In 1954, Santa Barbara College students traded “the campus with a view” for the “campus in the slough.” Developers built more than 4,000 structures in 10 years, receiving variances and helping pass zoning codes to increase density. What was it like to live there? Student stories start in 1954 and finish in 2016, as that housing stock ages.

From the Santa Barbara Independent, a podcast that delves into the history and development of Isla Vista, CA. Written, voiced and produced by Mickey Flacks Fellow Christina McDermott.

Ep. 93 - INSIDE AI: How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping our Lives

In 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 Barbara

In 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 Fairweather

Image 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/

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Hosted by Rebecca Fairweather.

mage Credit: Rebecca Fairweather

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.

EP. 89: Dahlia’s Roots - How Santa Barbara Blossomed the Black Dahlia

In 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.

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Hosted by Rebecca Fairweather.

Cover Image: Santa Barbara police, Public domain

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.

Ep. 88: Renovictions – The New Reality of Santa Barbara

On 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 Help

Authority of the City of Santa Barbara

Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara CountyI

Independent Living Resource Center

United Way Of Santa Barbara County

Isla Vista Tenants Union

Rental Housing Mediation

Building & Safety | City of Santa Barbara