Santa Barbara

Indy Origins: The 30-Year Hobby Job That Has My Heart

Indy Origins: The 30-Year Hobby Job That Has My Heart

Santa Barbara Independent

August 31, 2026

Original

If you've ever picked up the Santa Barbara Independent on a Thursday morning, you know the feeling — that familiar voice that feels like a friend checking in. This week, one of our own is sharing the story behind three decades of writing for our local paper, and it's a reminder of why we treasure this community so much.

For 30 years, this writer has turned a 'hobby job' into a love letter to Santa Barbara — covering everything from our farmers markets to the arts scene that makes the 805 so special. It's the kind of dedication that doesn't make headlines, but it shapes the way we see ourselves. So here's to the Independent, and to the storytellers who keep our community connected, one article at a time.

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August 31, 2026

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