KCSB News
1,557 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 9 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsNon-commercial, educational, and community-led. KCSB News is dedicated to covering underreported stories of local, national, and international importance. Our team of student and community journalists here in Santa Barbara County produces content encompassing a variety of topics, ranging from politics and public health to environmental affairs and the arts.
You can listen to our newscasts on-air Monday and Thursday at 5:00 pm and new episodes of Inside Isla Vista on Wednesday at 5:00 pm, all on KCSB-FM 91.9 or at kcsb.org.
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Episodes
The Importance of "Section 230" in Ensuring Free Online Speech
July 31, 2020 21:05 - 1 minute - 974 KBPresident Trump is calling on the Federal Communications Commission to better define an important law that protects free speech on the internet. This week, The Secretary of Commerce filed a petition through the National “Telecommunications and Information Administration.” FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel is calling on her FCC colleagues to reject the petition immediately, if they respect the Constitution. Commissioner Rosenworsell explained the importance of ‘Section 230.” And, she tells...
The Dangers of "Doom Scrolling"
July 31, 2020 21:02 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MBKCSB's Jonathan Ya interviewed Karen Ho who recently worked on a segment with NPR about the phenomenon of “Doom Scrolling,” how it affects our mental health, and what we can do to prevent the negative side effects.
InsideIV: COVID-19 Education + Racial Equity/Police Reform
July 29, 2020 21:39 - 29 minutes - 14.3 MBEthan Bertrand, Isla Vista Community Services District Director, speaks with KCSB's Lisa Osborn about COVID-19 education efforts in Isla Vista, delivers an update on Isla Vista's highly-competitive rental scene, and shares his team's and community actions to promote racial justice and police reform in Isla Vista.
UCSB's COVID-19 Community Archives Project
July 29, 2020 15:48 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBIn an effort to document the experience of living through a global pandemic, the UC Santa Barbara Library has launched the COVID-19 Community Archives Project. The library has been accepting digital submissions through their website since May 14, ranging from personal stories to photographs. KCSB’s Bryndon Madison discussed the significance of the submission-based collection with archivist Calli Force, who spearheaded the project.
ACLU Files Lawsuit Against Lompoc Federal Prison
July 23, 2020 23:12 - 10 minutes - 6.94 MBOn behalf of prisoners at Lompoc Federal Prison, the ACLU of Southern California has filed a class action lawsuit that claims their 8th amendment rights have been violated. The lawsuit asks Lompoc and Terminal Island prisons to provide compassionate release to those with serious medical conditions, who are especially at risk for COVID-19. KCSB’s Ashley Rusch spoke with Peter Eliasberg, chief counsel of the ACLU of Southern California, to hear the details.
COVID-19: The Move from the CDC to the HHS
July 23, 2020 23:08 - 3 minutes - 2.36 MBHospitals are now required to report COVID-19 data to another organization rather than the Center for Disease Control. KCSB's Grace Aldrich explains.
Community Media's Role in Protest Coverage
July 22, 2020 16:18 - 15 minutes - 17.3 MBWith nationwide protests across the nation following the killing of George Floyd, mainstream media has been criticized for its portrayal of the demonstrations. Many are disappointed and distrustful of current news media, which they say sensationalizes looting and violence and ignores the voices of organizers. Community media outlets and local newspapers attempt to highlight these voices, but are often underfunded or have smaller platforms. To learn more about mainstream media in relation to t...
Inside the COVID-19 Outbreak at Lompoc Prison
July 17, 2020 01:34 - 15 minutes - 9.01 MBLompoc’s Federal Prison was ground zero in COVID-19 cases in Santa Barbara County, quickly becoming the largest prison outbreak in the country. The prison’s response fostered outrage about the conditions inside the penitentiary, igniting community backlash and frustration among family members. In response to the troubling conditions inside the penitentiary, the ACLU of Southern California has now filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of the inmates. KCSB’s Ashley Rusch spoke with the sister ...
Maintaining Peace of Mind in Unprecedented Times
July 17, 2020 01:16 - 4 minutes - 2.19 MBFor many people, emotions are stirred up in response to the unprecedented time we are living in. It may feel that anxiety and fear is pulling people away from their balance. One thing that is for certain is that we have the ability to make meaningful change starting from our own peace of mind. Reporter Kali Acquaah speaks with Ashe Brown, owner of Pura Luna Apothecary in Santa Barbara.
How Negative Stereotypes Can Affect Brain Function
July 13, 2020 23:47 - 13 minutes - 9.16 MBKCSB’s Jonathan Ya interviews Kyle Ratner, an assistant professor in psychological and brain sciences at UCSB, about his study on the negative psychological effects that stereotypes have on Mexican American students. While discussing the study, they also discuss how this study relates to the current social climate in America today.
The Need for Affordable Housing in Santa Barbara with Chuck Flacks
July 13, 2020 23:45 - 11 minutes - 7.17 MBA report by the Santa Barbara County Grand Jury details the need for affordable housing in Santa Barbara in order to address homelessness and the job and housing imbalance. Chuck Flacks, the program director at PATH (People Assisting the Homeless), works to build affordable housing and provide supportive services for homeless individuals and families in the city. KCSB’s Aubrey Valerio spoke with Flacks about the Grand Jury report and why the city of Santa Barbara has been reluctant to build m...
Dr. Michael V. Drake to Become 21st UC President
July 10, 2020 22:38 - 1 minute - 1.47 MBFollowing a 10 month search the UC regents have announced the 21st president of the University of California, Dr. Michael V. Drake. KCSB’s Grace Aldrich explores his past accomplishments and qualifications that make him a promising choice for the future of the UC system. (Photo Credit: UC Newsroom)
UCSB's Legal Resource Center to Forfeit Privileged Legal Advice for Students
July 10, 2020 22:25 - 14 minutes - 9.48 MBUC Santa Barbara’s Associated Students Legal Resource Center will forfeit providing confidential legal advice for students beginning July 10th. KCSB’s Ashley Rusch spoke with Robin Unander, the student legal services advisor, about the proposed changes and the potential consequences for students.
How Juneteenth SB and Black Student Youth SB Are Protesting Police Brutality
July 03, 2020 00:28 - 4 minutes - 3.08 MBShakir Ahmad is a junior and Talia Hamilton is a senior at San Marcos High School who helped bring forth a list of demands to SB Unified in response to policing in the school district. The demands, which included officers having to go through additional training and evaluation, were accepted last week. KCSB’s Aubrey Valerio spoke with the two students about student activism and what their hopes are for the list of demands.
Roger Durling On How COVID-19 Will Affect SBIFF
July 03, 2020 00:16 - 11 minutes - 6.15 MBSubmissions are now being accepted for the 2021 edition of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The annual event, which brings filmmakers from around the world, along with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, to Santa Barbara - has been rescheduled for Spring of next year, because of the pandemic. KCSB’s Harry Lawton spoke with the Festival's Executive Director Roger Durling - who promises a full schedule of films and special events, and a strict application of all required safety me...
InsideIV: COVID-19 in Isla Vista & Student Housing
July 02, 2020 00:45 - 29 minutes - 15.7 MBCOVID-19 is transforming the student experience in ways that are still coming into focus. In this episode, KCSB's Grace Aldrich - a student who has been tracking the pandemic since well before California's governor issued stay-at-home orders - speaks with her friend and fellow Gaucho, Joshua, who tested positive for COVID-19 last week and is self-isolating in student housing. You'll also hear from Dr. Ali Javanbakht, Medical Director at UCSB Student Health, to find out more about COVID-19 and...
Joshua Molina on SB City Hall Turmoil
June 29, 2020 23:55 - 11 minutes - 5.79 MBSanta Barbara’s Mayor Cathy Murillo has defended the city’s administrator Paul Casey and his work on State Street and the Budget but many are calling for him to be fired and an overall change in local government. KCSB's Robert Stark talks with Noozhawk staff writer Joshua Molina about the recent turmoil at Santa Barbara’s City Hall.
UCSB's Sharon Tettegah on COVID-19 Inequalities on the Frontlines
June 29, 2020 23:49 - 7 minutes - 4.9 MBSharon Tettegah, a Black Studies professor at UCSB and the director of the Center for Black Studies Research, has co-organized a series of webinars with several UCSB scholars titled, “Intersectional Justice in California: COVID-19 Inequalities on the Frontlines.” The series will feature various discussions with essential workers on the frontlines. KCSB’s Aubrey Valerio spoke with Dr. Tettegah about the series and how COVID-19 is impacting marginalized communities.
Rona Barrett on her Entertainment Career & Being an Advocate for Senior Citizens
June 26, 2020 23:23 - 27 minutes - 14.3 MBRona Barrett became a household name as a TV entertainment reporter - interviewing some of the biggest names in Hollywood in the 60s thru the 80s. Today, her passion is being an advocate for senior citizens. It took her 12 years to realize her dream of opening a community for seniors the Santa Barbara County community of Santa Ynez. KCSB’s Lisa Osborn spoke with Rona Barrett about how residents at her Golden Inn and Village are coping during the coronavirus pandemic. And, how the community...
Discussing Senator Jacksons bill SB 956
June 25, 2020 23:52 - 13 minutes - 6.63 MBSanta Barbara State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson has a bill (SB 956) in the Senate mandating a rigorous analysis of at least 80 tax breaks beneficial to California industry and financial interests. KCSB’s Harry Lawton spoke with Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson to learn more.
Inside IV: Student Housing in a COVID World
June 25, 2020 22:24 - 26 minutes - 12.6 MBUC Santa Barbara Chancellor Henry Yang is urging students who are signing leases in Isla Vista to consider a living space with fewer roommates. Dorms will be limited to double occupancy, and students will need to bring proof of a negative COVID-19 test before moving in. KCSB's Dick Flacks spoke with Jonathan Abboud, general manager of the IV Community Services District and a SB City College Trustee, about the administration's plans, and the challenges of living in IV in the age of COVID.
Santa Barbara's Economic Picture Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
June 12, 2020 21:09 - 8 minutes - 5.22 MBState street is busier than it's been in ages, now that it's been transformed into a pedestrian promenade with outdoor dining. But, as more local businesses are reopen, how is the rest of the economy bouncing back? KCSB's Robert Stark spoke with Dr. Peter Rupert, Professor of Economics and Director of UCSB’s Economic Forecast Project, to find out.
Inside IV: Housless in Isla Vista
June 12, 2020 21:00 - 29 minutes - 14.9 MBThe annual Point in Time Count found that the number of houseless individuals in Isla Vista doubled between the 2019 and 2020 counts. Savannah Lee, UCIV and Pardall Center Programs Coordinator for Associated Students of UC Santa Barbara joins KCSB's Lisa Osborn to discusses what it means to be houseless and support services available to those in need.
Inside IV: IV/UCSB Community Come Together for Racial Equity
June 03, 2020 21:10 - 24 minutes - 11.8 MBA crowd of nearly 1,000 peaceful demonstrators gathered on the Storke Lawn at UCSB for a rally organized by the Santa Barbara Black Lives Matter movement. It was one of many events happening nationally to call for justice in the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and other recent racially-fueled violence. Chanting “No Justice, No Peace,” demonstrators marched down Del Playa Drive to Sands Beach. KCSB's Kali Acquaah spoke with Ethan Bertrand, IV Community District board member, an...
Beloved Community of IV PSA Campaign: Masks are the Coolest
June 03, 2020 20:08 - 46 seconds - 667 KBKCSB FM is supporting The Beloved Community of Isla Vista in their COVID-19 messaging campaign. The Beloved Community is urging community members to take care of themselves and neighbors by wearing masks and observing physical distancing.
Beloved Community of IV COVID-19 PSA "Six Feet Apart but Together at Heart"
June 03, 2020 20:06 - 1 minute - 1.13 MBKCSB FM is supporting The Beloved Community of Isla Vista in their COVID-19 messaging campaign. The Beloved Community is urging community members to take care of themselves and neighbors by wearing masks and observing physical distancing.
Beloved Community of Isla Vista COVID-19 PSA Campaign: Stay Strong IV!
June 03, 2020 20:00 - 1 minute - 654 KBKCSB FM is supporting The Beloved Community of Isla Vista in their COVID-19 messaging campaign. The Beloved Community is urging community members to take care of themselves and neighbors by wearing masks and observing physical distancing. Take a listen!
DSP COVID - 19 Services
May 25, 2020 23:17 - 4 minutes - 5.69 MBWe spoke with the Director of the Disabled Student Services program, Gary White, about DSP support amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Santa Barbara's Reopening Plans
May 21, 2020 23:17 - 9 minutes - 5.79 MBSanta Barbara County has gotten the go-ahead by the State of California to move to the next stage of reopening. KCSB’s Aubrey Valerio sat down with Mayor Kathy Murillo to discuss the economic recovery process in Santa Barbara and how the City plans to execute the reopening.
Self Care during COVID-19
May 21, 2020 23:14 - 4 minutes - 2.61 MBReporter Kali Acquaah interviews holistic health leaders of the Santa Barbara community. This week she speaks with psychotherapist and insight yoga instructor Suzanne Marlow.
How the 2014 Isla Vista Tragedy has informed Cautions Today
May 21, 2020 23:13 - 6 minutes - 15.5 MBWith the 6th anniversary of the Isla Vista Tragedy approaching on Saturday, KCSB's, Riley Esguerra, spoke with Spencer Brandt, board president of the Isla Vista Community Services District to see how Isla Vista is honouring those who lost their lives and how the board is addressing community concerns today.
La Casa de la Raza sigue su misión de apoyo durante la pandemia de COVID-19
May 18, 2020 19:21 - 1 minute - 989 KBLa Casa de la Raza nació en 1971 del movimiento chicano, y provee una variedad de servicios a la comunidad que se encuentra con necesidad. Ana Rosa Rizo-Centino, Presidenta de la Junta de La Casa, explicó a KCSB News como La Casa de la Raza sigue su misión de apoyo durante la pandemia de COVID-19.
La Casa de la Raza Offers Community Support During COVID-19 Pandemic
May 15, 2020 18:00 - 5 minutes - 2.93 MBLa Casa de la Raza was born out of the Chicano/a movement of 1971. It's been serving all community members in need through offering a variety of services for 49 years. Ana Rosa Rizo-Centino, LCDR Board President, spoke with KCSB’s Lisa Osborn about the many ways in which La Casa de la Raza continues its efforts in assisting individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
US Census Delays COVID-19
May 15, 2020 01:17 - 8 minutes - 5.09 MBTo further understand how COVID-19 has impacted census recording, and what the new timeline for completing the census looks like, KCSB spoke with Jeffrey Enos, the Deputy Regional Director for the Los Angeles Region of the Census Bureau, which oversees the Western United States.
Interview with Local Public Defender
May 15, 2020 01:13 - 19 minutes - 26.8 MBKCSB interviewed Lea Villegas, the Chief Trial Deputy for the Santa Maria Branch of the Santa Barbara County Public Defender's Office, about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted incarcerated people.
Remembering Mickey Flacks
May 01, 2020 00:17 - 2 minutes - 5.98 MBEarlier this month, beloved community member and outspoken housing rights activist Mickey Flacks passed away at the age of 80 after a battle with cancer. As part of our tribute to her tireless work in local and community politics, we present a 2013 interview with her and former KCSB reporter Peyton Stotelmyre where she explains her support for the Average Unit Density Housing Program, her support of which stands as a testament to her lifelong legacy battling for low-income housing for Santa B...
Transferring During Covid-19
May 01, 2020 00:15 - 3 minutes - 2.35 MBMichael Del Real, a second-year community college student, shares his experiences on transferring to Cal State Long Beach in the midst of the COVID-19 quarantines. KCSB’s Aubrey Valerio has the story.
Resources for Undocumented Americans During COVID-19
May 01, 2020 00:13 - 13 minutes - 8.84 MBAssemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez saw that COVID-19 cases were much higher in a particular zip code than they should have been. Realizing that this could only be caused by the immigrant detention center in that part of town, she decided to take action. KCSB's Bryndon Madison has more.
Santa Barbara County Launches a new Climate Collaborative
April 25, 2020 01:15 - 15 minutes - 7.77 MBThe launch of the Santa Barbara County Regional Climate Collaborative seeks to establish a resource for local organizations to work together and develop while also addressing the region’s climate challenges. KCSB's Bryndon Madison spoke with Garrett Wong, a Climate Program Manager in the County of Santa Barbara, to find out more.
Inside IV: Letter to the Class of 2020
April 24, 2020 22:12 - 27 minutes - 14.7 MBNoe Padilla, news editor of The Bottom Line, joins host Lisa Osborn to talk about his TBL story "Letter to the Class of 2020." Padilla writes about all of the things he and his classmates are missing by having their final quarter at UCSB abruptly cut short because of the coronavirus pandemic.
UCSB Reads 2020: Conversation with Elizabeth Rush
April 20, 2020 21:54 - 35 minutes - 14.3 MBElizabeth Rush, the award-winning author of the UCSB Reads 2020 selection ‘Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore,’ will discuss her acclaimed book about sea level rise and climate change in an online community forum on Wednesday. KCSB’s Elizabeth Robinson spoke with Rush to find out more about the author’s observations as she traveled the edges of the US to speak with the residents most impacted by rising waters. The UCSB Library is hosting an online community talk with Elizabeth RU...
Human Trafficking in Santa Barbara County
April 09, 2020 21:22 - 7 minutes - 9.81 MBEarlier this year, in a Santa Barbara courtroom, a man pleaded guilty to human trafficking, pimping, and pandering charges. If he's found guilty, he faces over 50 years in prison. You may be surprised to hear that this kind of crime could happen here, on the Central Coast. But, it's more common than you might think. KCSB's Angeline Duong takes a deeper look into what is being done to combat human trafficking in Santa Barbara.
Inside IV: Social Dis'Dancing in Times of COVID-19
April 09, 2020 18:53 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBWith UCSB & SBCC students studying virtually for Spring quarter, the streets of Isla Vista are much quieter than usual. Even Deltopia, the unsanctioned spring party that drew over 12,000 revelers to Del Playa Drive last year, was hardly a party at all (much to the relief of those promoting physical distancing). Those who did participate were mainly drinking in homes. In this episode, KCSB's Lisa Osborn speaks with Melissa Cohen, general manager of the Isla Vista Food Coop. Melissa is tappe...
805UndocuFund Reactivates for COVID-19
April 09, 2020 18:35 - 9 minutes - 8.65 MBOne local organization mobilizes to provide relief to undocumented immigrants on the Central Coast during the global pandemic. KCSB's Bryndon Madison talks with the Executive Director for Future Leaders of America, Eder Gaona-Macedo, in association with 805Undocufund, to find out more.
US Census: Counting Isla Vista & Santa Barbara County
April 06, 2020 21:01 - 9 minutes - 6.05 MBWhen it comes to being counted for the US Census - Santa Barbara County is ahead of the curve. With around 40% of households counted, it’s above the state average of 37 percent. Goleta is the most responsive city - with nearly half of all households completing their census form. KCSB’s Lisa Osborn spoke with Ditas Katague, director of California Complete Count. Katague says it’s important to be counted for three reasons - POWER, MONEY and DATA.
SCORE SBC Offers Webinars to Educate Business Owners on CARES Act Financial Assistance
April 03, 2020 22:15 - 11 minutes - 8.14 MBSCORE Santa Barbara County is helping business owners navigate some financial assistance options available during the COVID 19 crisis. On monday, there is a no-cost webinar on the CARES Act Payroll Protection Program for small businesses. I spoke with Tom Phillips, chair of Score Santa Barbara County, to find out how they are advising and mentoring entrepreneurs during this time of crisis.
UCSB Medical Director on Coronavirus & Risks to Students
March 13, 2020 18:26 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBLearning at UC Santa Barbara will take place outside of the classroom, at least through the end of April. Concerns over spreading Coronavirus prompted the move to online learning. KCSB's Riley Esguerra spoke with Dr. Ali Javanbakht, Student Health Medical Director, to find out about more about Coronavirus and risks for students.
Apples Data Encryption Plans (aired 2/6)
March 12, 2020 01:23 - 3 minutes - 2.93 MBA revisit to KCSB's Roger Nguyen's coverage of Apples plans to end data encryption. The tech giant Apple dropped plans to allow end-to-end encryption of their backups on the company’s iCloud service for users. This came amid several high-profile disputes with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Key Predictors for Box Office Triumph (shortened)
March 12, 2020 01:18 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBKCSB's Danielle Smith spoke with researcher and professor at UC Santa Barbara, Rene Weber. Professor Weber conducted a study that debunked the myth that films staring white-male leads do better at the box office, showing that this is not true: films starring people of color and women in leading roles do just as well, if not better.
Inside IV: Coronavirus Concerns Squelch Spring Break Party Plans & More
March 11, 2020 23:48 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBIsla Vista's Community Services District has called off its Spring party plans now that UCSB has canceled in classroom learning through the end of April, due to concerns over spreading Coronavirus. (As of now, there are no cases of Coronavirus on campus, in IV or in the County). Dick Flacks is joined by IVCDS general manager, Jonathan Abboud. Abboud also talks about his bid to represent the area in the California State Assembly race.