KCSB News
1,557 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 hour 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
Deltopia, The Annual Block Party in Isla Vista, Strikes Again
April 12, 2023 22:01 - 13 minutes - 9.02 MBSince 2004, Isla Vista residents have come together to take part in Deltopia – the block party historically held the weekend after UC Santa Barbara students return from spring break. The annual party was initially called “Floatopia” and was held on the beach, but a mix of health and environmental concerns led to its shutdown in 2009. Deltopia was born the following year, with thousands upon thousands flooding onto the streets, rather than the sand, of Isla Vista. To this day, the beaches in I...
Inside IV: Mass Evictions + Potentially Massive Deltopia
April 07, 2023 18:42 - 28 minutes - 15.5 MBIsla Vista's unsanctioned spring party could attract more revelers this year as an event organizer is selling tickets to out-of-towners to join the excitement. Host Dick Flacks speaks with Jonathan Abboud, general manager of the IV Community Services District, about this - and the latest IV housing crisis. A Chicago-based developer purchased some apartment complexes and issued eviction notices to residents at over 200 units.
ChatGPT Has Entered The Chat
April 06, 2023 23:11 - 22 minutes - 11.8 MBKcsb reporter Holly Pearson interviews Dave Toole UCSB alumni, CEO chairman of the business foundry Outhink, working with non-profit Ourmedia. They talk about AI, the growth of technology, and how that impacts our personal and private lives.
Inside IV: Community Resources
April 05, 2023 21:01 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MBIsla Vista Youth Projects has been serving Isla Vista families for half a century - and the beloved local resource is leaping into a name change this spring! KCSB's Vanessa Manakova spoke with IVYP executive director Lori Goodman to find out about how IVYP serves its families. Later in the show, Vanessa speaks with Robin Unander with the AS-UCSB Isla Vista Tenants Union about the legal resources available to UCSB students. Finally - UCSB students are offering a free tax filing service to area...
Inside IV: Celebrating Nowruz, the Persian New Year
March 20, 2023 15:37 - 24 minutes - 18.1 MBPersian New Year celebrations are taking place across Isla Vista and UCSB. It’s a really important time in Persian culture, focusing on rebirth and spring. However, with the protests going on in Iran following the murder of Mahsa Amini in September of 2022, this year, Nowruz holds a deeper meaning for many Iranians. KCSB's Ava Kuredjian and Bella Genolio spoke with members of UCSB’s Persian student group about Nowruz, which is on March 20th and 21st this year. They walked us through some Ne...
The U.S. Department of Justice Informs the Community on Elder Fraud
March 15, 2023 23:03 - 14 minutes - 8.3 MBPreviously, we featured an interview with Rosa Valdez, a 77 year old Santa Barbara resident who was scammed in broad daylight. She was abducted and had $65,000 stolen from her. Today, we hear more about the issue of elder fraud. KCSB's Jennifer Yoshikoshi speaks to Ciaran McEvoy, a spokesman for the United States Attorney's Office in Los Angeles.
Mr. Beast Teams Up With SEE International and Gives Patients Gift of Sight
March 15, 2023 22:53 - 1 minute - 1.26 MBIn late January, Youtube personality Mr. Beast posted a video in which he teamed up with SEE International to give the gift of sight to 1000 patients with blindness. KCSB’s Clarissa Hom has the details.
ICE Detainees Claim Retaliation After Speaking Up About Medical Conditions
March 15, 2023 22:51 - 4 minutes - 3.07 MBAt the Otay Mesa Detention Center, a group of ICE detainees found themselves facing retaliation after speaking out about the medical conditions there. KCSB’s Schuyler Rebbun has more on the story.
Pre-Health Shadowing with Nina Bouzamondo-Bernstein
March 15, 2023 22:47 - 14 minutes - 19.7 MBDuring the COVID-19 lockdown, current UCSB student Nina Bouzamondo-Bernstein created her nonprofit, Pre-Health Shadowing, which provides students with the opportunity to learn from medical professionals for free. KCSB’s Elle Viefhaus sits down with founder and CEO Nina to discuss how Pre-Health Shadowing has assisted and continues to assist over 52,000 pre-health students by providing equitable access to virtual shadowing sessions.
Arrest Warrant Issued Over Repeated TB Treatment Denials
March 15, 2023 22:29 - 6 minutes - 8.85 MBAs a last resort, officials issued an arrest warrant for a Washington state woman who has refused to isolate or receive treatment for tuberculosis. KCSB’s Joyce Chi has the story.
Inside IV: Female-Focused and Technology Art Installations
March 10, 2023 23:07 - 29 minutes - 17.6 MBWe focus on local art for this episode of Inside Isla Vista. Hosts Bella and Ava Kuredjian and Bella Genolio speak with the creator of "Antrhoterra," an art exhibition depicting humanity's relationship with the environment through the past, present, and future. It's on display on the first floor of UCSB's Davidson Library. We talked with one of the exhibition's co-founders, Noah Weiss, to learn more about the project, which was made possible through UCSB's Environmental Leadership (ELI) progr...
Protests Over Drag Queen Story Time
March 09, 2023 00:23 - 12 minutes - 7.22 MBDrag Queen Story Time has been an ongoing event at The Crafter's Library in Downtown Santa Barbara, but has recently been met by criticism, with protests, both in opposition and support for the event. KCSB's Dominic Padero met with the owner and founder of The Crafter's Library, as well as the drag queen who hosts the event, to discuss their perspectives on Drag Queen Story Time, the recent protest against their own event, and their hopes for the future. KCSB's Dominic Padero has the story.
UCSB Was Right-Wing Conservative Charlie Kirk's First Stop on His "Live Free" Tour
March 07, 2023 00:21 - 13 minutes - 18.2 MBStaunch right-wing conservative Charlie Kirk made a visit to UC Santa Barbara last week, on Wednesday, March 1. People crowded the area around and inside Campbell Hall, where the event took place, some in support of Kirk and some strongly opposed. KCSB’s Rosie Bultman, Rhys Ran, Dan Siddiqui, and Jackie Sedley have the recap. A warning: some of the language used by those included in this story may be found insulting, triggering, or violent. Listener discretion is advised.
77-year old Santa Barbara Woman Gets Abducted and Retirement Savings Stolen
March 01, 2023 23:07 - 14 minutes - 9.66 MBOn Thursday, February 16th, 77 year old Rosa Valdez was abducted by an unknown man and woman at the Smart & Final on East Gutierrez Street. She had her entire retirement savings stolen from her. KCSB's Jennifer Yoshikoshi spoke with Rosa and her granddaughter, Briana Perez as they told her the story of what happened that day.
The Santa Barbara County Education Office Shines Spotlight on the Youth Opioid and Fentanyl Crisis
March 01, 2023 22:58 - 1 minute - 1.1 MBIn his recent state of the union address, President Biden referenced the nation’s opioid and overdose epidemic, including possible solutions for raising awareness and reducing the number of fentanyl related deaths. Here on the Central Coast, the number of young people dying from overdoses has grown significantly in recent years. The Santa Barbara County Education Office recently shined a spotlight on the youth opioid and fentanyl crisis. KCSB’s Dominic Padero has the story.
Orange County Man Sentenced to Prison for Purchasing Luxury Vehicles with COVID Relief Funds
March 01, 2023 22:56 - 1 minute - 1.47 MBA man from Orange County has been given a prison sentence after being found guilty of misusing funds intended for COVID-19 relief efforts to buy luxury vehicles. KCSB’s Schuyler Rebbun has the latest on this case.
UCSB's Commission on Disability Equity (CODE)
March 01, 2023 22:56 - 5 minutes - 13.7 MBUCSB’s Commission on Disability Equity recently secured funding for future developmental projects aimed at increasing access for the disability community. KCSB’s Sandy Ganesh sat down with the co-chair of CODE to discuss the accessibility of infrastructure within the campus and the possibility of a transportation shuttle to take members of the disability community across campus.
Critical Race Theory in K-12 Education
March 01, 2023 22:54 - 7 minutes - 8.89 MBAs progress towards including Critical Race Theory into the K-12 education curricula develops, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stands as an obstacle. What does this mean? What impact does this have? KCSB’s Brandon Yi has the story.
Inside IV: UCSB's African diasporic Cultural Resource Center
February 23, 2023 22:37 - 30 minutes - 68.9 MBDiscover UC Santa Barbara's African diasporic Cultural Resource Center (AdCRC) - and all of the good things it has to offer students. KCSB's Clarissa Rios speaks with Tara Jones, coordinator of the AdCRC and EOP academic counselor, and peer mentor Kabo Mosetse to learn more. Find more information about the UCSB AdCRC by clicking on this link: https://eop.sa.ucsb.edu/cultural-centers/african-diasporic-cultural-resource-center-adcrc
Voices of KCSB News: Heather Buchheim (2005)
February 22, 2023 22:41 - 14 minutes - 7.09 MBA UCSB alumni who was news director in 2005. You may recognize their voice if you’re a longtime KCSB News listener. Past news director, Heather Buchheim spoke with KCSB's Jennifer Yoshikoshi about what it was like to be a student news director almost 20 years ago and what stories they covered during that time.
Meet the New District Attorney of Santa Barbara County
February 22, 2023 22:33 - 8 minutes - 5.65 MBSanta Barbara has a new district attorney, after longtime DA Joyce Dudley didn't seek reelection last year. KCSB's Sandy Ganesh sat down with the new D-A - and asks him about his background and interest in restorative justice. They also discuss a deadly shooting at Stearns wharf, and criminal street gangs in Santa Barbara.
UCSB's Arts & Lectures Presents "Hiding in Plain Sight"
February 21, 2023 20:27 - 3 minutes - 7.13 MBThe inner struggles of the young mind, for adults, is often hidden in plain sight. Ken Burns documentary, “Hiding in Plain Sight” played at Campbell Hall on January 31 as part of the Arts and Lectures season titled “Justice for All." For those who missed it, KCSB Reporter Holly Pearson covered the event and its message on mental health struggles among students.
SBIFF: Red Carpet with Austin Butler & Other 'Virtuosos'
February 18, 2023 01:39 - 8 minutes - 5.49 MBKCSB News was on the red carpet to speak with honorees of the Virtuoso Awards. Jackie Sedley and Jennifer Yoshikoshi spoke with several of the recipients (listed below) as well as Santa Barbara resident, actor Jane Lynch, who presented the awards. Virtuosos Award, 8:00pm at the Arlington Theatre Honoring Austin Butler (Elvis), Kerry Condon (The Banshees Inisherin), Danielle Deadwyler (Till), Nina Hoss (Tár), Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All at Once), Jeremy Pope (The Inspection), Ke...
SBIFF: 21 Miles in Malibu
February 16, 2023 21:46 - 10 minutes - 6.16 MBA documentary about the dangers of Malibu’s main street is making its world premiere tonight at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. KCSB’s Lisa Osborn spoke with filmmaker Michel Shane - about his documentary - 21 Miles in Malibu - and why he wanted to make this movie. You'll also hear from Marc Bischoff with Caltrans who explains some safety improvement projects being planned along some of the more populated portions of the highway aimed at making PCH more safe for drivers, cycli...
Inside IV: Cliff Erosion + Bluff Safety
February 16, 2023 18:02 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBIsla Vista's eroding bluffs are a cause of concern. Backyards along Del Playa Drive are shrinking as homes and balconies get closer to cliff edges. KCSB's Clarissa Hom speaks with a group that is leading a cliff safety campaign to educate residents and visitors about the dangers. The cliff erosion safety group is a group effort of Associated Students of UCSB, the IV Community Services District and UCSB Housing. Also in the show, hear from a mother who lost her son to a bluff accident. KCSB...
SBIFF: Shot in the Arm
February 14, 2023 03:40 - 15 minutes - 9.99 MBVaccine hesitancy is the theme of a movie that’s screening this week at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Shot in the Arm explores how individuals make the best decisions in the face of overwhelming misinformation. KCSB’s Lisa Osborn spoke with Oscar nominated filmmaker, Scott Hamilton Kennedy, and asked what originally interested him in making this movie.
SBIFF: Bringing Back Our Wetland
February 14, 2023 03:38 - 9 minutes - 5.31 MBAn environmental film that premieres tonight at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival was made possible in part by the students of UC Santa Barbara. Bringing Back our Wetland captures a decade-long UCSB project to restore the upper Devereux slough in Goleta to its natural state. KCSB’s Vanessa Manakova spoke with filmmaker Michael Love to find out more.
SBIFF: Who are the Marcuses?
February 14, 2023 02:52 - 10 minutes - 8.26 MBA former KCSB DJ has a film in this year’s Santa Barbara International Film Festival. “Who are the Marcuses” made its international debut on Monday morning (2/13). KCSB’s Lisa Osborn spoke with the film’s director, Matthew Mishory, who explains what his movie is all about. The film’s producer, Bradford Schlei, joins in to explain how the filmmakers booked billionaire philanthropist Warren Buffett for a sit down interview.
Inside IV: E-Bike Safety + UCSB Reads
February 11, 2023 01:12 - 26 minutes - 19.3 MBAn e-bike safety informational event comes to UC Santa Barbara. Lauren Bianchi Klemann with the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments speaks with KCSB's Jennifer Zwigl about the event and shares some things to consider when riding an e-bike. And, Alex Regan with the UCSB Library shares info on UCSB Reads 2023 - the campus and community-wide reading event. Hosted by Jennifer Yoshikoshi.
Inside IV: Cliff Safety Campaign + Housing & More
February 11, 2023 01:07 - 28 minutes - 16.7 MBTo help prevent falls from Isla Vista's eroding bluffs, the local government and Associated Students of UCSB have launched a bluff erosion safety campaign. KCSB's Dick Flacks speaks with IV Community Services District General Manager Jonathan Abboud about this campaign. They also discuss a recent event that spread anti-Jewish hate messages across the area. And, the ongoing housing crisis.
SBIFF: Manuela
February 11, 2023 01:04 - 5 minutes - 3.03 MBA feature film about a Latina immigrant is making its US premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The movie's director said "Manuela" was shot with a team of five industry professionals in Los Angeles. KCSB's Harry Lawton spoke with the film's director - and has this story.
SBIFF: Programmer Roundtable
February 08, 2023 21:41 - 15 minutes - 8.42 MBState street will be buzzing with moviegoers... and big-hollywood names will walk the red carpet at the Arlington Theatre starting Wednesday. That's opening night of the 2023 Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Our reporter Harry Lawton has covered SBIFF for KCSB News for years. He's back - and joined by the festival's creative director - and programming team - who share insights into several of the must-see movies this year.
FDA Lifts Queer Blood Ban
February 08, 2023 20:07 - 2 minutes - 1.47 MBAs a result of the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s, queer men were banned from donating blood. Recently, however, the FDA reversed this decision. Here's KCSB's Bella Genolio with the story.
Amazon Shuts Down Charity Program ‘AmazonSmile’ Amid Layoffs
February 08, 2023 19:41 - 1 minute - 1.42 MBAmid global economic uncertainty, E-commerce giant Amazon’s charity program “AmazonSmile” will be shut down due to a cited “limited impact,” after donating to over a million organizations over the past decade. This decision comes after Amazon joins its peers in technology in laying off workers.
The Doomsday Clock
February 08, 2023 00:17 - 1 minute - 4.14 MBFor over seventy years, the Doomsday Clock has represented the potential for catastrophe. It's now set at the closest it's ever been to midnight. KCSB's Ava Kuredjian has the story.
Bill Gates Invests in New Company Aiming to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
February 08, 2023 00:15 - 2 minutes - 4.72 MBCo-founder of Microsoft and climate activist, Bill Gates, invests 12 million dollars into the Australian startup Rumin8, who are spearheading new developments to reduce methane emissions from cow belching. KCSB’s Elle Viefhaus discusses the details of the company’s climate-friendly initiative.
Preview: 38th SBIFF Film Festival Highlights
February 07, 2023 17:01 - 15 minutes - 8.42 MBState Street will be buzzing with moviegoers, and big Hollywood names will walk the red carpet at the Arlington Theatre starting Wednesday. That's opening night of the 38th Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Our reporter Harry Lawton has covered SBIFF for KCSB News for years. He's back - and is joined by Roger Durling, SBIFF's executive director, and programming team - Natalie Gee, Ernie Gomez and Claudia Puig - who share insights into several of the must-see movies this year.
Inside IV: Hate Crimes, Housing and Ocean Water
February 04, 2023 01:12 - 30 minutes - 21.5 MBJewish student leaders speak out about their response to hateful propaganda spread around Isla Vista. KCSB's Jennifer Yoshikoshi speaks with reporter Josh Molina about the state of housing in Isla Vista and Santa Barbara. And, KCSB's Schuyler Rebbun speaks with a rep from the Surfrider Foundation about the impact of recent storm runoff on Isla Vista beaches. Hosted by Clarissa. Hom.
International Environmental Education Day
January 31, 2023 01:41 - 2 minutes - 2.5 MBJanuary 26 was International Environmental Education Day. Hear from KCSB’s Bella Genolio about the importance of staying informed about the environment.
The Latest Gaucho Game Lab Showcase
January 31, 2023 01:39 - 16 minutes - 22.1 MBThe Gaucho Game Lab was held on Wed., January 25 at the University Center, showcasing months of work by students in Dr. Pradeep Sen’s upper division course. Rhys Ran and Max Tu have the story.
Santa Barbara Museum of Modern Art Sued Over Nazi-looted Drawing
January 31, 2023 01:36 - 1 minute - 3.08 MBThe heirs of Fritz Grünbaum, a Jewish cabaret singer and art collector killed during World War II, are suing the Santa Barbara Museum of Art over a prized pencil on paper drawing they say was robbed from their late relative by Hitler’s Third Reich. KCSB’s Dan Siddiqui has the details.
Rio Verde Foothill Residents Question Where They Will Get Their Water
January 31, 2023 01:34 - 3 minutes - 2.87 MBResidents in the Rio Verde Foothills neighborhood of Arizona question how they will get their water amidst restrictions prompted by a decades long drought. Here’s KCSB’s Rosie Bultman with the story.
What Now? A Roundtable of Academic Workers, hosted by KCSB
January 31, 2023 01:27 - 1 hour - 92.7 MBKCSB's Jackie Sedley spent the last couple of months covering the UC-wide Academic Worker strike that started on November 14 and went on until December 23. The strike officially ended when the two most contentious contracts were ratified – one for UAW2865 (the TA, tutor, and reader union) and one for SRU (the graduate student researcher union). For the duration of the strike, Sedley checked in weekly with Emily Fox, a PhD student at UC Santa Barbara. You can find those conversations in our So...
A look into the City of Goleta’s plans to reduce houselessness
January 24, 2023 22:03 - 18 minutes - 41.9 MBGoleta’s newly-appointed Homelessness Services Coordinator Chuck Flacks details what the underlying causes of homelessness are in Goleta and explains the upcoming initiatives to reduce it. KCSB’s Siddharth Chattoraj has the story.
A look into the City of Goleta’s plans to reduce houselessness
January 24, 2023 21:53 - 18 minutes - 41.9 MBGoleta’s newly-appointed Homelessness Services Coordinator Chuck Flacks details what the underlying causes of homelessness in Goleta and explains the upcoming initiatives to reduce it. KCSB’s Siddharth Chattoraj has the story.
Volunteers needed for the annual Point in Time Count
January 21, 2023 14:59 - 2 minutes - 6.29 MBVolunteers are still urgently needed for an annual event that takes place next week. KCSB’s Michelle Cisneros has the story.
Santa Barbara International Film Festival Announces Highlights of 2023 SBIFF
January 21, 2023 14:56 - 7 minutes - 4.94 MBThe Santa Barbara International Film Festival held a news conference to announce some of the highlights of this year's festival. KCSB's Harry Lawton was on hand - and files this report.
What is the Point in Time Count?
January 20, 2023 20:56 - 2 minutes - 6.29 MBVolunteers are still urgently needed for an annual event that takes place next week. KCSB’s Michelle Cisneros has the story.
The Power of TikTok: Meet the CEO of Monet
January 12, 2023 20:55 - 20 minutes - 13.8 MBWith over a billion active users, TikTok has become one of the most popular apps used worldwide. Videos are uploaded every second of every day and if you’re lucky it might go viral. You can find almost every mainstream company and brand on Tiktok. The app has become a powerful tool in self promotion and with just a smartphone and some creativity, going viral might allow for life changing opportunities. In this series, we hear from individuals who were able to gain success from TikTok. Today w...
Inside IV: The Latest on Munger Hall
January 12, 2023 18:14 - 34 minutes - 22.6 MBThe UC Santa Barbara administration is facing several challenges in an effort to resolve a student housing shortage by building what would become the world's largest dormitory. KCSB's Clarissa Hom speaks with Daily Nexus reporter Mark Alfred and Dick Flacks, of the Sustainable University Now organization, to bring you the latest news on this topic, including a scathing new report from the faculty senate claiming the building plans would pose a variety of problems to its residents.