The Indy

Ep. 88: Renovictions – The New Reality of Santa Barbara ResidentsOn 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. As of 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 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 Help Desk Housing Authority of the City of Santa BarbaraLegal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara CountyIndependent 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/

Santa Barbara Unified School District presented plans for a $1.3 million “Summer of Learning” program at a district board of education meeting in February.The program is designed to assist elementary school students in meeting STAR testing requirements and to get secondary school students college and career ready. A group of 540 elementary school students will be identified by teachers and administration to work on English Language Arts, English Language Development, and Math requirements.The Indy host Alexandra Goldberg spoke with elementary superintendent Stanley Monroe and secondary superintendent Lynne Sheffield about their goals for this ‘student-centered’ initiative.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.

On this week’s episode, The Indy host Alexandra Goldberg sat down with local emergency services to find out if Santa Barbara and Goleta are prepared to face a natural disaster.Torrential rains saturated Santa Barbara County this winter season, forcing shut-downs and evacuation orders due to the severity of the storms. The Indy Podcast explored storm safety, along with a conversation about the threat of earthquakes, wildfires and tsunamis. Stacey Rosenberger, emergency services manager for the city of Santa Barbara, and Michael Baris, emergency services coordinator for the city of Goleta, direct four areas of disaster management: preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery. Tune into this week’s episode for the full conversation about community safety during a natural disaster.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.To learn more about emergency emergency preparedness, here is a free, one-hour course taught by Michael Baris: https://www.cityofgoleta.org/your-city/neighborhood-services/emergency-preparedness/community-disaster-education-course

On this week’s episode of The Indy, host Alexandra Goldberg explored the ancient origins of the Oaxacan sport pelota mixteca and its strong community in Santa Barbara.Pelota mixteca originated thousands of years ago in Southern Mexico. Once played deep in the mountains of Oaxaca during Spanish rule, with the independence of Mexico came a revival of the sport— now a prominent pastime for the region. When groups migrated to the United States in the 1980s, they brought their intricately crafted and adorned pelota mixteca gloves with them and formed teams all over California and Texas. In Santa Barbara, the team gathers every Thursday for a traditional game of pelota mixteca with their friends and family at Santa Barbara High School. But, the patch of dirt they play on is too small and uneven. The players wish two things: to get a better playing court and to pass the game to the next generation. Alexandra Goldberg spoke with Independent news reporter Ryan Cruz about the origins and traditions of the game, then with pelota mixteca player Fernando Cruz about the importance of keeping the tradition alive. City council member Oscar Gutierrez joined us on the show to talk about his initiative to get the players a better place to practice, and how community support is integral.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.To contact city council member Oscar Gutierrez about a potential pelota mixteca court, you can reach him at OGutierrez@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.

Throughout the 11 days of cinematic escape, The Indy host Alexandra Goldberg caught some of the red carpet buzz at the 38th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF).SBIFF attracted some of Hollywood’s biggest icons and an attractive list of 200 films to celebrate cinema’s biggest accomplishments this year.Alexandra Goldberg interviewed 2023 Maltin Modern Master Award recipient Jamie Lee Curtis on the carpet, along with more crew members from the hit sci-fi film Everything Everywhere All At Once. The iconic Santa Barbara awards ceremony was also beaming with stars from the film Tár and The Whale, and this episode of The Indy has a SBIFF Red Carpet recap of those three highly accoladed films.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 about SBIFF visit:https://sbiff.org/And for a comprehensive list of SBIFF stories, visit the SB Independent:https://www.independent.com/?s=&category_name=sbiff

On this episode of The Indy, join us for a ride-a-long Dream Delivery with Dream Foundation.Dream Foundation is a Santa Barbara-based nonprofit with the goal to provide inspiration, comfort, and closure to terminally-ill adults in the form of an end-of-life dream. Founded in 1994, the organization has delivered more than 34,000 dreams nationwide to adults with a life expectancy of 12 months or less. Dream Foundation also provides programs for veterans and children of terminally-ill parents.Alexandra Goldberg sat down with Lamar Pugh, a Dream recipient who was granted a trip to Florida with his best friend Daniel Ontiveros. Also joining us on the show today is Dream Foundation CEO Kisa Heyer, Vice President of Programs Barbara Schoch, and Dream Coordinator Rebecca Steiger to chat about the unique palliative care this organization provides across the nation.Hosted by Alexandra Goldberg.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 about Dream Foundation visit:https://www.dreamfoundation.org/