.The theme music was written by Molly McAnany.Follow ‘The Indy’ on social media @theindypod to support and contact podcast@independent.com for advertisements.

EP. 91 - ‘Creatures of the Night’ Takeover Santa BarbaraIn this episode, The Indy host, Rebecca Fairweather, sits down with the Creatures of the Night Production Company to talk about their fall performance of The Rocky Horror Picture Story.On October 28th, the company took over UC Santa Barbara’s Campbell Hall, performing in front of a sold-out crowd of hundreds. Rocky Horror Picture Show first made its debut in London as an on-stage production becoming a movie adaptation by director Jim Sharman. The film found a home for itself at the Waverly Theater in New York’s West Village for midnight screenings. From there, the cult-like fan base began to grow with regulars dressed in full costume and makeup returning week after week. The film showcases queer visibility in a positive light allowing its fans to see themselves represented in roles of empowerment and acceptance.For more information Creatures of the Night Production Company, visit https://www.instagram.com/rockyhorrorucsb/Hosted by Rebecca Fairweather.Image Credit: Rebecca FairweatherImage Caption: Production company “Creatures of the Night” performing their fall production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show on October 28th at Campbell Hall.The Indy: A Podcast was co-created by Molly McAnany and the Santa Barbara Independent.Theme music was written by Molly McAnany.Follow ‘The Indy’ on social media @theindypod to support and contact podcast@independent.com for advertisements.

In this episode, The Indy host, Rebecca Fairweather, talks with Santa Barbara residents about the newest symphony flowing through the blocks of State Street.Coming back for National Arts and Humanities Month, ‘Pianos on State’ is celebrating its thirteenth year, featuring 14 uniquely painted pianos scattered among the Santa Barbara Area. Local artists in the area painted each piano in vibrant colors, lighting up street corners with interactive artwork. The initiative seeks to reintroduce the arts into people's everyday lives, opening creativity up to all those seeking its pleasures.Whether you’ve never played a key or are familiar with its locks, the wonders of the piano are inclusive to all.For more information on where you can spot a piano, visit https://www.pianosonstate.com/-----------Hosted by Rebecca Fairweather.mage Credit: Rebecca FairweatherThe Indy: A Podcast was co-created by Molly McAnany and the Santa Barbara Independent.Theme music was written by Molly McAnany.Follow ‘The Indy’ on social media @theindypod to support and contact podcast@independent.com for advertisements.

EP. 89: Dahlia’s Roots - How Santa Barbara Blossomed the Black DahliaIn this episode, The Indy host, Rebecca Fairweather, discusses the infamous case of the 1947 murder mystery, the Black Dahlia, and her connection to Santa Barbara. As a former resident of the American Riviera, Elizabeth Short’s brief residence led to her notorious mugshot image that cemented her fame and aided in identifying her mutilated figure.After being arrested for underage drinking at a local bar in El Paseo, Short moved to Los Angeles, where the sight of her murder took place.The Black Dahlia mystery is one of the most famous unsolved murders in United States history and one of the oldest unsolved cases in Los Angeles County. While no suspect has officially been named Short’s murderer, many have speculated who might have resulted in the 22-year-old's death.Rebecca Fairweather discusses two men featured on the LA Police Department’s top 25 potential suspects list.___________Hosted by Rebecca Fairweather.Cover Image: Santa Barbara police, Public domainThe Indy: A Podcast was co-created by Molly McAnany and the Santa Barbara Independent.Theme music was written by Molly McAnany.Follow ‘The Indy’ on social media @theindypod to support and contact podcast@independent.com for advertisements.

Ep. 88: Renovictions – The New Reality of Santa BarbaraOn this episode, The Indy host, Rebecca Fairweather, speaks with Santa Barbara Tenants Union volunteer Stanley Tzankov to discuss the ongoing housing crisis impacting the southern coast. On September 1, the Koto Group took possession of the “West Beach College Commons”, previously known as Casa Pequena, buying the 52-unit apartment building for $16.8 million. Two days before, tenants received a notice informing them that their leases would not be renewed and that they must vacate their homes in 30 days. Tzankov is one of the volunteers working on educating and advocating for residents.Hosted by Rebecca Fairweather.The Indy: A Podcast was co-created by Molly McAnany and the Santa Barbara Independent.Theme music written by Molly McAnany.Follow ‘The Indy’ on social media @theindypod to support and contact podcast@independent.com for advertisements.For more information, visit: https://sbtu.org/For more resources, visit:SB Tenant HelpAuthority of the City of Santa BarbaraLegal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara CountyIIndependent Living Resource CenterUnited Way Of Santa Barbara CountyIsla Vista Tenants UnionRental Housing MediationBuilding & Safety | City of Santa Barbara

On this episode, The Indy host Alexandra Goldberg talks with Chumash community members about their effort in revitalizing the first language of Santa Barbara spoken by the Barbareno band called ‘alapkaswa.’ Ernestine Ygnacio-De Soto, illustrator of the children’s book “The Sugar Bear Story,” narrates a Chumash tale of being a good host. Working together with her late mother and the last native speaker of the Chumash dialect Mary Yee, the book is available in English and traditional Barbareno. Then, linguistics graduate student at UC Santa Barbara James Yee joined The Indy reporter Hannah Weaver on the podcast to discuss his passion for reviving his ancestral language. Hosted by Alexandra Goldberg.The Indy: A Podcast was co-created by Molly McAnany and the Santa Barbara Independent.Theme music written by Molly McAnany. Follow ‘The Indy’ on social media @theindypod to support and contact podcast@independent.com for advertisements.For more information, visit: https://www.sbnature.org/collections-research/anthropology/chumash-life/

The Old Spanish Days Fiesta is an annual, five day celebration all about honoring the culture and traditions of Santa Barbara’s indigenous, Spanish, Mexican and early American settlers.The Indy host Alexandra Goldberg sat down with Fiesta’s 2023 Saint Barbara, Lisa Osborn, to talk about the roots of Fiesta and the responsibility of portraying Saint Barbara. Every year, the Daughters of the Golden West, Reina Del Mar Parlor 126 selects one member to portray the patron saint at Fiesta activities.Then, La Fiesta Pequeña, or “Little Fiesta”, is a colorful, historical program showcasing traditional songs and dance from Early California Flamenco to Spanish classical and Mexican Folklorico, kicking off Old Spanish Day in Santa Barbara.The Indy reporter Daniel Huecias takes Fiesta Pequeña, interviewing performers, spectators, and El Presidente of Fiesta 2023.Hosted by Alexandra Goldberg.The Indy: A Podcast was co-created by Molly McAnany and the Santa Barbara Independent.Theme music written by Molly McAnany.Follow ‘The Indy’ on social media @theindypod to support and contact podcast@independent.com for advertisements.For more information, visit: https://www.sbfiesta.org

On this episode, The Indy host Alexandra Goldberg sought out some of Santa Barbara’s best parenting advice.With the release of the Santa Barbara Independent’s online Parenting Guide, Alexandra Goldberg sat down with Indy editors Tyler Hayden and Leslie Dinaberg about some of the topics they covered for the web: how to make friends with other parents, toddler-friendly parks and playgrounds, and easy meals for dads.Then, Santa Barbara criminal defense attorney William C. Makler joined us on the show to discuss youth law— everything parents should know about their child’s rights and how to be prepared if your child is approached by police.Hosted by Alexandra Goldberg.The Indy: A Podcast was co-created by Molly McAnany and the Santa Barbara Independent.Theme music written by Molly McAnany.Follow ‘The Indy’ on social media @theindypod to support and contact podcast@independent.com for advertisements.Visit indyparenting.com for the full Indy Parenting Guide.For more information on youth programs, consider:Be Well: 888-868-1649SB Teen Legal Clinic: 805-563-6467Family Services Agency: 805-965-1001CALM: 805-965-2376Daniel Bryant Youth and Family Center (CADA): 805-730-7575Noah's anchorage - YMCA: 805-963-8775

Authors Matt Dorff and Suzanne Dunn had a unique vision for their newly released novel: “The podcast that’s an audiobook. The audiobook that’s a podcast.”Dorff and Dunn, under the pseudonym L.R. Dorn, wrote a novel and an audiobook in the form of a true crime podcast. One of the main characters, Ryanna Raine, is a podcast host who sleuths out a murder case of a husband and wife in Santa Barbara. The primary suspects are two UC Santa Barbara theater students who tell their side of the story exclusively to Ryanna on her podcast.On this episode of The Indy, hear from Dorff and Dunn about the release of their novel, their creative writing process and why the audio experience is important to them.The authors are holding an event at UC Santa Barbara on Saturday, July 15. RSVP with this link. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/with-a-kiss-we-die-the-making-of-a-multi-voice-audiobook-tickets-653122355547?aff=ebdshpsearchautocompleteHosted by Alexandra Goldberg.The Indy: A Podcast was co-created by Molly McAnany and the Santa Barbara Independent.Theme music written by Molly McAnany. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions - Etude 12 Taminy.Follow ‘The Indy’ on social media @theindypod to support and contact podcast@independent.com for advertisements.

Craig Martin Smith and Stephanie Smith are said to be the first developers with a housing project using the “Builder’s Remedy.”The Los Angeles-based duo has plans to build a 30-unit apartment complex with six low-income affordable units in the Lower Riviera. Under the “Builder’s Remedy,” the developers are able to sidestep local review processes because the City of Santa Barbara failed to submit housing element drafts on time.But, before the Smith’s had footing in the housing development industry, they garnered public reputations for a liposuction practice and cannabis warehouse.On this episode of the Indy, Alexandra Goldberg is joined by the Santa Barbara Independent news reporter Ryan Cruz for an exploration of these housing plans and a glance into who the developers are.Hosted by Alexandra Goldberg.The Indy: A Podcast was co-created by Molly McAnany and the Santa Barbara Independent.Theme music written by Molly McAnany. Follow ‘The Indy’ on social media @theindypod to support and contact podcast@independent.com for advertisements.Read Ryan Cruz’ story: https://www.independent.com/2023/05/31/lipodiesel-weed-wars-whos-behind-santa-barbaras-first-builders-remedy-project/

The work of bees can be traced back to one third of the human diet because of their pollination efforts. The Indy reporter Chiloé Spelius interviewed local Santana Barbara ranch manager and beekeeper, Jose Luis, on the art and impact that beekeeping has on the Central Coast. Then, the 49th annual Santa Barbara Summer Solstice parade is coming down the block on June 24 at noon. The Indy reporter Raymond Vasquez sat down with DJ Darla Bea to talk about the “roots” of the parade and what visitors can expect this year.Next, James Joyce’s controversial novel “Ulysses” is celebrated each year on June 16 in an event called Bloomsday. Fans and readers recently visited James Joyce Pub to commemorate the novel’s influence on the world of literature and book censorship laws. The Indy reporter Rebecca Fairweather spoke with author and Bloomsday event coordinator Jim Buckley about the impact of “Ulysses” and how the community celebrated.Hosted by Alexandra Goldberg.The Indy: A Podcast was co-created by Molly McAnany and the Santa Barbara Independent.Theme music written by Molly McAnany. Other tracks used include Ola and IOverjoy by Ketsa; Valladolid Funeral and Cloud Line by Blue Dot Sessions.Follow ‘The Indy’ on social media @theindypod to support and contact podcast@independent.com for advertisements.For more information, visit: https://www.solsticeparade.com/

In 1972, ornithologist George Hunt and anthropologist Molly Warner discovered homosexuality in the natural world— a turning point for the science and queer community. The scientists found female-female nesting pairs in a seagull colony on Santa Barbara Island, 38 miles off of our coast.Joining us on the show this week is Lulu Miller, co-host of WNYC Studios Radiolab, to talk about the ripple effects this discovery had on science, politics and acceptance in the queer community.Hosted by Alexandra Goldberg.The Indy: A Podcast was co-created by Molly McAnany and the Santa Barbara Independent.Theme music written by Molly McAnany. Other track used is Big Feeling Man by Blue Dot Sessions.Sound effects by freesfx.co.uk; http://www.freesfx.co.uk.Follow ‘The Indy’ on social media @theindypod to support and contact podcast@independent.com for advertisements.For more information, visit: https://radiolab.org/podcast/seagulls

The third annual Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival is taking place at the Lobero Theatre on June 9 and 10, showcasing films that celebrate Central Coast surf culture.The Indy host Alexandra Goldberg sat down with Heidi van den Oever to talk about how surf, film and environmentalism is making for an inspiring exhibition this weekend and what attendees can expect at the festival.Then, June marks LGBTQ+ Pride Month, a month-long observance celebrating the contributions of LGBTQ+ people around the world. Here in the valleys of Santa Barbara County, Pride festivities are underway, but not without obstacles.The Indy reporter Daniel Huecias spoke with Matthew and Kiel Cavalli, co-founders of the Rainbow House Inc. based in Solvang, and Suzette Lopez, President of the House of Pride and Equality in Santa Maria, to discuss the significance of LGBTQ representation in the valleys of the Central Coast. Lastly, El Presidio State Park sits atop the sacred site of Santa Barbara’s Japantown and Chinatown that welcomed first generation Asian American immigrants to the California shore. The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation is working on honoring these communities after their shared spaces along the 100 block of East Canon Perdido and 800 Anacapa were closed down by the late 1950s.The Indy reporter Rebecca Fairweather sat down with Kevin McGarry to talk about the rich history of El Presidio.Hosted by Alexandra Goldberg.Pride in the Santa Ynez Valley segment at 8:00. AAPI Heritage in El Presidio segment at 32:15.The Indy: A Podcast was co-created by Molly McAnany and the Santa Barbara Independent.Theme music written by Molly McAnany. Other tracks used include Just Because and Sinking by Ketsa; Endeavor by Descript Media; Persimmon St., In Time We Shall, and Mangion by Blue Dot Sessions.Follow ‘The Indy’ on social media @theindypod to support and contact podcast@independent.com for advertisements.For more information, visit: https://www.santabarbarasurffilmfestival.com/https://www.therainbowhouseinc.com/https://www.houseofprideandequality.org/https://www.sbthp.org/

What is the future of the State Street promenade? The Santa Barbara City Council settled on a $2 per square foot rate for outdoor dining parklets in April. But, discussions about the rates have been a hot topic in the City Council since January, where the original resolution charged businesses between $3-12 per square foot. While the fees are said to pay for the high maintenance costs of State Street, downtown business owners are pushing back. Randy Rowse, mayor of the City of Santa Barbara, sat down with The Indy host Alexandra Goldberg to talk about how State Street will adapt to upcoming changes regarding parklets, transportation, vacancies and meeting American Disability Act requirements.Then, Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt spoke at UCSB’s Arts and Lectures about taking back the momentum of antisemitic extremism and conspiracy theories on May 22. The Indy reporter Chiloe Spelius was joined by Dan Meisel, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League Santa Barbara/Tri-Counties, who brought this conversation into a local lens. Meisel discusses the rise of antisemitism, antisemitic incidents in Santa Barbara County and the importance of teaching anti-hate in the community. Hosted by Alexandra Goldberg.Fighting antisemitism segment begins at 27:00.The Indy: A Podcast was co-created by Molly McAnany and the Santa Barbara Independent.Music for this episode written by Molly McAnany.Follow ‘The Indy’ on social media @theindypod to support and contact podcast@independent.com for advertisements.For more information, visit: https://santabarbaraca.gov/government/mayor-city-councilhttps://santabarbara.adl.org

The Taste of Santa Barbara is in full swing, and The Indy host Alexandra Goldberg got a glimpse at the week-long food and drink celebration.Joining us on the show this week is Todd Schulkin, Executive Director of the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, who talked about how Julia Child inspired the culinary world to know where your food comes from.Julia Child is a culinary educator who spent her summers in Santa Barbara, and became a popular television personality on her series The French Chef. Her legacy on the culinary world remains, inspiring cooking schools like Apples to Zucchini to take part in her mission of food education.Alexandra visited A to Z Cooking School for Pascale Beale’s “Souffle Perfection” class, and also spoke with Nancy Martz, executive director of the school, and Jeff King, coordinator of adult cooking classes.Then, The Indy reporter Rebecca Fairweather explored Terre et Sang in Los Olivos, a vineyard operated by a mother-son duo who share the same passion for grapes and family. Rebecca sat down with Duncan and Dalita Harmon to chat about why they call winemaking “a labor of love.”Hosted by Alexandra Goldberg.Terre et Sang segment begins at 28:27.The Indy: A Podcast was co-created by Molly McAnany and the Santa Barbara Independent.Music for this episode written by Molly McAnany and Ketsa.Follow ‘The Indy’ on social media @theindypod to support and contact podcast@independent.com for advertisements.For more information, visit: https://sbce.events/https://www.terreetsang.com/

The Indy host Alexandra Goldberg spoke with Salud Carbajal, the U.S. representative for California's 24th congressional district, about the 2023 Farm Bill.The Farm Bill is a multiyear, nationwide legislative package that governs food assistance programs and agriculture in the United States. It’s broken down into 12 sections, or titles, that are said to impact every family in our community.Carbajal joined us this week on The Indy to talk about which programs are most integral to the Central Coast and how the community can get their voices heard in the House Agriculture Committee.Then, The Indy reporter Chiloe Spelius covered the history behind Cinco de Mayo and how the annual celebration empowers the Mexican American community.She spoke with Melinda Gandara, an adjunct faculty member in the Department of American Ethnic Studies at Santa Barbara City College and a trained art historian, who shared her story of finding historical truth.Hosted by Alexandra Goldberg.The Indy: A Podcast was co-created by Molly McAnany and the Santa Barbara Independent.Music for this episode written by Molly McAnany.Follow ‘The Indy’ on social media @theindypod to support and contact podcast@independent.com for advertisements.For more information, visit: https://carbajal.house.gov/farmbill/

On this week’s episode, The Indy host Alexandra Goldberg sat down with the Santa Barbara chapter of Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit dedicated to providing resources amid the affordable housing crisis. Habitat Santa Barbara aims to repair homes, clean up neighborhoods, construct homes with affordable mortgages, and advocate for fair housing policies. Joining us on the show today is Jessica de L’Arbre, Habitat Santa Barbara’s CEO, to discuss the affordable housing initiatives and resources they offer to the community.Crush Bar & Tap, Santa Barbara’s only “official” gay bar, is currently listed for sale at a reduced price. With the bar in search of a new owner, patrons fear the loss of a safe space for LGBTQ people. This week, Daniel Huecias sits down with Feltaan, drag queen and host at Crush Bar & Tap, discussing the significance of the bar’s presence here in Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara Independent is hosting its inaugural Wine Week. Thirty-three establishments will be pouring $10 glasses until May 3.The Indy reporter Rebecca Fairweather joined Sam Marmorstien, owner of Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe, to chat about the unique business that brings the farm and vineyard to the table.Hosted by Alexandra Goldberg.The Indy: A Podcast was co-created by Molly McAnany and the Santa Barbara Independent.Music for this episode written by Molly McAnany and Blue Dot Sessions.Follow ‘The Indy’ on social media @theindypod to support and contact podcast@independent.com for advertisements.For more information, visit: https://www.sbhabitat.org/https://www.independent.com/2023/04/26/welcome-to-santa-barbara-wine-week/

This week, The Indy is celebrating National Poetry Month and Earth Day.The Indy host Alexandra Goldberg sat down with George Yatchisin, host of the ninth annual “Spirits in the Air: Potent Potable Poetry” reading that went down at The Good Lion bar on April 19. All of the poems are about libations, or alcohol. “This event will attest to the multi-faceted ways poets have found inspiration, solace, and yes, sometimes sickness in the bottle. Now in its ninth year, this event makes clear just how fun poetry can be, and we all look forward to getting to celebrate Poetry Month together, with a delicious drink in hand,” Yatchisin said in a press release.As April is National Poetry Month, Yatchisin joined us on the show to talk about how this event aims to connect the Santa Barbara community with poetry over a glass of wine— maybe a cocktail— or whatever attendees prefer at the no-host bar.Then, The Indy reporter Chiloé Spelius-Olave spoke with ​​Kathi King about the upcoming 2023 Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival. King is the director of climate education and leadership at the Community Environmental Council, and she also coordinates the event which is scheduled for April 29-30 at Alameda Park.Earth Day originated in Santa Barbara after the 1969 oil spill in the Santa Barbara Channel. Now, community members come together to celebrate environmental advocacy in the birthplace of the movement.Hosted by Alexandra Goldberg.The Indy: A Podcast was co-created by Molly McAnany and the Santa Barbara Independent.All music for this episode written by Molly McAnany.Follow ‘The Indy’ on social media @theindypod to support and contact podcast@independent.com for advertisements.For more information, visit: https://www.sbearthday.org/

On this week’s episode, The Indy host Alexandra Goldberg sat down with The Starfish Connection, a Santa Barbara-based nonprofit that provides emergency gap grants to families in need.The nonprofit partners with Hospice of Santa Barbara, Teddy Bear Cancer Pediatric Foundation, and Bethel House, providing financial assistance— one starfish at a time.Hear from the founder, Virginia Benson Wigle, and executive director, Sarah Abrams, who joined us on the show to talk about how The Starfish Connection is helping residents with sudden financial crises.The Indy reporter Rebecca Fairweather then spoke with UC Santa Barbara’s Environmental Affairs Board to discuss the environmental impacts of the Santa Barbara pipeline, if it reopens on the coastline.Members of the Santa Barbara community are worried that the reemergence of pipeline 901 could mean environmental degradation and loss of marine life for the Santa Barbara coastline.The Plains Pipeline Development project seeks to revive line 901, looking to install safety valves to ensure oil containment and prevent a spill from occurring. Environmental organizations and climate activists have begun advocating for the dismissal of this project.Joining us on the show is president of UCSB’s Environmental Affairs Committee, Kat Lane, and the group's program advisor, Sarah Siedschlag.Hosted by Alexandra Goldberg.The Indy: A Podcast was co-created by Molly McAnany and the Santa Barbara Independent.All music for this episode written by Molly McAnany.Follow ‘The Indy’ on social media @theindypod to support and contact podcast@independent.com for advertisements.For more information, visit: https://www.thestarfishconnection.org/https://eab.as.ucsb.edu/