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Santa BarbaraIndy Origins: Charles Donelan’s First Cover Story
Long before he was the publicist for UCSB Arts & Lectures, Charles Donelan was the arts editor at the Santa Barbara Independent, and his first cover story was a rite of passage many local writers remember. It’s a small piece of Santa Barbara media history that reminds us how much the Independent has shaped our cultural conversation for decades. Donelan’s journey from that first byline to championing the arts on campus is a familiar arc in our town—where creativity and community often overlap. For those of us who grew up reading his thoughtful takes on film, theater, and music, this story is a warm nod to the people who keep Santa Barbara’s arts scene alive. It also highlights the quiet, important work of the Independent as a training ground for local voices. So here’s to Charles, to the Independent, and to the many stories still to come from our corner of the 805.
Santa BarbaraSan Marcos Drops Opener to a Talented Dana Hills team, 56-10
Friday night lights returned to the 805 with a thud as San Marcos High School dropped its season opener to a very tough Dana Hills squad, 56-10. It wasn't the start Royals fans hoped for, but let's be honest—Dana Hills is a powerhouse, and this early test will only make San Marcos sharper as the season rolls on. Coach and players will take the lessons from this one and get back to work. Next up, the Royals hit the road to face Del Sol. It's a chance to reset, shake off the rust, and show the grit we know Santa Barbara teams are made of. Keep your heads up, Royals—it's a long season, and we'll be cheering you on every step of the way. For more on this game and all things local sports, check out the Santa Barbara Independent.
Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara Dons Suffer Heartbreaking Loss in Season Opener
It was a gut-punch of a season opener for the Dons Friday night, as Santa Barbara fell to Camarillo 17-16 in a game that came down to the wire. After battling back to take a late lead, a costly turnover on the final drive squashed any hopes of a comeback win. For a team that’s been building toward a strong season, this one stings — but it also showed a lot of fight. Local fans packed the stands, and you could feel the energy on every play. That’s what high school football in Santa Barbara is all about — community, pride, and Friday night lights. The Dons will look to bounce back next week, and if this game is any indication, they’re not going to make it easy on anyone. For more details, check out the full story in the Santa Barbara Independent.
Santa BarbaraDos Pueblos’ Fourth-Quarter Rally Falls Short Against Santa Ynez
Friday night lights on the Central Coast always bring the community together, and this week was no exception. Dos Puueblos High School gave it everything they had against Santa Ynez, mounting a spirited fourth-quarter rally that had the home crowd on its feet. While the Chargers ultimately came up short, the fight they showed in the final minutes is exactly the kind of grit that defines Goleta sports. It’s the kind of game that reminds us why we love local football—not just for the score, but for the heart these kids bring to the field. Next week, Dos Pueblos will host Buena, and you can bet the Charger faithful will be out in full force. For those of us who follow the Channel League, these matchups are more than just games—they’re a chance to cheer on our neighbors and celebrate the young athletes who make our community proud. Keep an eye on the Santa Barbara Independent for full coverage, and let’s pack the stands to support the Chargers as they look to bounce back.
Santa BarbaraArtist Jonathan Smith Travels to Turkey to Volunteer at the Flying Carpet Children Festival
Jonathan Smith, co-founder of Santa Barbara's Environment Makers Inc., is taking his passion for creativity and compassion all the way to Turkey this month. He's volunteering at the Flying Carpet Children Festival, a magical event designed to bring joy and artistic expression to refugee children living in the region. It's a reminder that our local artists aren't just shaping our community—they're reaching across the world to make a difference. For those of us who know Santa Barbara as a hub of creative energy, Smith's journey feels especially close to home. His work with Environment Makers has always been about connecting people through art and nature, and now he's extending that mission to kids who need it most. We first read about this inspiring trip in the Santa Barbara Independent, and it's a beautiful example of how our community's talents ripple far beyond the 805.
Santa BarbaraFeds Moving at Full Throttle to Reverse Roadless Rule Protecting National Forests
Big news for anyone who loves hiking, camping, or just breathing the fresh air in our backyard: the feds are moving fast to roll back the Roadless Rule that protects 635,000 acres of Los Padres National Forest. That’s a huge chunk of our Central Coast wilderness, from the backcountry above Santa Barbara to the trails we escape to on weekends. The Santa Barbara Independent broke the story, and right now there’s a public comment period open—your voice can actually help stop this. This isn’t just about trees; it’s about our water, wildlife, and the quiet places we treasure. Logging and roadbuilding could fragment habitats and increase erosion into our creeks and ocean. If you care about places like the San Rafael Wilderness or the Dick Smith Wilderness, now’s the time to speak up. Head over to the Independent’s article for details on how to comment—let’s keep our forests wild.
Santa Barbara‘Buyer & Cellar’ — Surreal Shopping in Barbra Streisand’s Personal Mall
Barbra Streisand's Malibu basement mall is coming to Santa Barbara — sort of. Ensemble Theatre Company kicks off its 48th season, 'California Here and Now,' with 'Buyer & Cellar,' a one-person comedy that imagines what happens when a struggling actor takes a job tending the shops in Streisand's famous underground shopping street. It's a love letter to celebrity, consumerism, and the weirdness of California, and it's landing right here on the Central Coast. For locals, this is a chance to see a sharp, funny show without heading to L.A. — and to celebrate ETC's return to the stage in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. Noozhawk has the details on dates and tickets. Whether you're a Streisand superfan or just curious about the lady who turned a basement into a boutique, this one promises a surreal, laugh-out-loud night out.
Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara Unified Starts School Year with New Focus on ‘Tech with Intent,’ ‘Culture of Care’
As the bell rang for the first day of school this week, Santa Barbara Unified students traded their summer screens for something a little different: a deliberate pause. The district’s new ‘Tech with Intent’ approach is a welcome step back from the constant buzz of phones and tablets, and it’s got teachers and admins feeling hopeful. Walking past the campuses, you could feel a shift—more eye contact, more chatter in the hallways, more of that old-school first-day energy. But not every kid is thrilled. Some students told the Santa Barbara Independent they miss the ease of checking their phones between classes, and honestly, that’s fair. Change is hard, especially when it feels like a piece of your social life is being unplugged. Still, the district’s broader ‘Culture of Care’ push—focusing on connection and well-being—feels like the right move for a community that values balance. Here’s to a year of real conversations and a little less screen time, 805 style.
Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara High Flag Football Remains Unbeaten with 39-0 Rout of Cabrillo
It’s a great time to be a Santa Barbara High flag football fan. The Dons stayed perfect on Thursday, rolling to a 39-0 win over Cabrillo in Lompoc to improve to 4-0 on the season. That’s a statement win on the road, and it shows this team has real chemistry and focus early on. Flag football has been growing fast across the Central Coast, and seeing Santa Barbara High dominate like this is a reminder of how much talent we have right here in the 805. With a big road matchup up next, the Dons have a chance to make some noise. Keep an eye on this squad — they’re playing like they have something to prove. Thanks to Noozhawk for keeping us updated on all the local action.
Santa BarbaraBizHawk: Santa Barbara Wine Bar Satellite Saying Goodbye After 10 Years
If you've ever wandered down to the funk zone for a glass of something interesting and a plate of veggie comfort food, you know Satellite has been more than just a spot to grab a bite — it's been a quiet little cornerstone of Santa Barbara's downtown scene for a decade. Founder Drew Cuddy's announcement that the natural wine bar and vegetarian kitchen will pour its last glass on Sept. 13 feels like the end of an era for those of us who loved its laid-back, thoughtful vibe. Satellite wasn't just about the wine or the food; it was about the community it built — a place where you could try something new, chat with the staff, and feel like you'd stumbled onto a secret that was just yours (even if it wasn't). Its closing marks another shift in our ever-evolving downtown, and it's a reminder to cherish the local spots that give our city its character. Noozhawk's BizHawk column first broke the news, and it's already got folks sharing memories. Here's to ten great years — and to whatever comes next for the team behind it.
Santa BarbaraCox Communications, Santa Barbara’s Sole Cable Provider, Officially Acquired by Spectrum-Owner Charter
Big news for Santa Barbara internet users: Cox Communications, our longtime sole cable provider, is now officially part of the Charter family—the folks behind Spectrum. The $34.5 billion deal closed this week, and Charter’s CEO is promising lower prices, faster speeds, and yes, even access to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Cox’s six million customers. For those of us who’ve watched our bills creep up or dealt with the occasional outage, the idea of competition finally knocking on our door feels like a breath of fresh ocean air. But let’s be real—change can be a mixed bag. We’ve relied on Cox for everything from streaming to remote work, and now we’ll have to see if Charter’s promises actually materialize on the Central Coast. The Santa Barbara Independent first reported the acquisition, and we’ll be keeping an eye on how this affects our community. For now, it’s a moment to watch, hope, and maybe start planning that Dodgers watch party.
Santa BarbaraDrag Me to Pride: Local Bike Ride Rolling to Pacific Pride Festival
Get ready to roll, Santa Barbara! This Saturday, Aug. 22, MOVE Santa Barbara County is trading four wheels for two, leading a community bike ride from Bice Centro on Olive Street straight to the opening of the Pacific Pride Festival. It's a chance to kick off the festivities with some fresh air, good company, and a whole lot of rainbow spirit—all while leaving the car behind. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just dusting off your cruiser, this ride is all about coming together as a community. Pride is a time to celebrate love, identity, and the vibrant LGBTQ+ culture that makes the Central Coast special. And with MOVE Santa Barbara County championing safer streets and active transit, it's a perfect pairing. So grab your helmet, deck out your bike, and join your neighbors for a joyful pedal to the party. For all the details, check out the original story on Noozhawk—and we'll see you at the starting line!
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