Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina: Recent Episodes
Josh Molina
Award-winning journalist and journalism instructor Josh Molina talks with the most interesting, amazing and influential people on the important topics of the day.
Santa Barbara's Alexander Stoeber looks to upset the system in Santa Barbara's District 6, in his bid for Santa Barbara City Council. Stoeber, a Realtor, shares his poignant story of rising from homelessness and breaking the cycle of a rough upbringing. He offers his views on State Street, the city budget, downtown, bikes and much more.This is one in a series of conversations with candidates for Santa Barbara City Council. Stoeber is running against Gabe Escobedo in District 6.Santa Barbara Talks is a podcast hosted by journalist Josh Molina who creates dynamic conversations with individuals in the areas of politics, education, housing, art and much more. Please hit subscribe on YouTube and visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to make a contribution to support these podcasts.
EXCLUSIVE FILMED AT KIVA CO-WORK!Ari from Visionari Content has taken Santa Barbara by storm and has emerged as Santa Barbara's top social media star. In this episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina, I sit down with Ari from Visionari Content for an amazing conversation about storytelling, social media, and building a creative business from the ground up. Ari shares how she grew from making videos as a kid in Minnesota to taking a risk and moving to Santa Barbara and now becoming Santa Barbara’s most recognizable and most viewed content creator.We talk about her early love for filmmaking, attending Santa Barbara City College and even working at Jersey Mike's in Santa Barbara.Ari explains how her Santa Barbara history videos—covering topics such as the Castillo underpass, Elings Park, and Franceschi Park—resonate because they make people feel more informed about their community.She also talks about the realities of being a visible woman online, dealing with criticism, and learning how to stay authentic.Ari discusses the pressure, coping with local recognition, and why she tries not to create for attention alone.She focuses on making content that is useful, engaging, and rooted in curiosity.We talk about the business side of content creation, the importance of valuing her work and her future. She also discusses family, the challenge of valuing herself, and her goal of building a healthier creative business that serves the community.Video highlights0:00 — Introducing Ari and Visionari Content2:11 — Why Ari wanted a long-form conversation3:55 — What it feels like to suddenly become highly visible in Santa Barbara6:34 — Recognition, public attention, and navigating online criticism8:14 — How Ari turned her own growth into proof of her marketing approach9:52 — The first major viral moment: filming Maroon 5’s pop-up concert16:18 — The local-history video that put Ari on the map19:58 — Research, fact-checking, and handling public pushback22:02 — How Ari finds and develops Santa Barbara story ideas30:02 — Being a woman creator in a highly visible public space37:47 — Mean comments, misinformation, and protecting creative confidence45:42 — Building Visionari Content and helping local businesses grow51:06 — Starting the business during COVID and the early setbacks56:31 — Multiple jobs, early clients, and finding a path in content creation61:30 — Working at Jersey Mike’s and the work ethic behind the current success67:23 — 10Xing her income, pricing creative work, and living in Santa Barbara74:04 — Ari’s Minnesota childhood and early obsession with cameras80:13 — Discovering filmmaking, journalism, and a creative career path, attending Santa Barbara City College84:47 — Family, distance, and building an independent life93:23 — The state of social media: value versus empty attention107:27 — Ari’s visual style, color, and cinematic approach109:40 — Being herself on camera and getting comfortable in public114:38 — Advice for aspiring creators121:32 — Ari’s podcast and expanding the stories behind her short videos129:20 — Life outside of work: biking, local spots, and Santa Barbara living139:51 — Becoming a local public figure and being spotted in the media145:20 — Favorite music, coffee, food, and local recommendations152:54 — Josh shares his own journalism journey and lessons on self-worth165:22 — Ari’s vision for the future: healthy growth, community, and balance171:31 — Closing thoughts and appreciation
Santa Barbara Planning Commissioner Devon Wardlow talks about her plan to run for Santa Barbara City Council, in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. Wardlow, who graduated from Santa Barbara High School, offers her views on housing, State Street, rent stabilization and much more. Wardlow is running for City Council in District 4. Journalism Joshua Molina creates compelling conversations with variety of individuals on topics such as housing, education, politics, business, transporation and much more. Visit SantaBarbaraTalks.com to make a contribution and go to Santa Barbara Talks on YouTube and subscribe to get more than 300 podcasts with the community's most interesting individuals.
with Michael Jackson. Hobbs also talks about her career as a reporter, her fight previous News-Press ownership and the state of journalism.Josh Molina is a journalist and instructor at Santa Barbara City College. He creates dynamic conversations with individuals on the topics of housing, politics, media, culture, business and much more. Follow his podcast at www.santabarbaratalks.com and subscribe on YouTube to Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. Consider making a contribution to support his podcast.
Josh Molina talks about his memories of Loretta Redd; Also, a possible collaboration with Instagram's Visionari, in this Josh-only podcast. Josh reported on Loretta in various capacities over the years and he shares some of his thoughts on her. Also, Josh is talking with Visionari about being a guest on Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. Who is Visionari? We kickstart the conversation here. Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to make a contribution and support these podcasts.
Explore Jason Dominguez's vision for Santa Barbara, his background, and his approach to local governance as he campaigns for District 4 City Council. This interview covers key community issues like housing, fire safety, State Street, and rent stabilization.In this episode:Jason's personal journey from Maywood to Santa Barbara and his legal and international experiencesHis previous city council service, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and transparencyStakeholder perspectives on housing, rent stabilization, and controlling rising costsFire safety strategies in District 4, including coordination with fire departments and urban planningThe future of State Street and balancing commercial vitality with pedestrian-friendly policiesDominguez's stance on political independence, collaboration, and maintaining respectful debateTimestamps:(00:01) - Welcome and introduction to Jason Dominguez's background(0:30) - Why Jason is running for District 4 City Council(2:43) - Growing up in Maywood, education, and early influences(5:48) - How international experiences shaped his civic perspective(10:00) - Transition from law career to local government(13:08) - What Jason aims to accomplish in his current campaign(17:19) - Community priorities in District 4: fire safety and development(20:08) - The debate around rent stabilization and affordable housing(24:26) - Perspectives on State Street revitalization(32:15) - Balancing commercial growth with community needs(36:42) - Views on urban planning, retail, and street redesign(40:39) - Enhancing bike safety and youth recreation(43:52) - Addressing concerns about political style and past interactions(49:43) - Reflections on leadership, mistakes, and community service(60:40) - The influence of fatherhood on his worldview(63:23) - Final thoughts on voter trust and legislative experience
Santa Barbara Talks: Ryder Christ, Santa Barbara's Street Interviewer, talks with Josh Molina about his transition from News Director at KEYT to man-on-the-street interviewer. Christ opens up about his questions, his character, his approach, his dress, his style and what he learned from John Palminteri. Christ is leading a wave of local social media personalities capturing eyeballs on the South Coast.Josh Molina is a journalist and college professor who creates dynamic conversations with celebrities, politicians, activities and experts in their field. Find more than 300 podcasts on this channel. Please follow and subscribe. Also visit SantaBarbaraTalks.com to contribute.
Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse won't run for re-election afterall, opening the race wide open for council colleagues Eric Friedman and Kristen Sneddon. Wendy Sims-Moten is also in the contest. Josh Molina talks about what led up to Randy's departure and what happens next on the road to the November mayoral election.
Gordon and the Santa Barbara Daily Sound represent a signifcant part of Santa Barbara's media history. Don't miss this provocative podcast episode.Find Jeramy Gordon at:Websitehttps://www.opinionated-book.comFacebook / opinionatednotjudgmental Instagram / jeramygordon Buy the Bookhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDJCZCF3Joshua Molina is a journalist and college instructor. He creates compelling conversations with a variety of individuals on the topics of housing, education, politics, business and media. Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to consider a contribution to support his podcasts.https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s...
The Montecito native opens up about her life, her business and what she loves about Santa Barbara. Joshua Molina is a teacher and journalist in Santa Barbara. He is the editor of the Santa Barbara News-Press. This podcast creates dynamic conversations and spotlights amazing people making an impact on the community. Follow Josh at motownjoshnews.com. Listen to this podcast on all streaming platforms.
In this episode: The role and responsibilities of the Santa Barbara County Democratic PartyWhy local races matter and how party involvement influences election outcomesChallenges of down-ballot races and voter engagement techniquesThe significance of endorsements in local elections, including the Santa Barbara mayoral raceFundraising realities for grassroots campaigns and the importance of community supportDeep dive into the upcoming County Supervisors race and candidate endorsementsThe impact of federal policies on local communities and the importance of proactive leadershipChristian’s personal background: growing up in Nevada, activism origins, and his journey to Santa BarbaraPerspectives on LGBTQ+ advocacy, faith, and community buildingThe importance of values, respect, and authentic communication in politicsFuture challenges and opportunities for Santa Barbara’s political landscapePersonal anecdotes and reflections on love, family, and community service
Nelson, the son of two Associated Press sportswriters, shares his journalism stories, talks about his career and talks about the importance of journalism.Please subscribe to this podcast and visit www.santabarbaratalks.com.Consider a donation to this podcast at www.santabarbaratalks.comJosh Molina has been a journalist in Santa Barbara for 20 years. He creates dynamic and engaging conversations with people on the topics of housing, education, art, culture, business and more. He also covered City Hall for the San Jose Mercury News. In addition to working as editor of the Santa Barbara News-Press, he teaches journalism at Santa Barbara City College. Please subscribe to his You Tube channel for more content. This podcast is owned by Joshua Molina and not affiliated with any other organization.
Santa Barbara City Councilman Oscar Gutierrez chats with Santa Barbara News-Press Editor Joshua Molina about why he supports a rent stabilization ordinance in Santa Barbara. He also explains why he backs the plan to build housing at Paseo Nuevo. Gutierrez recently took trips to Japan and China and shares what he learned there. Joshua Molina is.the editor of the Santa Barbara News-Press and a journalism instructor at Santa Barbara City College. He speaks with community leaders and interesting people to talk about housing, education, business, politics, culture and the most important issues of the day. Support his podcast at santabarbaratalks.com and follow him at motownjoshnews on Instagram
Santa Barbara City Administrator Kelly McAdoo receive a $40,000 pay increase in salary and compensation. I break down the contract and explain the factors that led up to this and the problems with perception. McAdoo now makes $353,576 annually — and that's just her base.
Journalist Josh Molina talks about his love for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and how this year was bittersweet. He recalls his memories from childhood and describes what being a Dodger fan really means to him. Josh Molina is a journalist and college instructor who creates dynamic conversations on the topics of housing, education and politics and much more. Please subscribe!
Santa Barbara's outspoken Aron Ashland, owner of The Cruisery, talks State Street, ebikes, cars, retail, restaurants and much more in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. Ashland has been a vocal critic of Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse. He has followed all of State Street's changes, with parklets, pedlets and outdoor dining. Josh Molina is an award-winning journalist who has covered Santa Barbara for 22 years. He is also a professor of journalism at Santa Barbara City College. He hosts the Santa Barbara Talks podcast to bring people together and create conversations about the most important topics of the day facing our community, including housing, transportation, education, culture and politics. Visit Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina on YouTube and subscribe. Also make a contribution to support these podcasts at santabarbaratalks.com
Sullivan Israel, the leader of Strong Towns SB, joins Josh Molina for an extended conversation about cars, bikes, housing and the future of State Street. Israel is strong advocate of keeping downtown closed to vehicles, amid pressures to re-open the street to cars. Israel, a 25-year-old urban planner, also talks about Paseo Nuevo, downtown housing, gentrification and the upcoming City Council election.Josh Molina is an award-winning journalist who has covered Santa Barbara for 22 years. He is also a professor of journalism at Santa Barbara City College. He hosts the Santa Barbara Talks podcast to bring people together and create conversations about the most important topics of the day facing our community, including housing, transportation, education, culture and politics. Visit Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina on YouTube and subscribe. Also make a contribution to support these podcasts at santabarbaratalks.com
Journalist Josh Molina talks about his experience covering the No Kings rally in Santa Barbara and offers some analysis on the event.
Robin Elander, executive director of the Santa Barbara Downtown Improvement Association, talks about re-opening State Street to one lane of cars, as part of a grand vision for State Street. Elander explains how Placer.ai data tracks pedestrian activity. She says that fewer people are returning to key blocks of State Street, while other areas of the city are growing, post-pandemic. Learn all about the effort, as well as the latest on the State Street Master Plan
The Santa Barbara Unified School District State of Schools held by the Santa Barbara Education Foundation met on Thursday morning. Here's some of my thoughts and highlight's of the event. Check out the full story in Noozhawk on Saturday. The bottom line -- test scores are up and Superintendent Hilda Maldonado explains why.
Journalist Josh Molina breaks down the controversy over the proposed rent control/stabilization ordinance leading up to Tuesday's Santa Barbara City Council meeting. Two members of the council, Wendy Santamaria and Kristen Sneddon have drafted a proposed ordinance and the council will decided whether to place the matter on an agenda for discussion/vote. The proposal calls for rents not to be increased more than 60% of CPI annually. Questions have also arisen over the proposal's transparency. Check it out and follow Josh Molina @motownjoshnews and on YouTube, as well as Santabarbaratalks.com.
Journalist Josh Molina kicks off a new series of talking Santa Barbara in 30 minutes. Today Josh dives into Paseo Nuevo and the latest with the plan to dramatically overhaul the iconic Santa Barbara mall. Josh talks about the original plan, how it changed and the controversy over housing, retail and grocery stores planned for the facility. The city also intends to give away the land underneath the mall, in a move that has observers befuddled. This new series is intended to keep you company during your morning and evening commutes, lunch hour, jog or walking the dog. Please visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to consider making a financial contribution to support these podcasts and subscribe on YouTube.
Josh Molina interviews Ben Romo about the housing crisis and what can be done to build more affordability in Santa Barbara. Romo also talks about how he and a team saved the archives of the Santa Barbara News-Press and have led an effort to relaunch the historic newspaper.Joshua Molina is an award-winning journalist who creates compelling conversations with dynamic individuals on the topics of housing, education, culture, art, politics and so much more. Please consider a contribution at www.santabarbaratalks.com to support these podcasts and following him on instagram at @motownjoshnews.com
Joshua Molina talks about social media and the danger of attacking people online that you don't agree with and how this was revealed in the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk murder.Joshua Molina is an award-winning journalist who creates compelling conversations with dynamic individuals on the topics of housing, education, culture, art, politics and so much more. Please consider a contribution at www.santabarbaratalks.com to support these podcasts and following him on instagram at @motownjoshnews.com
Dr. Eliot Jacobson, retired professor of mathematics and computer science and doomer talks climate change and the state of Earth in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. The two discuss the following topics:Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) collapseThe Sixth Great ExtinctionAI's Effect on Climate ChangeOcean TemperaturesEarth's ReflectionGlaciersOcean temperaturesUnusual WeatherGreenhouse Gas EmissionsEarth DayMillennials vs.BoomersSaving the Earth for SpeciesWhat is a DoomerRiding BikesDriving CarsWalkingPopulation RatesEliot's backgroundAND MUCH MOREJoshua Molina is an award-winning journalist who creates compelling conversations with dynamic individuals on the topics of housing, education, culture, art, politics and so much more. Please consider a contribution at www.santabarbaratalks.com to support these podcasts and following him on instagram at @motownjoshnews.com
Journalist Josh Molina talks about the Labor Day Barbecue events in Santa Barbara at Tucker's Grove. Here is his TOP 10 list of highlights, memories and moments!Josh Molina is a journalist and college instructor who creates dynamic conversations on the topics of housing, education and politics. Please susbcribe!
and her marriage to Santa Barbara County Deputy District Attorney John Savrnoch. Josh Molina is a journalist who hosts Santa Barbara Talks. He creates dynamic conversations on the topics of housing, culture, education, and much more. Please hit subscribe and visit santabarbaratalks.com to consider a financial contribution to support these podcasts.
Joshua Molina is a journalist who previously worked at the San Jose Mercury News. In this podcast he talks about the loss of journalists in Gaza and what that means for the truth and storytelling. Please hit subscribe on YouTube and visit santabarbaratalks.com
Mina Wahab is a journalist in Santa Barbara who works as a multimedia reporter and anchor for KEYT 3. In this podcast, Wahab reveals what motivates her to find stories and why it is important to tell stories through a diverse lens. She also shares about her past at TMZ, TYT, and her work in entertainment journalism. She also discusses her love for movies. Wahab offers a glistening portrait off her life and career in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. Joshua Molina is an award-winning journalist who creates compelling conversations with dynamic individuals on the topics of housing, education, culture, art, politics and so much more. Please consider a contribution at www.santabarbaratalks.com to support these podcasts and following him on instagram at @motownjoshnews.com
Santa Barbara Talks host Josh Molina talks the recent immigration raids and their impact on families. Regardless of your views on immigration, illegal immigration or whatever you want to call it, I am comfortable saying, even in my role as a journalist, that I find it despicable that children are separated from their families in these raids. I find it horrific that some people overlook this fact when talking about the raids in Los Angeles, and California. I find it sad that some people can’t feel or articulate a sense of human decency.Joshua Molina is a journalist and college instructor who interviews a wide variety of people on the issues of education, housing, politics, culture and business. Molina is a former reporter at the San Jose Mercury News. He also teaches community college.Visit SantaBarbaraTalks.com to sign up for his newsletter and make a contribution to this individually owned podcast.
has more than 1 million views on YouTube and her songs have more than five million streams. Naomi Jane has emerged into the most exciting new pop sensation on the planet, a 16-year-old star that has everyone talking. Check out this deep dive into her stunning rise. A total package, Naomi Jane brings immense vocal talent, masterful piano skills and an incredible magnetic presence, that makes her a triple threat in the music industry.Please subscribe to this podcast and visit www.santabarbaratalks.com.Consider a donation to this podcast at www.santabarbaratalks.comJosh Molina has been a journalist in Santa Barbara for 20 years. He creates dynamic and engaging conversations with people on the topics of housing, education, art, culture, business and more. He also covered City Hall for the San Jose Mercury News. In addition to working as a reporter at Noozhawk, he teaches journalism at Santa Barbara City College. Please subscribe to his You Tube channel for more content. This podcast is owned by Joshua Molina and not affiliated with any other organization.
Joshua Molina is a journalist, community college instructor and podcaster who creates dynamic conversations on the most important issues of the day.In this episode Josh talks about the downsides of elected officials suing the news media when they disagree or don't like coverage. He makes a case for fierce defense of the First Amendment. Follow Josh on Instagram @motownjoshnews. Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com
The City of Santa Barbara has launched a beach club.Brian Jones joins Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina to talk about "The Barbara," and what it means for Santa Barbara.The program offers a chance for people to pay a fee to enjoy the beach with a variety of amenities, including towels, seating area, umbrellas games and food. It is a new concept for Santa Barbara and Jones is here to explain the program his journey to start the business in Santa Barbara.
Architect Greg Rech and writer and author Betsy J. Green join Josh Molina for a fascinating discussion about the 1925 Santa Barbara earthquake and how the community built its way out of.Also visit https://eq25.org/ for the story of the quake and learn more at the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara.
Sunstone President Teddy Cabugos and Splash Nano Co-Founder Kalon Baird talk with Journalist Josh Molina about the effort to legalize hemp beverages. Cabugos and Baird have developed a hemp beverage and are working to educate the public and lawmakers about hemp. Learn all about hemp beverages and their efforts to make it as ubiquitous as other drinks. Josh Molina is an award-winning journalist who creates conversations around education, housing, pop culture, media, business and more. Check out this podcast by subscribing and visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to support this podcast financially. Follow Josh on Instagram @motownjoshnews
Santa Barbara City Planning Commissioner John Baucke talks about two La Cumbre Plaza housing projects with journalist Josh Molina, in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks.Baucke explains his concerns about a 443-unit project for the Sears side of the plaza. He also offers his views on the Macy's project on the other side of the mall. The conversation also shifts to affordable housing and Baucke's ideas for how create a redevelopment agency to help fund affordable housing. Baucke offers a smart take on what's happening with housing at La Cumbre Plaza and throughout the city. He also shares about his personal back story. Joshua Molina is an award-winning journalist, podcaster, and college instructor who creates compelling conversation on issues of housing, education, politics, business and culture. Please subscribe to this podcast and follow Josh on IG at motownjoshnews. Please consider a financial contribution to support Molina's podcast series at SantaBarbaraTalks.com SBT is an LLC founded by Joshua Molina.
Brittany Zagic and Gareth Kelly join Josh Molina on the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks to talk about their effort to preserve Santa Barbara's Funk Zone. They are fighting against a 250-room hotel proposed for 101 Garden Street. The want the hotel reduced in size or turned into housing to help preserve the charm and culture of the Funk Zone. Check out their points and perspective in this episode. Also, documentary filmmaker Gareth Kelly talks about his film that highlights the people and power of the Funk Zone. Watch the film here: https://www.youtube.com/@bowlinefilmsJoshua Molina is an award-winning journalist, podcaster, and college instructor who creates compelling conversation on issues of housing, education, politics, business and culture. Please subscribe to this podcast and follow Josh on IG @ motownjoshnews. Please consider a financial contribution to support Molina's podcast series at SantaBarbaraTalks.com SBT is an LLC founded by Joshua Molina.
Rob Fredericks, executive director of the Santa Barbara Housing Authority, explains why he is halting new section 8 housing vouchers, the reasoning and who it affects. He also gives an update on the latest Housing Authority developments, including Bella Vista and Jacaranda Court, among others. Joshua Molina is an award-winning journalist, podcaster, and college instructor who creates compelling conversation on issues of housing, education, politics, business and culture. Please subscribe to this podcast and follow Josh on IG at motownjoshnews. Please consider a financial contribution to support Molina's podcast series at SantaBarbaraTalks.com SBT is an LLC founded by Joshua Molina.
Santa Barbara Teen Star Naomi Jane Voigt, Chloe Voigt, founder of YouthClusive and Kian Strenn, San Marcos High School ASB President, open up about their views on the Santa Barbara Unified School District attempt to cut teacher positions instead of administration. The three talk about the epic 8-hour meeting that ended about 3 a.m. and how they felt disrespected and unheard by some board members, especially board member Bill Banning. Naomi Jane talks about feeling "silenced and diminished by an older man on the board." "In that moment, us students, at least I felt my power in that moment was taken away. My voice got taken away. My passion got taken away. I felt squashed."Chloe said, "I am just offended by the fact that their job is to listen to us and make school a better place for us, but they don't want to listen to us."Kian adds: "It seems that they just lost perspective on what it is that really matters at schools, which is clearly the students. The biggest impact on students is what you do with the teachers. It's not the administration. It's not the people at the district level. It's the teachers.Check out this podcast to hear all their views on the proposed cuts, the mood among students, and where things are headed. Chloe also shares about her YouthClusive arts and theater program that she started at 13 years old. Naomi Jane talks about her experience winning Santa Barbara Teen Star and how she is using that platform to speak out for all students in Santa Barbara and beyond.Joshua Molina is an award-winning journalist, podcaster, and college instructor who creates compelling conversation on issues of housing, education, politics, business and culture. Please subscribe to this podcast and follow Josh on IG at motownjoshnews. Please consider a financial contribution to support Molina's podcast series at SantaBarbaraTalks.com SBT is an LLC founded by Joshua Molina.
He's only 24, but already, Sullivan Israel is one of Santa Barbara's most influential people. He founded the local Strong Towns SB and has been advocated for safer streets for all types of transportation. Sullivan wants Santa Barbara to move away from planning with a car as the main focus and instead make all ways of transportation an equal option. He wants to bring more housing to the downtown Santa Barbara area because housing downtown, he says, will help revitalize retail on State Street. Sullivan isn't just a guy with ideas. He has degrees in civil engineering and urban planning and is a graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and UCLA. He attended Laguna Blanca school and guess what? He wants to run for Santa Barbara City Council, possibly even mayor. Check out this dynamic podcast with one of Santa Barbara's brightest stars.Award-winning journalist Josh Molina creates dynamic and compelling conversations with the region's leaders on the issues of housing, transportation, education, business and culture. He formally worked at the San Jose Mercury News and now is a local journalist and teaches journalism at Santa Barbara City College. Consider a contribution to support his podcast by visiting www.santabarbaratalks.com and please subscribe on YouTube.
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors want to increase their pay by $58,000 annually. They are set to vote on the matter Tuesday, Feb. 25. Conservative Andy Caldwell has been vocal about the proposed raise, calling it "obscene." In this podcast he talks with Josh Molina about the pay raise, why he objects to it, and why he believes it is a part-time job. Caldwell also discusses the controversial Santa Barbara County AMR contract, something he calls the worst moment he has scene in his more than three decades of following county government. The two also talk about Roy Lee, Bob Nelson, Steve Lavagnino and why Das Williams lose. Caldwell says he grew to like Williams, at a time when his early supporters left him. Joshua Molina is an award-winning journalist who creates compelling conversations with dynamic individuals on the topics of housing, education, culture, art, politics and so much more. Please consider a contribution at www.santabarbaratalks.com to support these podcasts and following him on instagram at @motownjoshnews.com
Storyteller Leslie Zemeckis talks with Josh Molina about her award-winning, women-centered films that tell the lost stories of powerful women in history.Her most recent documentary Grandes Horizontales tells the story of mid-1805s courtesans who accumulated wealth, power and property by breaking the rules, when women could now marry or work outside of their class. From her website lesliezemeckis.com: "It isn’t for us to judge their choices but to reveal the answers behind the why and the what about these free-spirited, determined women that inspired decades of artists who tried to capture their likeness, their essence, their appeal."She also talks about her body of work, including "Bound by Flesh" about conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, and the award-winning "Mabel, Mabel, Tiger Trainer" about the first female tiger trainer, Mabel Stark,Zemeckis explains why she was called to tell the stories of women and the lessons we can learn from powerful women in the past. She also teaches writing and storytelling and recently returned to a full-time schedule at Santa Barbara City College. Joshua Molina is an award-winning journalist who creates compelling conversations with dynamic individuals on the topics of housing, education, culture, art, politics and so much more. Please consider a contribution at www.santabarbaratalks.com to support these podcasts and following him on instagram at @motownjoshnews.comFind Leslie Zemeckis at @lesliezemeckis
Developer Peter Lewis pulls back the curtain and talks about the blockbuster deal to sell the 81-unit Soltara Apartments in downtown Santa Barbara to UCSB. Lewis explains how the deal went down and why it was necessary to do so. He also talks about State Street housing, downtown, commercial conversions, and the Cost Plus World Market. Joshua Molina is a journalist, college professor and podcaster who creates dynamic conversations on housing, education, transportation, business, culture and the issues of the day with community leaders and personalities. Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to make a financial contribution to support this independently owned podcast. Also subscribe to IG @motownjoshnews
Newsmakers with JR editor Jerry Roberts talks about his switch to Substack as a distribution platform in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. Roberts explains what the change means, and his vision for the site, created in 2014 with Hap Freund, which provides analysis, commentary and enterprise journalism about Santa Barbara public affairs. Roberts also discusses the broader media landscape and his disgust with Donald Trump.Molina and Roberts also talk about Roy Lee, Das Williams, Wendy Santamaria and what Sheila Lodge no longer on the Santa Barbara Planning Commission means for the city. Check out the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina and consider a financial contribution to support these podcasts at www.santabarbaratalks.com. Also, please hit subscribe on YouTube. Joshua Molina is a journalist and college instructor who creates dynamic conversations on the topics of housing, politics, education, culture and business. Please hit subscribe on YouTube.
This is part 2 of a 3-part series with Das Williams, outing Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor. Williams is the longest-serving elected official in the county. He was first elected to the Santa Barbara City Council in 2003. After an unsuccessful bid at re-election in 2024, Williams is looking at his next move, which likely will involve working in an environmental field, to focus on climate change and renewable energy. In this podcast, Williams talks about his final Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting, his years in the California State Assembly, his legislation involving oil, education, gun laws, environmental sustainability. He also talks about cannabis and his views on the those who turned on him over cannabis policy and cannabis contributions. Check out this compelling podcast and don't miss Part 1, also on @santabarbaratalkswithJosh . Expect Part 3 in January.
John Davies is Santa Barbara's premiere conservative political mind. He sits down with Josh Molina for an in-depth discussion on conservative politics across the nation and locally and discusses why he believes Trump defeated Kamala Harris in November. Davies, the founder and CEO of Davies Public Affairs and Blaze PR, also has deep knowledge of Santa Barbara County politics. Davies talks about what may have been behind Das Williams' stunning re-election defeat, thoughts on his legacy and what he will miss about Williams. He also shares his views on Alejandra Gutierrez, who lost her bid for re-election to Wendy Santa Maria. Davies calls her a friend and said he spoke with her during the campaign. We also hear his views on the local Republican Party, and the reasons why Republicans can't seem to win seats locally. We also get his surprising views on Santa Barbara City Councilwoman and California Coastal Commissioner Meagan Harmon, and many other topics. Check out this podcast as well 200 others by visiting and subscribing to Santa Barbara Talks on YouTube. Josh Molina is a journalist and college instructor who creates community conversation on topics such as housing, education, politics, business, culture and more. Also visit www.santabarbaratalks.com for more content.
Das Williams joins Josh Molina to talk about the early part of his life and career in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks. Williams explains how his early work for CAUSE, field representative for Hannah-Beth Jackson and campaign manager for the No on Recall campaign against Gail Marshall led to a successful run for Santa Barbara City Council. He shares about his "troubled" childhood, growing up with divorced parents, and little supervision helped shape his survival instincts. He credits four Santa Barbara City College professors, David Lawyer, John Kay, Manou Eskandari, and Peter Haslund for helping to reset him turn him in the correct direction. Williams also talks about how he won a seat on the City Council, his campaign strategy of talking to voters outside of the Golden Triangle, and his focus on water, housing and neighborhoods. Williams also talks about lessons he learned from an ill-advised run for Santa Barbara County Supervisor in 2005, two years into his City Council term. Williams also reflects on his mistakes, successes, lessons learned, and his political enemies. This is Part 1. In Part 2 we will discuss his years in the California State Assembly and Santa Barbara County Supervisors, and what went wrong in his bid for re-election.
Rev. David Moore sits down with Josh Molina to talk about Trump's victory in the presidential contest, why and how it happened, and what it means for the country. He also shares his thoughts on Democrats, whether they turned their backs on working people, and how the situation in Gaza affected the presidential outcome. Moore also shares his views on local political issues, including rent control and affordable housing. Then he discusses his background and upbringing and how he became a human rights advocate. Check out this podcast conversation as well as more than 150 others by visiting and subscribing to Santa Barbara Talks on YouTube. Josh Molina is a journalist who creates community conversation on topics such as housing, education, politics, business, culture and more. Also visit www.santabarbaratalks.com for more content.
Dr. Eliot Jacobson, professor of mathematics and computer science returns to Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina to talk about the major weather storm currently hitting California. Jacobson explains why it is happening, and why we should expect more extreme weather events. Jacobson also talks about what it means to be an environmental doomer (it's not what you think), and expresses his frustration with some environmentalists who perpetuate a green energy agenda. He says there is no quantifiable difference between green energy and fossil fuels and that the real solution is for everyone to consume less of everything. Jacobson also has some messages for young people and how they can be part of the environmental solution. Essentially, he says we need to think about making change not for people, but for the natural world.
Journalist Josh Molina breaks down the contest between incumbent Oscar Gutierrez and challenger Tony Becerra in the battle for seat on the Santa Barbara City Council in District 3. Please consider a financial contribution to support these podcasts by visiting santabarbaratalks.com. Joshua Molina is a journalist and college instructor who creates dynamic conversations on the topics of housing, politics, education, culture and business. Please hit subscribe on YouTube.
They call him the mayor of the Westside. Tony Becerra, a karate trainer, enters the political arena to challenge his former student Oscar Gutierrez for a seat on the Santa Barbara City Council in District 3. In this podcast, Becerra opens up about the reasons why he is running for office and his views on issues such as rent control, State Street and the sales tax increase. Becerra also talks about his personal story, being a renter, a small business owner, and one of 12 children in his family. He says he has a vision, is an entrepreneur and plans to advocate for more crosswalks and services on Santa Barbara's Westside. Becerra also talks about Gutierrez, notes that he lives with his mother, and says that ''at some point you have to create your own life, your own opportunities.' Learn about Becerra's campaign in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina.Please consider a financial contribution to support these podcasts by visiting santabarbaratalks.com. Joshua Molina is a journalist and college instructor who creates dynamic conversations on the topics of housing, politics, education, culture and business. Please hit subscribe on YouTube.
Jennifer Smith is running for Goleta City Council in District 3. In this podcast conversation with journalist Josh Molina, Smith talks about the housing proposal at the Glen Annie Golf Club, the county's Housing Element process, Old Town Goleta's re-striping efforts, traffic in Goleta, plans to close the Goleta library for two years, and variety of issues and challenges facing Goleta. Smith also talks about her work as a Legal Aid Foundation attorney and her background and the events that shaped her public service. Josh Molina is a journalist who creates dynamic conversation with people on the topics of housing, education, business, politics, culture and the issues facing our region. Please hit subscribe on YouTube and consider a financial contribution to support these podcasts at www.santabarbaratalks.com
Dave King is running for a re-election as Buellton Mayor in the Nov. 5, 2024 election. King was first elected in 2008 to the City Council. King talks with journalist Josh Molina about his re-election campaign. King shares his plans to build a disc golf course, re-open a movie theater, and explains the plan to open a bowling alley in Buellton. In addition, King, a retired CHP officer, said he wants to bring more CHP officers to Highway 246 to slow down speeding on the highway. King discusses his time as mayor and his plans for re-election. Journalist Josh Molina host Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina and creates dynamic conversations on topics such as housing, business, education, culture and politics. Please subscribe on YouTube and visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to make a financial contribution to support these podcasts.Explore the podcast
Josh Molina breaks down the behind-the-scenes dynamic behind the City Council District 1 contest between Alejandra Gutierrez and Wendy Santamaria, amid recent endorsements, and allegations of sign theft. Josh Molina is a college instructor and journalists who interviews people on a variety of issues, including housing, education, culture, business and politics. Santa Barbara Talks is a place for all perspectives to discuss solutions on topics that affect all of us. Visit SantaBarbaraTalks.com to make a contribution. Please hit subscribe on YouTube.
Goleta resident Rich Foster is running for Goleta Mayor! Foster is a regular at government meetings and often-critic of the Goleta City Council and staff. In this podcast, Foster talks about his views on housing, the Old Town Goleta re-striping project, the spending for the new train station remodel, roads, and other Goleta issues. Foster is challenging incumbent Paula Perotte. Please check out this podcast and find more than 250 others @santabarbaratalkswithJosh. Josh Molina creates dynamic conversations with individuals on the topics of housing, education, business, politics, culture and more. Molina also hosts The Josh Molina show where he offers analysis and commentary on the issues of the day.
Journalist Josh Molina talks about how AI further erodes the quality of journalism and says news outlets should hire more journalists to save the industry. He also talks about media bias, explains what censorship is and what it is isn't talks the difference between on-the-ground news gatherers and influencers. Josh Molina is a college instructor and journalists who interviews people on a variety of issues, including housing, education, culture, business and politics. Santa Barbara Talks is a place for all perspectives to discuss solutions on topics that affect all of us. Visit SantaBarbaraTalks.com to make a contribution. Please hit subscribe on YouTube.
Buellton Vice Mayor David Silva stole the show at the recent Santa Barbara County Democratic Party Labor Day Barbecue. His explanation for why he his running for mayor wowed the crowd of nearly 300 people. Silva sits down with journalist Josh Molina for a candid discussion about his candidacy and his views on politics. "I don't view this as pitting against two people," Silva says on the podcast. "I see politics as less of a basketball game and more of a marathon. I am really just trying to run the best time I can."Check out the podcast to learn more about Silva, who grew up in Orcutt, the son on a rancher and a farmer. Joshua Molina is a journalist with more than 20 years of experience. He has worked in Santa Barbara, San Diego and the Bay area covering City Hall, politics, housing, redevelopment, breaking news, features, and just about every topic. He is also a college instructor. Please consider a contribution to support this podcast and see more content at santabarbaratalks.com. Also, please subscribe on YouTube.
A Los Angeles developer wants to build 255 apartments on a hill behind the Santa Barbara Mission and across the street from the Mission Rose Garden. Josh Molina explains what is going on in this fast-break, special episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. He also talks about the plan to create more housing at La Cumbre Plaza and talks about councilwoman Kristen Sneddon and her leadership. Santa Barbara Talks is a podcast hosted by journalist Joshua Molina. He creates dynamic conversations with people on the topics of housing, education, politics, business, culture and much more. Please subscribe on YouTube and visit Molina's website www.santabarbaratalks.com
Santa Barbara City Councilmember Alejandra Gutierrez is running for a second term on the Santa Barbara City Council. In this podcast, Gutierrez talks about her accomplishments during her first term in office, and answers questions about her stance on rent control, housing, and her primary opponent, Wendy Santamaria. Gutierrez also talks about her new alliance with Jason Dominguez, the person she unseated when she won her first term. Gutierrez also discusses the Santa Barbara County Democratic Party, and whey she did not seek an endorsement. Gutierrez also shares her personal story. Santa Barbara Talks is a podcast hosted by journalist Joshua Molina. He creates dynamic conversations with people on the topics of housing, education, politics, business, culture and much more. Please subscribe on YouTube and visit Molina's website www.santabarbaratalks.com
Hilda Maldonado, Superintendent of the Santa Barbara Unified School District, opens up in this podcast with journalist Josh Molina. Maldonado answers questions about the turnover in the cabinet, her leadership style, the Santa Barbara Teachers Association contract controversies, the strike threat, Hozby Galindo, what role being Latina plays in how she is perceived, and much more. She also talks about her personal story and coming to the U.S. at 11 and learning to speak English.Josh Molina is a journalist who focuses conversations on housing, education, transportation, business and culture. Please hit subscribe on YouTube and visit www.santabarbaratalks.com for more content
Journalists Jade Martinez-Pogue and Lily Dallow talk their epic Taylor Swift concert in Amsterdam. After spending hours online waiting to order tickets, the two lucked out and scored near front-row seats, for less than $250 each, a fraction of what Taylor tickets cost in the U.S. Hear about their amazing journey, along with friend Phoebe, through Europe, including their hostel stays. Also, Lily announces her new job, as digital content director at KTLA in Los Angeles. Check out this hilarious and entertaining podcast with two of journalism's brightest young stars.Josh Molina is a journalist who focuses conversations on housing, education, transportation, business and culture. Please hit subscribe on YouTube and visit www.santabarbaratalks.com for more content
Four days after Josh Molina talked about the Democratic Party's snub of Santa Barbara City Councilman Mike Jordan in his re-election campaign, Daraka Larimore-Hall comes on the show to talk about the endorsement process and explain the reasons why Jordan didn't have support. He says it was about more than just rent control. Larimore-Hall also criticizes Molina for his podcast comments and says he doesn't have the full story. Molina and Larimore-Hall clash over why the party didn't endorse Jordan, journalism, and Molina's coverage. Molina defends journalism, in this wide-ranging, at times, heated conversation. Please hit subscribe on YouTube and visit santabarbaratalks.comJosh Molina is a journalist and podcast who creates dynamic conversations on topics of housing, education, transportation, politics, culture and business and much more.
Journalist Josh Molina breaks down the plan between the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce and the city of Santa Barbara over an economic development proposal. The city wants to move forward, but without doing a request for proposals. Councilwoman Meagan Harmon raises some concerns about not doing a competitive process. Also, the democratic party declines to endorse Mike Jordan in his re-election bid on the Santa Barbara City Council.Check it out and find more content at santabarbaratalks.com Please subscribe on YouTube. Josh Molina is a journalist who creates dynamic conversations on topics of housing, education, transportation, culture and business.
Jett Black-Maertz suspends campaign in District 1 on Santa Barbara's Eastside. Tony Becerra, martial arts sensei challenges Oscar Gutierrez in District 3 on the Westside. Josh Molina explains how these changes shakeup the Santa Barbara City Council contest. Joshua Molina is an award-winning journalist who creates dynamic conversations on the topics of housing, education, transportation, business, culture and much more. Please share this podcast with a friend and please hit subscribe. Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com for more content.
Three members of StrongTowns SB join Josh Molina for a special episode of Santa Barbara Talks to discuss the future of State Street! Ian Baucke, Joanna Kaufman and Tristen Miller outline their vision for the State Street Promenade. The group would like to see no cars allowed between the 500 and 1300 blocks and they prefer the "flat and flexible" way. In this podcast, they explain what they actually believe about cars, electric bikes and pedestrians on the promenade. StrongTowns SB has emerged as a key player int he conversation about State Street's future as the State Street Advisory Committee meets to talk about the Master Plan. The SSAC plans to meet again on July 15 and eventually the council will take a vote. This is the place to learn about the plan, and StrongTowns' growing role and influence on Santa Barbara's transportation network.StrongTowns motto is "Let's make our city more livable, walkable, and fiscally resilient."Joshua Molina is an award-winning journalist who creates dynamic conversations on the topics of housing, education, transportation, business, culture and much more. Please share this podcast with a friend and please hit subscribe. Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com for more content.
Architect Ed Lenvik talks the future of Santa Barbara' State Street and the promenade, including his views on cars, bikes, parklets, pedestrians whether to become "curbless." He also discusses retail, the "restaurant mafia," and his views on the the progress of the State Street Advisory Committee, a group he sits on. Lenvik, a member of the Historic Landmarks Commission, pulls no punches in his assessment of the city's progress on State Street over the past three years, while also showing a love for the city and a desire to make it better. This is a deep-dive into the state of State Street in Santa Barbara and what can be done to save.Joshua Molina is a journalist and podcaster who hosts Santa Barbara's No. 1 Podcast, Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. He creates compelling conversations about housing, education, business, culture and all of the issues that we share in this community. Consider a contribution by visiting www.santabarbaratalks.com and please subscribe to the Santa Barbara Talks YouTube Channel.
osh Molina and Emily Zacarias talk bullying, smart phones and social media, in this hour-long podcast between two parents. Zacarias is a member of the Goleta Union School District Board of Education and a parent of two children. She is focused on the use of smart phones and social media among young people We also discuss bullying cases in recent months, including two tragic cases. Zacarias shares her views on social media restrictions, smart phone bans and how to prevent bullying. She also talks about her role on the Goleta Union School Board and the work the District is doing. Please watch this podcast and hit subscribe on YouTube. Josh Molina is a journalist and community college teacher. Please visit www.santabarbaratalks.com and consider a contribution to support these podcasts and please subscribe on YouTube.
Tom Widroe, executive director of the Santa Barbara Barbara County Taxpayers Association, joins Josh Molina and Santa Barbara Talks to talk the presidential election, Trump, culture wars, Jerry Seinfeld, comedy, Republican politics and other issues.Josh Molina is a journalist who creates dynamic conversation and provides media content on the issues of the day, including housing, transportation, education, business and culture. Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to make a contribution and please subscribe on YouTube.
osh Molina explains what is going with the Montecito Hot Springs controversy and why people are arguing over whether the pools are legal. A viral video sparked the latest wave of attention, as Montecito homeowners and trail hikers collide over parking in the neighborhoods, and alleged dumping of trash, fires, cooking and other behavior. Journalist Josh Molina gets you caught up to speed on the latest happenings, and why everyone is frustrated with Santa Barbara County, the board of supervisors, and government regulators who seem to created a situation that is murky and unclear for everyone involved. If you enjoy these podcasts visit www.santabarbaratalks.com and consider making a financial contribution. Also, please subscribe on YouTube.
Journalist Josh Molina talks about two California bills designed to help safe journalism. Molina also talks about his idea of teaching journalism as part of the curriculum in elementary schools to promote critical thinking and educate young people about the importance of understanding media literacy. Joshua Molina is a journalist who talks about housing, education, media, politics, business and culture. visit www.santabarbaratalks.com and consider a contribution and also subscribe to his podcast here or on YouTube.
Goleta City Councilman Stuart Kasdin announces his plans for re-election and seeking a third term on the Goleta City Council. Kasdin also shares his views on the Goleta Old Town restriping project, housing, potholes on Phelps Road, and the success of Goleta's businesses, including the Camino Real Marketplace. Kasdin also discusses his background and his career teaching political science, most recently at Santa Barbara City College.Joshua Molina is a journalist who creates dynamic conversations on the topics of housing, education, politics, business and culture. Please visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to consider a contribution to support these podcasts and please subscribe on YouTube.
Wade Cowper and Paula Phan are back to talk about the Waula Festival, this Saturday, May 25 at 5 p.m. Spencer the Gardener. The festival features a musical lineup of The English Beat, Spencer the Gardener, Queentide, Young Santa, and lots wine. All money goes to benefit the Sarah House a home for hospice patients. For tickets visit www.waulafest.comPlease subscribe to Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina on YouTube. Please support this podcast series by visiting www.santabarbaratalks.com.Josh Molina is a journalist and creates conversations with people around the topics of housing, education, business, culture and community.
anta Barbara's plan to reduce free parking downtown on dozens of city blocks and in city lots and garages crashed and burned at the Santa Barbara City Council. From the first time it was unveiled, the proposal appeared ill-timed and lacking a cohesive public relations message. Journalist Josh Molina breaks it all down in this Top 10 list of reasons why the Santa Barbara proposal fell short. Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to make a financial contribution to support these podcasts. Please hit subscribe on YouTube. Joshua Molina is a journalist who focuses conversations on housing, education, policy, transportation, business and culture.
This is the week of May 14 and the city of Santa Barbara is talking budget, including a proposal for a half-cent sales tax on the Nov. ballot to raise $15.6 million, along with a proposal to raise parking fees to generate another $3.1 million, all while facing a lawsuit from Disney and Hulu over a video utility users tax and streaming services. Also this week, Wendy Santamaria appears on an episode of Santa Barbara Talks to discuss her candidacy against incumbent Alejandra Gutierrez. Josh Molina is a journalist who creates dynamic conversation and provides media content on the issues of the day, including housing, transportation, education, business and culture. Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to make a contribution and please subscribe on YouTube.
Wendy Santamaria is running for Santa Barbara City Council in District 1, which represents Santa Barbara's Eastside. In this conversation with journalist and college instructor Josh Molina, Santamaria outlines her vision for creating more affordable housing, tenant protections and "saving the fabric of Santa Barbara.""Are we really going to put profit over people's livelihood," Santamaria says.She also outlines a multipronged approach for addressing the housing crisis, including creating rental registry and a 2 percent rent cap on annual increases.Santamaria also offers her views on the incumbent Alejandra Gutierrez, calling her performance "disappointing." during the past four years."There needs to be some responsibility taken for lack of representation," Santamaria said.Also, Santamaria shares about her background and how she became an activist and union organizer. Santa Barbara Talks is a podcast hosted by journalist and college instructor Joshua Molina. He creates dynamic conversations with people on the topics of housing, education, politics, business, culture and much more. Please subscribe on YouTube and visit Molina's website www.santabarbaratalks.com
Joshua Molina breaks down Tuesday night's Santa Barbara Unified School Board meeting and explains how the District should do everything it can to avoid a strike. The tensions between the District and the Santa Barbara Teachers Association is at a high, and the meetings have escalated into tense situations. Check out the latest in this episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh MolinaVisit www.santabarbaratalks.com. Subscribe and watch on YouTube.
Journalist Josh Molina talks about the heroic work student journalists are doing at colleges and universities across the country, at this time of protests and counter protests. Molina explains the role of the free press, and why journalists daily face adversarial circumstances to report the news. Santa Barbara Talks is a podcast hosted by journalist and college instructor Joshua Molina. He creates dynamic conversations with people on the topics of housing, education, politics, business, culture and much more. Please subscribe on YouTube and visit Molina's website www.santabarbaratalks.com
Democratic Women of Santa Barbara County President Suzanne Cohen talks with Journalist Josh Molina about the role of the organization in the March 5 election, its growing influence in local politics, and how it is different from the Santa Barbara County Democratic Central Committee. Cohen explains the organization's non-endorsement in the First District Santa Barbara County Supervisor's contest, the role it played in helping Joan Hartmann get re-elected in the Third District, and its involvement in the Fourth District contest. Cohen also response to Daraka Larimore-Hall and his recent criticism of the organization for not endorsing the incumbent Democrat in the Santa Barbara County Supervisor's contest.She also breaks down how Dem Women is influential in national politics and is focused on supporting a woman's right to choose. Cohen also shares about her backstory and how she became an activist and women's leader.
The city of Santa Barbara wants to install timed parking downtown to save the downtown parking fund from financial collapse. They also want to dramatically overhaul the pay structure in downtown lots and garages, including moving to 15 minutes only free in some surface lots. Josh Molina talks about the proposal and its potential impacts. Please subscribe to this podcast on YouTube and visit www.santabarbarataks.com to make a contribution. Josh Molina discusses issues about housing, education, transportation, business and culture. He is a journalist and community college instructor.
Dr. Daraka Larimore-Hall, member of the Santa Barbara County Democratic Central Committee returns to Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina to discuss his views on being a new father, the Das Williams' shocking loss in his bid for another term on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, the Democratic Party's endorsement process, whether Roy Lee should have gotten an interview, views on the Santa Barbara County Democratic Women, and why and how he was removed from consideration as a delegate for the presidential election, and his views on NPR's Uri Berliner and the controversy surrounding "viewpoint diversity in newsrooms." Larimore-Hall is a former chair of the Democratic Central Committee, Vice Chair of the Santa Barbara County Party and well-known political Democratic activist throughout California.Please subscribe to this podcast on YouTube and consider making a financial contribution to support Josh Molina at www.santabarbaratalks.comMolina is a journalist and community college instructor who creates dynamic conversations about housing, education, politics, culture and business.
Journalist Josh Molina talks about the state of journalism with focus on NPR journalist Uri Berliner, and how a lack of viewpoint diversity has damaged the media giant. Josh talks about how he stands up to local electeds and activists who pressure him to influence the news. Josh Molina is a journalist, teacher and multimedia podcaster. Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to support this podcast. Subscribe on YouTube
In this daily edition of Santa Barbara Talks, Josh Molina discusses the need for changes in the endorsement process on the Santa Barbara County Democratic Central Committee. Roy Lee, a Democrat, never got an interview for the First District Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors seat. And that's a problem. Hear the reasons why in this 14-minute podcast. Also listen to learn about the proposed housing site at the Glen Annie Golf Club for between 800 and 1,000 units. Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to make a contribution. Subscribe to Santa Barbara Talks on YouTube. It's the podcast of the moment.
Jett Black-Maertz outlines her vision for Santa Barbara and explains why she is running for Santa Barbara City Council, in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. In this podcast conversation, Maertz talks about:HousingHomelessnessPaseo NuevoState StreetRent ControlHer views on incumbent Alejandra Gutierrez's City Council recordSanta Barbara's EastsideReasons why she is running in District 1Her experienceand so much more!Check it out!Maertz is running for City Council in the November 2024 election.
Steve Lavagnino is the triple crown chair. He is chair of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments and SBCERS, and widely regarded as a guy who loves public service. In this week's episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina, Lavagnino discusses:HousingSBCAGHighway 101CannabisPension ReformCounty BudgetVeterans Stand DownDas Lossand so much more!Josh Molina is a journalist, teacher and podcaster. Visit his website at www.santabarbaratalks.com Molina interviews people on the topics of housing, education, transportation, business, culture and politics. Please hit subscribe!
Journalist Josh Molina discusses the Top 10 highlights of his week with a focus on the GOP uprising, the Third District Santa Barbara County Supervisor's seat, the rudeness and confusion at Santa Barbara City Hall over State Street, and much more in this 15-minute podcastJosh Molina is a journalist and community college instructor. Please visit his website at www.santabarbaratalks.com and subscribe to this podcast to learn everything about Santa Barbara County.
Cheryl Trosky, Colleen Estrada and Mary Hudson (mother of pop superstar Katy Perry) join Josh Molina in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks to talk about their candidacies for the Santa Barbara County Republican Party. The three are part of a slate looking to bring more leadership and transparency to the Republican Central Committee. They have started a website called www.unite2winsb.com. Trosky is running for re-election in District 1. Estrada is running for re-election in District 3. Hudson is looking to join the committee in District 1. In this podcast, the candidates talk about their plans to find new Republican candidates for seats, build the organization and develop strategies to become more politically relevant. They also discuss the candidacy of Frank Troise in the Third District, and their concerns with the process for how he was selected. They outline their vision for the committee, their plan for bringing Republicans from out "behind the bushes," and the ways they intend to make the party more visible to build power in Santa Barbara County. @santabarbaratalkswithjoshm7112 is a podcast by journalist Josh Molina. Please subscribe to this podcast and visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to make a contribution. Molina uses his 20 years of experience as a journalist to create dynamic conversations on the issues of housing, politics, education, business, transportation and culture. Check it out and subscribe!
Former Santa Barbara City Councilman Dale Francisco breaks down the drama over the attempt to seize power on the Republican Central Committee. For the first time, a slate has emerged to unseat current GOP leadership. Francisco explains the power struggle within the GOP. He also talks about Frank Troise, and his unconventional campaign for Third District Santa Barbara County Supervisor. Francisco then discusses First District Supervisor Candidate Roy Lee and why he believes the business owner and Carpinteria City Councilman is a better choice than the incumbent. Enjoy this window into the inner-workings of the GOP!Santa Barbara Talks is a podcast by journalist Josh Molina. Please subscribe to this podcast and visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to make a contribution. Molina uses his 20 years of experience as a journalist to create dynamic conversations on the issues of housing, politics, education, business, transportation and culture. Check it out and subscribe!
Check out this short podcast where journalist Josh Molina untangles the Santa Barbara City Council meeting on Tuesday and explains how it went off the rails when some council members opted to blame city staff and the media for its "messaging." Molina explains media literacy and the importance of getting information out to the public. The controversy is over an important $32.5 million bridge project that would connect the lower Eastside to the waterfront. Please watch this podcast on YouTube and visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to consider a contribution. SBT is Santa Barbara's No. 1 podcast where journalist Josh Molina interviews people on the topics of media, education, housing, politics, business and culture. Molina is a journalist and college instructor.
Peter Lewis, Francois DeJohn and Trevor Large join Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina to talk about the proposed Community Benefit Improvement District. The proposed CBID would enhance safety and cleanliness on State Street. The purpose of the proposed Community Benefit Improvement District (CBID) is to ensure the future economic vitality of downtown. This initiative aims to assess property owners within the proposed district to independently fund and direct special benefits to address cleanliness, safety,beautification, maintenance, identity, and placemaking, beyond what the City currently provides.The Downtown Organization of Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, and the CBID Steering Committee are putting forward this important initiative.Formation of the CBID would provide property owners and business community members in the district with a unified voice to advocate for the district, collectively liaise with the City, and independently manage the use of funds to their benefit. Assessments on real property within the proposed district will fund enhanced benefits to attract new customers, businesses, residents, and appeal to visitors throughout downtown.Please watch this podcast on YouTube and visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to consider a contribution. SBT is Santa Barbara's No. 1 podcast where journalist Josh Molina interviews people on the topics of media, education, housing, politics, business and culture. Molina is a journalist and college instructor.
Dr. Eliot Jacobson, professor of mathematics and computer science returns to Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina to talk about the major weather storm currently hitting California. Jacobson explains why it is happening, and why we should expect more extreme weather events. Jacobson also talks about what it means to be an environmental doomer (it's not what you think), and expresses his frustration with some environmentalists who perpetuate a green energy agenda. He says there is no quantifiable difference between green energy and fossil fuels and that the real solution is for everyone to consume less of everything. Jacobson also has some messages for young people and how they can be part of the environmental solution. Essentially, he says we need to think about making change not for people, but for the natural world. Please watch this podcast on YouTube and visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to consider a contribution. SBT is Santa Barbara's No. 1 podcast where journalist Josh Molina interviews people on the topics of media, education, housing, politics, business and culture. Molina is a journalist and college instructor.
ournalist and college instructor Josh Molina explains why money matters in elections and how the Third District Supervisors contest has perplexed political watchers. Investment Banker Frank Troise has raised little money in his bid to unseat Joan Hartmann. Is it a brilliant political ploy, or a humongous blunder? Molina relies on his 23 years of journalistic experience to explain why raising the most money in elections typically wins you an election. "Don't play the game if you aren't playing to win," Molina says. Please visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to make a contribution. Please subscribe to this podcast. Josh Molina grew up in Goleta, California and is a first-generation college graduate. He is now a journalist, podcaster and teacher. Most importantly he is a dad. Check it out!
Journalist Josh Molina shares his views on the housing crisis in Santa Barbara, while sharing about his own upbringing, growing up poor in Goleta and Santa Barbara. Molina talks about how his personal story affects his reporting and storytelling. He also talks about a recent sex trafficking story he wrote and shares details about his new title. Please hit subscribe on YouTube and consider a financial contribution by visiting santabarbaratalks.com. This is podcast is an effort to talk to a wide swath of voices on the topics of housing, education, business, politics, media, transportation and culture.
Journalist Josh Molina discusses ways the Santa Barbara Unified School District can improve its public relations and treat the public better, particularly at school board meetings. The District has experienced a near-full turnover of cabinet members since 2020 and lately it is locked in a battle over a new contract with the Santa Barbara Teachers Association. This Top 10 list looks at ways the District can improve the way it comes across to the public.
Frank Troise, founder of SoHo Capital, explains his views and policies heading into the March 5 primary. He is focused on raising revenues. In this podcast, Troise talks about his views on the oil, energy, the ExxonMobil pipeline, housing, cannabis, fentanyl, crime and other issues. Troise also boldly predicts that the contest, where he is challenging incumbent Joan Hartmann, will be over by March 5. Lompoc Mayor Jenelle Osborne is also in the contest. Visit Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina on YouTube and www.santabarbaratalks.com
Josh Molina wrote 381 stories in 2023! These are some of his favorites. Please hit the subscribe button on YouTube and consider making a contribution to this podcast by visiting www.santabarbaratalks.com. Josh Molina's Top 10 List of Most Memorable Stories of 2023!10. Paseo Nuevo Demolition to Build Housing9. Jacob Molina Goes to UC Berkeley8. Fresco Cafe Closes Abruptly7. Councilmember Kristen Sneddon Calls For Budget Clarity6. Metrolink Might Come From Ventura County to Santa Barbara5. High School Students Protest in Support of Their Teachers4. Goleta Beach Memorial to Call for Release of Hostages3. Palestine Supports Rally in Goleta Outside Defense Company2. Doomer Eliot Jacobson Says End is Near For Humans1. Daily Newspaper Finally Folds
Radius Group's Commercial Vice President Austin Herlihy checks in with Santa Barbara Talks to discuss the city of Santa Barbara's housing policies and what he believes are mixed messages. Herlihy says that the council wants to encourage new housing, but yet it punishes housing developers and property owners through restrictive tenant protections. He said that the council is inadvertently making the problem worse by creating tenant protections because it will discourage the building of new housing. Herlihy also says that the council talks with housing activists, but not the home developers so the public gets a skewed view of the situation. Please watch this podcast on YouTube and visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to consider a contribution. SBT is Santa Barbara's No. 1 podcast where journalist Josh Molina interviews people on the topics of media, education, housing, politics, business and culture.
Lompoc Mayor Jenelle Osborne challenges 3rd District Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joan Hartman. In this podcast, Osborne outlines all the reasons why she is running, why she did not ask Hartman or the Santa Barbara County Democratic Party's permission to run, and what she plans to do for the mid-county and Santa Barbara County. Osborne outlines her views on housing, homelessness, transportation, broadband and agriculture, in this dynamic podcast. Check it out and please hit subscribe on YouTube. Joshua Molina is a YouTuber who talks to people about culture, education, politics, business and a variety of issues. Please hit the subscribe button. Consider a contribution and visit www.santabarbaratalks.com or santabarbarapodcasts.com
Several hundred students marched off campus at San Marcos High School on Monday in support of teachers. The students marched to Tucker's Grove Park. The students want their teachers paid more. The teachers are in a dispute with the Santa Barbara Unified School District. Dos Pueblos High School walked out last week. Santa Barbara High School is next. More than 800 students walked out of San Marcos High School on Monday after first period. They marched to Tucker's Grove Park. Josh Molina is a journalist and college instructor. Please hit subscribe on YouTube,
Dos Pueblos High School Students walk out of class to support Santa Barbara Teachers Association teachers. Several hundred students marched from DP High School to Girsh Park in Goleta. They carried signs, chanted and asked that teachers get paid more. The dispute between teachers and the District was amplified after teachers closed their doors to lunchtime clubs, stopped writing letters of recommendation and one-on-one lunch tutoring.Please subscribe to @santabarbaratalkswithjoshm7112
Santa Barbara Barbara Unified School Board Member Virginia Alvarez announces on Monday that is resigning from the school board. Learn why and what this means for the School Board going forward. Also, check out the full story at Noozhawk.com.Watch this podcast on YouTube.
Jade Martinez-Pogue, reporter for Law360 and former reporter for Noozhawk assignment editor for KEYT returns for this special holiday episode of @santabarbaratalkswithjoshm7112 Martinez-Pogue talks about life in New York and work at the nation's top legal publication @law360_news Martinez-Pogue explains her role and job and how she approaches her story. She also opens up about the company's current contract dispute. She recently has dabbled again in newspaper journalism through freelance work. From there, the conversation shifts to @TaylorSwift and @OliviaRodrigo and Jade talks about her upcoming trip to Amsterdam with @lilydallow9303 to see Taylor Swift live in concert. Jade a journalism star with ambition and goals. Watch her incredible journey in this lively podcast.
Fresh out of Cal Poly, Diego Sandoval has arrived as the new sports editor of Noozhawk.com. Diego grew up in Goleta and attended San Marcos High School, where he played four years of baseball, as a second baseman.In this episode, Sandoval explains his vision for sports coverage on Noozhawk and his deep focus on high school sports. Sandoval also explains how to tell stories through social media. Sandoval majored in public relations and communications at Cal Poly talks about experience going to college during the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out this incredible podcast with Santa Barbara County journalism's brightest young star. Subscribe to @santabarbaratalkswithjoshm7112 Josh Molina is a journalist and college educator who hosts this weekly podcast. Molina hosts conversations in the areas of housing, education, media, culture, business and transportation. Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to make a financial contribution to support this podcast series.
Political strategist Wade Cowper, managing partner for Hidden Gems Public Relations talks with journalist Josh Molina about public relations, local journalism and social media.Cowper has advised a variety of elected officials, including Kate Ford, Meagan Harmon, Alejandra Gutierrez, Gabe Escobedo and Virginia Alvarez. He was also managed James Joyce III's campaign that saw him surpass the incumbent mayor and land in second place for the mayoral seat. Cowper earlier this year branched off to form Hidden Gems Public Relations, where he advises nonprofit organizations on how to get their messages out.This is podcast full of humor, jokes and insider stories. Check it out.Make a contribution to support this podcast series by visiting www.santabarbaratalks.com. Molina writes for Noozhawk.com and teachers journalism part-time at Santa Barbara City College.
Tapping Into Brian Barnwell’s BrainWRITTEN by Josh MolinaBrian Barnwell greeted me with a cup of coffee.“Do you have any Stevia and cream? I asked. (Yes, I am a lightweight and I like my coffee sweet).“We don’t have any Stevia,” he said. “But would you like a scoop of ice cream in it?”Oh yeah, now he was talking my language. “You put ice cream in coffee,” I asked?“Every morning,” Barnwell said confidently. “That’s what we do.”Two cups and probably four scoops later, Barnwell and I had taken a ride down memory lane, talked old and contemporary politics, and gushed a little about each other. I guess time makes us all wiser.In the context of journalist and elected official, Barnwell and I were total frenemies. It’s my job to hold elected officials accountable. It’s the elected official’s job to avoid me, or try to charm me, either ingratiate themselves or run away. I’ve seen it all. I am a pro; I can read their tactics like Patrick Mahomes reads defenses. I covered Barnwell hard, for a variety of reasons. We got along most of the time. He had no problem telling me when I got something wrong. I was professional colleagues with his wife, Camilla Barnwell, so I had a side connection to him as well. But no matter what happened within the context of the dance that journalists and elected officials often partake in, one thing was always clear: I had great respect for his intellect.I don’t like saying one person is “the smartest,” or “the best,” or anything like that because it just offends everyone else. But I will say this: Barnwell’s intellectual acumen is unmatched on land use, planning and civic government topics. He is well-read, possesses an unreal memory for big and small details, and is generally a fun and charming guy.So after a few months of courting, Barnwell finally said yes to my request for a podcast. I ran into him at the recent screening of Citizen McCaw at the Marjorie Luke Theatre, put on by Newsmakers with Jerry Roberts. At 6 feet 2, Barnwell lumbered over to me and said: “You asked me about a podcast. I want to do it. Let’s make it happen.”So here it is, Barnwell and I, from the comfort of his Westside bungalow home, talking for 90 minutes (sorry, I know many of you want shorter podcasts) about housing, or “housing-transportation,” as Barnwell describes it, district elections, high-speed rail, elections, and names such as former mayor Helene Schneider, and councilmember Iya Falcone.Barnwell served on the City Council, Planning Commission and a variety of other commissions and volunteer boards. He still has a lot to offer, as is clear in this episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh MolinaCheck out this 90-minute conversation. I know you’ll learn a lot. And if you are interested in financially supporting my podcast efforts, please visit www.santabarbarapodcasts.com or www.santabarbaratalks.com. —Josh Molina
Bobbi McGinnis, chairwoman of the Santa Barbara County Republican Party, opens up about the 2024 election and the party's efforts to gain seats on the South Coast. McGinnis said the effort to unseat Third District Supervisorial incumbent Joan Hartmann is strong and that the party will make a play for the state Assembly seat held by Gregg Hart. McGinnis also talks about the First District Supervisor's seat. She said the party is looking to target no party preference voters and encourage them to join Republicans. This is a fascinating window into the strategy behind the GOP, which says it is focused on public safety, education and housing affordability. If you like the podcast series, please consider a contribution at santabarbarapodcasts.com. Josh Molina is a journalist and college instructor who interviews candidates with diverse viewpoints on the topics of housing, education, transportation, business, culture and a variety of topics. Please subscribe to this podcast and consider a financial contribution.
Dean Wilson, host of Good Life TV, talks about the importance of positive thinking, faith, and dwelling in the good things in life. Wilson, a Westmont graduate, shares his personal story, including overcoming major life challenges, and his recommitment to God and his family. Wilson, the son of pastor, also talks about the importance of being inclusive, and not judging others and believing in the best of people and their potential.Santa Barbara Talks is owned by journalist Josh Molina. Please consider a contribution by visiting www.santabarbarapodcasts.com or santabarbaratalks.com. Subscribe on YouTube for more conversations.
Robin Elander, executive director of the Santa Barbara Downtown Association, offers expert insight into the health of State Street, retail, restaurants and the future of a corridor experiencing major change. Elanders explains how restaurants, retail merchants, bicyclists, pedestrians (and maybe cars) can all work together to create a State Street that works for everybody. We also discus Paseo Nuevo, efforts to expand the organization to the Funk Zone, and the list of exciting upcoming events downtown, including "salsa night" and and country line dancing. Elander is at the heart of State Street's rebirth. Listen to her expert analysis. @santabarbaratalkswithjoshm7112 is a podcast owned by Joshua Molina, a journalist and college teacher. Consider a financial contribution by visiting www.santabarbaratalks.com or santabarbarapodcasts.com Please hit subscribe!
Sportswriter John Zant is being inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Santa Barbara Athletic Roundtable. In this podcast, hear his amazing stories of covering sports for more than four decades. Zant is the consummate community local journalist. He also covered professional sports and the multiple Olympic games. Zant recalls his illustrious career, what drove him, how he found his stories. He also talks about his final days at the News-Press.Find more than 150 podcasts with Josh Molina on YouTube.
Geography professor Geordie Armstrong returns for a conversation with Josh Molina about the hysteria surrounding the epic blockbuster movie Barbie. Armstrong explains the patriarchy and how it hurts women and men. She shares stories about her days playing with Barbie and Skipper and how her mother discouraged her from playing with Barbie because she was too "sexy." Armstrong then talks about why Sinead O'Connor's death hit hard, and why she was a significant figure in popular culture. With a shaved head, she broke rules about what femininity was supposed to look like. Armstrong then goes into a masterful explanation of the civil unrest in Haiti and offers a historical telling of what led up to the ongoing crisis. The podcast ends with Armstrong and Molina talking about Fiesta, indigenous people, and colonization. Josh Molina is a journalism instructor at Santa Barbara City College and journalist for Noozhawk. Armstrong is a professor of geography at Santa Barbara City College. If you like this podcast, please subscribe to Santa Barbara Talks. You can consider a contribution at www.santabarbaratalks.com or santabarbarapodcasts.com The Geordie and Josh show is podcast series that explores the world through their shared interests and experiences in music, movies, education, parenting, pop culture and their own childhood trauma.
Goleta resident Jana Brody wrote "Sit Behind The Nets," a book about how her mother, Linda Goldbloom, was hit by a foul ball at Dodger Stadium in the 9th inning and died later from the blow. Her chronicles the incident, but also Brody's effort to increase the height of nets at baseball stadiums all across Major League Baseball. You can find the book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Chaucer's and other book sellers. The podcast talks about the incident, the fallout, her attempts to speak to the Los Angeles Dodgers organization and communication with media, which eventually led to national stories about the death. Josh Molina is a journalists who hosts @santabarbaratalkswithjoshm7112 podcast. Please consider a contribution to support independent journalism at www.santabarbaratalks.com and visit www.santabarbarapodcasts.com.
Harwood "Bendy" White sits down with Josh Molina to talk about Santa Barbara's housing crisis, height limits, outdoor dining, and his memoir about life in Santa Barbara. White also reflects on the end of the Santa Barbara News-Press and what that means to the community. White spent 14 years on the city planning commission, as well as time on the county planning commission and city water commission. Joshua Molina is journalist who currently writes for Noozhawk and teaches journalism at Santa Barbara City College and Cal State University, Northridge. He formerly covered politics and land use for the San Jose Mercury News. Santa Barbara Talks is an independently owned podcast where Molina looks to bring together voices from all perspectives to discuss and provide solutions to the challenges related to housing, education, transportation and other community issues. Subscribe to his podcast here and consider a contribution here.
Los Angeles Times enterprise reporter James Rainey talks about his front page story on the Santa Barbara News-Press, his reporting and what he learned about the end of the daily print newspaper. Rainey shares his views on the media landscape and discusses the importance of journalism and why it matters to our democracy. Rainey shares his experiences covering his biggest stories, including reporting in Iraq. He also explains why the LA Times ended its coverage of box scores in the print edition and the overall changes in the media industry. Rainey has three Pulitzer Prizes as part of Los Angeles Times staff coverage. Joshua Molina is a journalist and college instructor who interviews a wide variety of people on the issues of education, housing, politics, culture and business. Molina is a former reporter at the San Jose Mercury News and teaches at Cal State University, Northridge and Santa Barbara City College. Visit SantaBarbaraPodcasts.com or SantaBarbaraTalks.com to sign up for his newsletter and make a contribution to this individually owned podcast.
Craig Smith rose to the prominence in media circles in the 2000s with his popular tipster media blog. He was the go-to-source for local media news and saw the popularity of the blog rise amid the News-Press drama. Smith first launched the blog to cover the Michael Jackson trial, but quickly he became a voice for those wanting to tip him information about News-Press stories in and out of the building. From there he covered the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and became instantly recognizable on the street. Smith recalls his days running the blog, what it was like to get information and reporter, and how he came a citizen journalism himself, with regular courtroom coverage. Check out this fantastic conversation, where Smith drops names such as Jerry Roberts, Barry Cappello, Starshine Roshell, Scott Hadly, Dawn Hobbs, Barney McManigal, Nick Welsh and so many more. Joshua Molina is a journalist and college instructor who interviews a wide variety of people on the issues of education, housing, politics, culture and business. Molina is a former reporter at the San Jose Mercury News and teaches at Cal State University, Northridge and Santa Barbara City College. Visit SantaBarbaraPodcasts.com or SantaBarbaraTalks.com to sign up for his newsletter and make a contribution to this individually owned podcast.
Earl Warren Showgrounds CEO Ben Sprague explains the pickleball controversy currently consuming the Showgrounds and his plan to resolve the issue. Sprague opens up about the new mission of the Showgrounds and its attempt to become more financially sustainable through diverse programming. Sprague says Earl Warren is Santa Barbara's events center and he wants everyone to know it's place for them to enjoy entertainment all year. Please watch this podcast on YouTube at Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. Joshua Molina is a journalist and college instructor who interviews a wide variety of people on the issues of education, housing, politics, culture and business. Molina is a former reporter at the San Jose Mercury News and teaches at Cal State University, Northridge and Santa Barbara City College. Visit SantaBarbaraPodcasts.com or SantaBarbaraTalks.com to sign up for his newsletter and make a contribution to this individually owned podcast.
New York Times Best-Selling author and frequent Joe Rogan guest @skepticmagazine founder Michael Shermer chats with Josh Molina about climate change, RFK Jr., doomers, culture wars, vaccines and much more in this hour-long podcast. Shermer, whose Skeptic magazine regularly offers science-based stories that debunk conspiracy theories. Shermer's latest book is Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational. In this podacast, Shermer talks about politics, free-will and logic all through the lense of our current political backdrop with RFK Jr. making the rounds on podcasts and what that says about the state of the media. He also discusses the doomer attitude about climate change and why he disagrees with end of the world predictions. "When I plug in my Tesla, the electricity doesn't come out of the electricity fairy in the wall. It's gotta come from somewhere and most of that is coal-burning power stations," Shermer said. About Robert Kennedy Jr., Shermer says the Democratic presidential candidate has strong views on foreign policy, but he's skeptical of some of his other views. "This guy is pretty sharp, why is he so wrong on other things, these vaccines, I don't know," Shermer said. Joshua Molina is a journalist and college instructor who interviews a wide variety of people on the issues of environment, education, housing, politics, culture and business. Molina is a former reporter at the San Jose Mercury News and teaches at Cal State University, Northridge and Santa Barbara City College. Visit SantaBarbaraPodcasts.com or SantaBarbaraTalks.com to sign up for his newsletter and make a contribution to this privately owned podcast.
"The time is now," to save the planet says Santa Barbara City Councilwoman Kristen Sneddon, who is also an environmental geology professor at Santa Barbara City City College. Sneddon talks with Josh Molina about "doomerism" and Eliot Jacobson's views on the planet, which he shared in a recent edition of Santa Barbara Talks. Sneddon does not dispute the data, but has a different attitude about how to respond to the rising ocean temperatures and sea level rise. "There's no question these things are intensifying and we need to address them," Sneddon says. In this podcast, Sneddon and Molina talk about electric cars, bikes, cars, fossil fuels, the doomsday glacier and what can be done to halt rising temperatures. Toward the end of the podcast, the two discuss State Street and the city of Santa Barbara's battle over outdoor dining and what the future holds for the street. Joshua Molina is a journalist and college instructor who interviews a wide variety of people on the issues of education, housing, politics, culture and business. Molina is a former reporter at the San Jose Mercury News and teaches at Cal State University, Northridge and Santa Barbara City College. Visit SantaBarbaraPodcasts.com or SantaBarbaraTalks.com to sign up for his newsletter and make a contribution to this individually owned podcast.
Watch the full video on YouTube. Dr. Eliot Jacobson is a doomer with a website called "Watching the World Go Bye, Eliot Jacobson's Collapse of Everything Blog. In this podcast he talks about three dramatic climate events happening at once: ocean temperature rise in the north Atlantic, diminishing ice near Antarctica and rising global temperatures. "While climate scientists have been talking about North Atlantic sea surface temperatures these last few days, what's going on with sea ice in Antarctica is even more extreme, nearly 2.4 million km² below the 1991-2020 mean, with a big jump down today," he tweeted. Joshua Molina is a journalist and college instructor who interviews a wide variety of people on the issues of education, housing, politics, culture and business. Molina is a former reporter at the San Jose Mercury News and teaches at Cal State University, Northridge and Santa Barbara City College. Visit SantaBarbaraPodcasts.com or SantaBarbaraTalks.com to sign up for his newsletter and make a contribution to this individually owned podcast.
Joshua Molina is a journalist and college instructor who interviews a wide variety of people on the issues of education, housing, politics, culture and business. Molina is a former reporter at the San Jose Mercury News and teaches at Cal State University, Northridge and Santa Barbara City College.Visit SantaBarbaraPodcasts.com or SantaBarbaraTalks.com to sign up for his newsletter and make a contribution to this individually owned podcast.
Santa Barbara Restaurant Owner Laura Knight talks about Pascucci, her legendary restaurant on State Street, and the challenges facing downtown and State Street. Knight has owned the restaurant for 30 years. In this podcast she talks about the controversy over outdoor dining, the future of State Street, and the role of cars and bicycles. Knight and Molina also remember Babatunde Folayemi, who held court at Pascucci for years, greeting customers and serving his sweet potato pie. Michael Jackson was apparently one of his clients. Check out Santa Barbara's No. 1 podcast by visiting santabarbarapodcasts.com or santabarbaratalks.com.Josh Molina is a journalist, college instructor and Santa Barbara local.
A candid conversation with California Republican treasurer on politics, COVID battle and being LGBTQ+ Republican.Greg Gandrud is a force in conservative politics. A former Carpinteria City Councilman, Gandrud was came out as gay early in his political tenure. He was a Trump supporter, and now is backing DeSantis for president. In this podcast he talks about nearly dying from COVID-19 complications, his views on Ivermectin as a treatment, as well as topical issues such as housing and the economy.If you enjoy this content, please hit subscribe on YouTube or wherever you are watching or listening to this stream. This podcast is owned by Joshua Molina, journalist and college instructor. Santa Barbara Talks is a community conversation about education, housing, culture and politics, hosted by journalist Josh Molina. Please consider a contribution by visiting santabarbaratalks.com or SantaBarbaraPodcasts.com
Santa Barbara Historic Landmarks Commission Member Keith Butler talks housing, Trump, Chat GPT State St. De la Guerra Plaza in this fantastic podcast about Santa Barbara. Butler, a marketing expert, brings his views on protecting Santa Barbara's unique charm, while also supporting housing, in this smart podcast about Santa Barbara's policies amid massive state demands to build more housing. He's also popular on social media and frequently lays into former President Trump on a variety of issue. Butler also says that Chat GPT will revolutionize the world just like the internet. If you enjoy this content, please hit subscribe on YouTube or wherever you are watching or listening to this stream. This podcast is owned by Joshua Molina, journalist and college instructor. Santa Barbara Talks is a community conversation about education, housing, culture and politics, hosted by journalist Josh Molina. Please consider a contribution by visiting santabarbaratalks.com or SantaBarbaraPodcasts.com
District216.com founder and Chief Dreamer Jacob Tell says "we are in an inflection point for humanity," as he talks about his social club District216.com. "I personally have had incredibly potent experiences," Tell said. Jacob Tell is an entrepreneur who founded e-commerce marketing firm Oniracom and LoDo studios, where he hosts special events.In this podcast, Tell talks about the formation of the District216 club and how it serves as space for people to come together to talk and experience four different pillars: music, art, cannabis and psychedelics."It's been a huge part of my interpersonal development throughout my life," Tell says.He said "this ecosystem is turning into an industry" and more people are becoming comfortable having experiences in this space.Watch the full podcast to hear Jacob talk about his club, how to join it, and the benefits, as well as his personal story, growing up near San Diego and his rise to successful entrepreneur.If you enjoy this content, please hit subscribe on YouTube or wherever you are watching or listening to this stream. This podcast is owned by Joshua Molina, journalist and college instructor. Santa Barbara Talks is a community conversation about education, housing, culture and politics, hosted by journalist Josh Molina. Please consider a contribution by visiting santabarbaratalks.com or SantaBarbaraPodcasts.com
Conservative activist Thomas Cole sits down with Josh Molina to discuss a possible congressional run. Cole chimes in on schools, fentanyl, guns, and a variety of topical issues. He is the founder of 805analytics.com and Coalition4Liberty.com. Cole also shares details of his upbringing and what shaped his conservative values.Joshua Molina is journalist who currently writes for Noozhawk and teaches journalism at Santa Barbara City College and Cal State University, Northridge. He formerly covered politics and land use for the San Jose Mercury News. Santa Barbara Talks is an independently owned podcast where Molina looks to bring together voices from all perspectives to discuss and provide solutions to the challenges related to housing, education, transportation and other community issues. Subscribe to this podcast and consider a contribution.
Santa Barbara TV Production Supervisor Tony Ruggieri discusses his amazing career at City Hall. Ruggieri led the city's effort to become a powerhouse of city content available on YouTube and on local cable. For Ruggieri, the job has always been about transparency and public service, and finding the best ways to serve the public. In this podcast, Josh and Tony talk about highlights from meetings over the years, like the time homeless advocate Bob Hansen showed up with only an American flag draped around his waist. Ruggieri also comments on councilmembers such as Brian Barnwell, Helene Schneider, Gregg Hart, Bendy White and others. He discusses the history of Santa Barbara's TV and drops names such as King Harris, Dalina Klan and Larry Good and their roles in shaping the TV show Inside Santa Barbara. Check it out!Please subscribe to this podcast on whatever streaming outlet you are listening or watching. Visit Santabarbaratalks.com or Santabarbarapodcasts.com for more great content and subscibe. Please consider a contribution to Josh Molina's Santa Barbara Talks. Molina is a journalist with 22 years of experience and also a college professor. Thanks for listening!
Architect Brian Cearnal explains the drama behind the 250-room hotel project proposed for Santa Barbara's waterfront.The Wright family has proposed merging six lots to build 250 hotel rooms, but the city planning commissioners expressed concern that this site would better serve the community if it were housing. Cearnal walks us through the history of the site, and why hotel is preferred over housing. He also shares what's going on with La Cumbre Plaza, and the proposed 695-unit site envisioned for the area. Cearnal is one of Santa Barbara's most cherished architects, with four decades of experience designing buildings.Joshua Molina is journalist who currently writes for Noozhawk and teaches journalism at Santa Barbara City College and Cal State University, Northridge. He formerly covered politics and land use for the San Jose Mercury News. Santa Barbara Talks is an independently owned podcast where Molina looks to bring together voices from all perspectives to discuss and provide solutions to the challenges related to housing, education, transportation and other community issues. Subscribe to his podcast here and consider a contribution here.
Dr. Jarrell Jackman, former executive director of the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation chats with Josh Molina about his new book: Santa Barbara's Royal Presidio, The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of Spain's Last Adobe Fortress. Jackman reveals the stories of the presidio's creation, its original purpose, and then some of the political fights to restore the fortress, in the face of opposition from some community members. Anyone interested in Santa Barbara's history will enjoy this podcast. Joshua Molina is journalist who currently writes for Noozhawk and teaches journalism at Santa Barbara City College and Cal State University, Northridge. He formerly covered politics and land use for the San Jose Mercury News. Santa Barbara Talks is an independently owned podcast where Molina looks to bring together voices from all perspectives to discuss and provide solutions to the challenges related to housing, education, transportation and other community issues. To consider sponsoring a podcast visit visit santabarbarapodasts.com or email josh@santabarbartalks.com. Please subscribe to this podcast series at @santabarbaratalkswithjoshm7112 This week's podcast is sponsored by Noozhawk.com
Santa Barbara County 2nd District Supervisor Laura Capps talks with Josh Molina after her first 100 days in office about the housing crisis, the recent eviction notices in Isla Vista, the cannabis revenue shortfall and poverty in the county. Capps spent six years on the Santa Barbara Unified School Board is a big-time political player having worked in Washington, D.C., with the President Clinton and Sen. John Kerrey. Capps grew up in Santa Barbara, the daughter of UCSB professor and former U.S. Congressman Walter Capps and nurse and Former U.S. Congresswoman Lois Capps.Joshua Molina is journalist who currently writes for Noozhawk and teaches journalism at Santa Barbara City College and Cal State University, Northridge. He formerly covered politics and land use for the San Jose Mercury News. Santa Barbara Talks is an independently owned podcast where Molina looks to bring together voices from all perspectives to discuss and provide solutions to the challenges related to housing, education, transportation and other community issues. Subscribe to his podcast here and consider a contribution here.
Dr. Jenn Kennedy talks about her new program "The Pleasure Project," where she coaches women on how to achieve sexual satisfaction. Kennedy is a licensed marriage and family therapist with expertise in women's sexuality, including lesbian relationships. In this podcast, Kennedy talks about healthy sexual relationships and how and why women should express their needs to their partner. Joshua Molina is journalist who currently writes for Noozhawk and teaches journalism at Santa Barbara City College and Cal State University, Northridge. He formerly covered politics and land use for the San Jose Mercury News. Santa Barbara Talks is an independently owned podcast where Molina looks to bring together voices from all perspectives to discuss and provide solutions to the challenges related to housing, education, transportation and other community issues. Subscribe to his podcast here and consider a contribution here.
Hayes Commercial Group Co-Founder Francois DeJohn breaks down the state of commercial real estate in this riveting podcast conversation.Topics include:Big tech companies sub-leasing office spaceThe return to the office and why remote work will stayWhy Paseo Nuevo is brokenWhat needs to happen at La Cumbre PlazaThe reasons why Coast Village Road is hot right nowThe success of the GoletaThe popularity of Camino Real Market Place, the Calle Real Shopping Center and Old Town Goleta.DeJohn's views on the homeless situationWhy outdoor dining on State Street needs to be cleaned upDeJohn also talks about his college days playing soccer at UCSB.Check it out!Joshua Molina is journalist who currently writes for Noozhawk and teaches journalism at Santa Barbara City College and Cal State University, Northridge. He formerly covered politics and land use for the San Jose Mercury News. Santa Barbara Talks is an independently owned podcast where Molina looks to bring together voices from all perspectives to discuss and provide solutions to the challenges related to housing, education, transportation and other community issues. Subscribe to his podcast here and consider a contribution here.
Journalist Josh Molina talks about the importance of media literacy and defends the art and practice of journalism against those who seek to minimize journalists and journalism. Joshua Molina is a journalist and college instructor who interviews a wide variety of people on the issues of education, housing, politics, culture and business. Molina is a former reporter at the San Jose Mercury News and teaches at Cal State University, Northridge and Santa Barbara City College.Visit SantaBarbaraTalks.com to sign up for his newsletter and make a contribution to this individually owned podcast.
Visit SantaBarbaraPodcasts.com to make a contribution.Dr. Mario Garcia, history professor at UCSB, sits down with Josh Molina for a riveting discussion about Mexican American contributions to the civil rights movement. "Latino history is U.S. history," Garcia says. Garcia explains how Mexican Americans have a decorated war and military history but are overlooked in the history books. He talks about the high rates that Mexican Americans were drafted and served in the Vietnam war because they didn't have the same educational opportunities or personal connections to avoid enlistment. He also talks about how Mexican Americans, even those with medals of honor, were not allowed to swim on portions of Carpinteria Beach off Linden Avenue up until the 1950s, and other places in the nation only allowed Mexicans access to swimming pools one day a week so they could be cleaned afterward, Garcia said. It's compelling conversation where Garcia talks about discrimination, and why racism and classism still exists. Garcia also talks about the incredible contributions and progress made by Mexican Americans and how his hope is that those stories show up in history books in K-12 education. From Feb. 17-18, UCSB will hold the 6th Bi-Annual Sal Castro Memorial Conference and a special symposium on the work and legacy of Garcia, who retired last year after more than 40 years in academia.Joshua Molina is a journalist and college instructor who interviews a wide variety of people on the issues of education, housing, politics, culture and business. Molina is a former reporter at the San Jose Mercury News and teaches at Cal State University, Northridge and Santa Barbara City College.Visit SantaBarbaraTalks.com to sign up for his newsletter and make a contribution to this individually owned podcast.
Geordie Armstrong and Josh Molina talk about how songs from the 1970s shaped their childhood! This is the latest in a podcast series featuring geographer Geordie Armstrong and journalist Joshua Molina. The duo talks about music, movies, television, parenting and teaching. Armstrong and Molina are both Santa Barbara City College teachers. Check out SantaBarbaraPodcasts.com and SantaBarbaraTalks.com for more podcasts with Geordie and Josh and other great content.
One of the most popular members of the Santa Barbara City Council, affordable housing activist Kristen Sneddon, sits down with Josh Molina in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks. Sneddon opens up about her support for a specific plan in La Cumbre Plaza, her opposition to it being developed piece meal. She also deep dives on Paseo Nuevo, outdoor dining on State Street and Coast Village Road, as well as her thoughts on new mayor Randy Rowse and his cooperative leadership style. Sneddon also shares her views on the importance of rotating chair positions on council committee. Toward the end, Sneddon talks about her trip with her SBCC class to Hawaii to study volcanos and geology. Check it out from the twice-elected Santa Barbara City Councilmember. If you enjoy this content, please hit subscribe on YouTube or wherever you are watching or listening to this stream. This podcast is owned by Joshua Molina, journalist and college instructor. Santa Barbara Talks is a community conversation about education, housing, culture and politics, hosted by journalist Josh Molina. Please consider a contribution by visiting santabarbaratalks.com or santabarbarapodcasts.com
Geordie Armstrong and Josh Molina talk about how songs from the 1970s shaped their childhood! This is the latest in a podcast series featuring geographer Geordie Armstrong and journalist Joshua Molina. The duo talks about music, movies, television, parenting and teaching. Armstrong and Molina are both Santa Barbara City College teachers. Check out SantaBarbaraPodcasts.com and SantaBarbaraTalks.com for more podcasts with Geordie and Josh and other great content.
The future of La Cumbre Plaza, the status of Paseo Nuevo and the housing crisis are just some of the topics discussed by journalist Josh Molina and Commercial Real Estate Broker Austin Herlihy, in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Joshua Molina. This podcast conversation kicks off with a discussion about La Cumbre Plaza and whether the site should become housing. Herlihy offers a narrative from the mind of a successful commercial real estate broker who is deeply knowledgeable of the how big-time real estate deals happen. Herlihy breaks down the possibilities for redevelopment of La Cumbre Plaza, offering a sharp commentary about the proposed 585 units by the Taylor family, and the city's proposed specific plan or the area. He also surmises that State Street's vacant storefront problem won't get better until Santa Barbara figures out a plan for Paseo Nuevo, the downtown mall that has lost Nordstrom and Macy's as anchor tenants the past few years.Herlihy also talks about the Camino Real Marketplace, and its success in contrast with La Cumbre Plaza, and why Old Town Goleta struggles.This podcast explores all the latest commercial real estate trends and offers the kind of expert inside you will only find at Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina.If you enjoy this content, please hit subscribe on YouTube or wherever you are watching or listening to this stream. This podcast is owned by Joshua Molina, journalist and college instructor. Santa Barbara Talks is a community conversation about education, housing, culture and politics, hosted by journalist Josh Molina. Please consider a contribution by visiting santabarbaratalks.com
Santa Barbara First District County Supervisor Das Williams talks about the La Cumbre Plaza meeting debacle, his decision to vote against a city-requested specific plan to fund a process for 2,000 housing units. Williams says city planners did not come to the meeting prepared and that he voted against funding $1.1 million in state money because he wasn't sure that the La Cumbre Plaza specific plan met the grant guidelines -- even though it was recommended by an SBCAG committee.Williams also explains his big picture views on housing and professes that he is for affordable housing, which is why he didn't want to slow down a competing project by the Taylor family for 685 units. Quite simply, he said the city's specific plan would slow down the more pressing Taylor project.Williams also talks about cannabis, odor in Carpinteria, serving with formal rival Laura Capps, the county's first-time ever competitive ambulance contract, and the county's switch to renewable energy. This is a lively debate and discussion. Josh Molina is a journalist and community college instructor. This podcast is independently owned by Molina. Please make a contribution at santabarbaratalks.com.
Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse sits down with Josh Molina to talk about his first year as mayor and all the drama that unfolded. Rowse weighs on the battle over State Street and outdoor dining and offers his view on returning cars and events to State Street. He also talks about First District Supervisor Das Williams' recent criticism of city and county planners, and the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments' Board denial of a $1.1 million request from the city to fund the La Cumbre Plaza Specific Plan to build up to 2,000 housing units. Rowse also shares his views on the termination of City Attorney Ariel Calonne, the new police oversight system and Santa Barbara City Council morale since he took over as mayor.And in a bonus toward the end, Rowse talks about the latest career whereabouts of his well-respected son Brian Rowse, who earlier this year left the Santa Barbara Unified School District. This is blockbuster podcast, thanks for watching. If you aren't a subscriber, please hit subscribe on You Tube to get new, original content from journalist and college instructor Josh Molina. Also visit Josh's website to subscribe to his newsletter or consider a contribution to his independently owned podcast.
In this podcast, Noozhawk's owner and founder Bill Macfadyen talks about Noozhawk's redesign and collaboration with Newspack.He also talks about the AM and PM reports, the success of BizHawk, and plans for more newsletters in 2022. Macfadyen also shares his views on some local issues, including the debacle over the La Cumbre Plaza Specific Plan, State Street and the city of Goleta. Macfadyen also shares his views on his own column, why it resonates and responds to questions about whether Noozhawk is too conservative. This is a great podcast with an entrepreneur.
Peter Rupert, executive director of the UCSB Economic Forecast Project, talks about why Ventura retail trends are up in Ventura County, but abysmal and their lowest in Santa Barbara since 1990. Rupert recently made a presentation at the State of Santa Barbara County event. In this podcast, Rupert talks Santa Barbara's struggles with retail. He also breaks down how planners made incorrect projections regarding cannabis tax revenues, the status of employee, the softening housing market and the upcoming recession. Rupert is one of the region's brightest economic minds.Hit Subscribe on YouTube and this streaming platform and also consider a financial contribution to this independently owned podcast by visiting www.santabarbaratalks.com.Josh Molina is a journalist who has worked for the San Jose Mercury News, Noozhawk, Ventura County Star and other publications. He also teaches journalism at Santa Barbara City College and Cal State University, Northridge. He is an award-winning investigative reporter who uncovered elder abuse at Beverly La Cumbre, which led to the largest civil settlement against a nursing home operator in history.
Former Santa Barbara City Councilman Frank Hotchkiss shares his views on Santa Barbara's State Street, the performance of new mayor Randy Rowse, and former City Attorney Ariel Calonne. Hotchkiss, a conservative, spent eight years on the Santa Barbara City Council, and led efforts bring cruise ships to Santa Barbara, amid bringing a measured, moderate temperament and approach to issues at City Hall. A Realtor, Hotchkiss moved to Savannah, Georgia after his two terms on the City Council, and worked as an Uber driver and writes a local newspaper column. In this podcast, he offers his unique perspective on a variety of issues, including State Street, rats, the performance of mayor Randy Rowse, former City Attorney Ariel Calonne, national politics and his new life in Savannah. Hotchkiss is a former actor, journalist and recently wrote a steamy novel, "Playing with Fire," about an older man who falls in love with a younger woman, and the scorching drama that unfolds. Please subscribe to Santa Barbara Talks on You Tube to get compelling content first. Sign up Molina's newsletter at SantaBarbaraTalks.com and consider making a donation. This podcast is owned by Josh Molina as private venture. Molina has worked as a journalist since 1999 and now teaches at Cal State University, Northridge and Santa Barbara City College, in addition to working at Noozhawk.comMolina is an award-winning investigative journalist whose uncovering of elder abuse at a Santa Barbara nursing home led to the largest civil settlement against a nursing home owner in history. Molina has worked at the Santa Barbara News-Press, San Jose Mercury News and the Santa Barbara Daily Sound.
Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina welcomes Devon Wardlow. She is a member of the Santa Barbara City Planning Commission. In this podcast, Wardlow talks about Santa Barbara's housing crisis, the future of State Street, and Santa Barbara's problems with its parking requirements. Wardlow shares details of her personal story, her travels to the middle east, and her time working for the Obama Administration, Lyft and other tech companies. She now works in the cannabis industry where she interacts with local municipalities on cannabis retail projects. Please consider a contribution to this independently owned podcast and visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to sign up for Josh's Newsletter. Watch podcasts on YouTube.
Former Santa Barbara City Councilman Dale Francisco breaks down the Santa Barbara Election with his smart views on all the contests. Francisco offers his expertise on the candidates and offers predictions on how he thinks some of the contests will turn out. Francisco dishes on Salud Carbajal, Gregg Hart, Mike Stoker, Chrisy Lozano, Brad Allen, Dan La Berge, Phebe Mansure, Gabe Escobedo and more. He also offers his views on Elon Musk's 44B purchase of Twitter and what that means for viewpoint diversity.Check it out! Please hit subscribe to this podcast and visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to make a donation.Joshua Molina is a journalist and college instructor who interviews a wide variety of people on the issues of education, housing, politics, culture and business. Molina is a former reporter at the San Jose Mercury News and teaches at Cal State University, Northridge and Santa Barbara City College.Visit SantaBarbaraTalks.com to sign up for his newsletter and make a contribution to this individually owned podcast.
Journalist Jade Martinez-Pogue is leaving Santa Barbara for New York. In two years, the 24-year-old has enjoyed great success as a reporter for Noozhawk.com and assignment editor for KEYT3. In this podcast, Martinez-Pogue talks about her biggest stories, her influences and, with great passion, explains her love for journalism. The UCSB graduate also talks about her fandom for Taylor Swift and the release of the rocker's new album, midnights. Finally, Martinez-Pogue share details about her parents, brothers and her short-lived stint as an economics and accounting major. Please consider a subscription to Santa Barbara Talks on YouTube. Visit SantaBarbaraTalks.com and consider a contribution to support these independently owned podcasts and also sign up for Josh's newsletter.
Architect Cass Ensberg breaks down the drama over the State Street promenade, in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. Ensberg is an architect with Ensberg Jacobs Design.She's a member of the Santa Barbara Historic Landmarks Commission, which makes decisions about projects in the city's El Pueblo Viejo District. Cass and Josh talk about the recent joint Historic Landmarks Commission and Santa Barbara Planning Commission meeting where Ensberg explained her vision for State Street. Check out Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina on YouTube for more content and visit www.santabarbaratalks.com.Josh Molina is a journalist and college instructor with more than 20 years' experience. He works as a reporter for Noozhawk.com and formerly worked at the San Jose Mercury News. Please subscribe to this podcast.
She was the daughter of a journalist. She watched her father report local news and become a small-town celebrity. She was enthralled with his stories, and his knowledge of everything from politics to people.And when she was 10 years old, Deborah Holt watched her father, Bob Holt, snoop out one of the biggest stories of his career: the kidnapping and murder of Santa Barbara resident Olga Duncan.Deborah Holt, now Larkin, has just released a book, A Lovely Girl, a spectacular true crime story about how Duncan was abducted from her apartment in the middle of the night and found dead a month later near Ventura.“I was just shocked that this could happen,” Larkin told Noozhawk. “I took it very personally. I identified with Olga and I worried that something like that could happen to me. I am interested in learning about killers, and what motivates them.”Larkin said the biggest lesson she wants people to take from her novel is that a killer is not necessarily a stranger or an intruder. Sometimes, it’s the person in your own home. In the case of A Lovely Girl, it was Duncan’s mother-in-law.The book is also a memoir, with chapters that alternate between true crime and the personal story of Larkin hearing her father clattering away on a typewriter late at night in his study. She soaked up the details of her father’s craft, and, in doing so, learned about the macabre demise of Olga Duncan.
Land-use consultant and principal of Vanguard Planning Jarrett Gorin breaks down the debacle over vacation rentals in Santa Barbara at the recent City Council meeting. Gorin and Molina also talk about new housing, the future of Paseo Nuevo, the Funk Zone and Santa Barbara's controversial State Street promenade. Gorin is an expert on all things planning in Santa Barbara. and has more than 20 years of experience helping developers in Santa Barbara. Check out @Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina for more content and visit www.santabarbaratalks.com. Josh Molina is a journalist and college instructor with more than 20 years experience. He works as a reporter for Noozhawk.com and formerly worked at the San Jose Mercury News. Please subscribe to this podcast.
Geography professor Geordie Armstrong and Journalism professor Josh Molina talk their teaching styles, and the importance of understanding all the different types of students who walk into the classroom. Armstrong shares stories of her best days, worst days and she extracted herself from a situation with a difficult student. She talks about the importance of working with students on assignments, and the difference between helping a student and coddling a student. Molina talks about where his passion for teaching journalism originates and he goes on a rant about problems with social media. The two also discuss COVID, and how it affected the classroom. Geordie & Josh are college professors at Santa Barbara City College. Both of them credit Santa Barbara City College fo helping to rescue them academically and propel them to become teachers at the college. This podcast series explores Geordie & Josh's shared experiences. The two talk about parenting, teaching, language, gender, sex, music, television and many more topics. Please subscribe on You Tube and consider a contribution at www.santabarbaratalks.com
In the latest edition of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina, Luz Reyes-Martin joins the podcast to talk about her plans for the Goleta City Council. She is running for District in the Nov. 8 election, looking to unseat incumbent Roger Aceves. Reyes-Martin is currently a member of the Goleta School Board. She's also the Communications Director for the Planned Parenthood, and serves on a variety of nonprofit boards. Reyes-Martin talks about the importance of diversity in elected office, and how she's walking through her District to see what the residents want to see from their elected officials. Reyes-Martin also shares the story of growing up in Los Angeles, and how teachers encouraged her to attend Stanford University, where she graduated with a planning degree. Please subscribe to @Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina You Tube channel. Consider a donation to this podcast at www.santabarbaratalks.com Subscribe to this podcast at @Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina Josh Molina has been a journalist in Santa Barbara for 20 years. He also covered City Hall for the San Jose Mercury News. In addition to working as a reporter at Noozhawk, he teaches journalism at Cal State University, Northridge and Santa Barbara City College. Please subscribe to his You Tube channel for more content.
Dan La Berge, is the executive director of Mothers' Helpers, a nonprofit that provides baby accessories to families in need. Now, he's running for the Santa Barbara Unified School District Board of Trustees. La Berge is a parent of three children and believes his experience as a father provides him with a lens to understand the important issues facing the Santa Barbara Unified School District. LaBerge in this podcast talks about why his decided to run for the seat. He also talks about Mothers Helpers, and shares the compelling story of he and his wife Robin Unander La Berge became parents of their third child. He also talks about his dislike of partisan politics. Please subscribe to @Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina You Tube channel. Consider a donation to this podcast at www.santabarbaratalks.com Subscribe to this podcast at @Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina Josh Molina has been a journalist in Santa Barbara for 20 years. He also covered City Hall for the San Jose Mercury News. In addition to working as a reporter at Noozhawk, he teaches journalism at Cal State University, Northridge and Santa Barbara City College. Please subscribe to his You Tube channel for more content.
The Geordie & Josh podcast is back with an entertaining discussion about their favorite TV shows. The two college professors talk how shows influenced them in their childhood. They banter about Seinfeld, MAS*H, Good Times, Three's Company and much more. Geordie offers her intellectual insight into why the shows were relevant at the time, and the reasons they mattered to her. Molina shares the shows that were impactful to him. The professors talk about the characters played by Lisa Bonet, Bea Arthur, Jerry Seinfeld, Jerry Stiller, Jason Alexander, Ernest Thomas, Suzanne Somers, and many more. This hour-long podcast offers a smart look at how these shows shaped their complicated lives. Armstrong is a full-time teacher at Santa Barbara City College. Check out her article on feminism here: http://www.ayww.org/new-blog/2016/2/27/is-feminist-the-new-f-word-and-what-does-that-have-to-do-with-2020-ayww Armstrong, a professor of geography, teaches a variety of classes, including Human Geography, World Regional Geography, California Geography, Physical Geography, and Economic Geography. Please visit You Tube and subscribe to Santa Barbara Talks. Visit SantaBarbaraTalks.com and consider a financial contribution. Joshua Molina is a journalism instructor at Cal State University, Northridge and Santa Barbara City College. He brings his years of experience, intuition and listening skills to this podcast to help create amazing conversations with interesting and intriguing individuals. Thanks for listening and watching. Share with a friend and ask them to subscribe.
Ethan Bertrand is the newest member of the Goleta School Board! In this great podcast, Bertrand shares his incredible story, growing up in New Jersey, finding Santa Barbara City College, which turned his life around, transferring to UCSB, and getting involved in activism and politics. Bertrand leads of the podcast talking about his plans for serving the K-6 district, which has about 3,000 students. Bertrand offers about his goals for the district and his intention to focus on inclusion and students of color. Bertrand, the founding president of the Isla Vista Community Services District, also shares details about his work in Isla and success at making students feel safer and helping them to find better living conditions. Bertrand grew up in New Jersey and talks about his experiences in the public school system, how counselors and teachers shaped him, and his close relationship with his parents and brothers. Bertrand, district representative for Second District Santa Barbara County Supervisor Gregg Hart, discusses county politics, what it's like to work for Hart, and how the office responded during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Betrand, an accomplished musician, also talks about his love for singing and songwriting. Bertrand is a bright and rising star! Please subscribe on You Tube. Please subscribe to @Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina You Tube channel. Consider a donation to this podcast at www.santabarbaratalks.com Subscribe to this podcast at @Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina Josh Molina has been a journalist in Santa Barbara for 20 years. He also covered City Hall for the San Jose Mercury News. In addition to working as a reporter at Noozhawk, he teaches journalism at Cal State University, Northridge and Santa Barbara City College. Please subscribe to his You Tube channel for more content.
Linda Krop, chief counsel for the Environmental Defense Center, joins Santa Barbara Talk with Josh Molina this week for a conversation about Carmen Ramirez, Exxon's lawsuit against Santa Barbara County and the controversy around wind energy in San Luis Obispo County. Ramirez died on Friday after she was reportedly hit by a truck in Oxnard. She was a champion of environmental justice and was known regionally for her work in the Latinx community. She also served on the Oxnard City Council. Krop shares a story about how Ramirez fought to preserve Ormand Beach in Oxnard. The conversation then shifts to Exxon's lawsuit against Santa Barbara County over the denial of its effort to ship oil on trucks in Santa Barbara County. Three other companies are also looking to truck oil in Santa Barbara County. The conversation ends with talks about wind energy in turbines in Morro Bay and the recent action by the California Coastal Commission to move forward with surveys to determine the impact of the turbines on sea life. Krop has worked at EDC as a staff attorney since 1989 and as Chief Counsel since 1999. Consider a donation to this podcast at www.santabarbaratalks.com Subscribe to this podcast at @Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina Josh Molina has been a journalist in Santa Barbara for 20 years. He also covered City Hall for the San Jose Mercury News. In addition to working as a reporter at Noozhawk, he teaches journalism at Cal State University, Northridge and Santa Barbara City College. Please subscribe to his You Tube channel for more content.
Attorney John Thyne jumps into the political debate and discussion in the latest episode of @Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina Thyne is an attorney, residential and commercial real estate broker, and Santa Barbara College of law professor. He's deeply engrained in Santa Barbara politics and is a frequent player on many levels. In this podcast, Thyne talk about his real estate trends, the state of Santa Barbara, including the Pacaso fractional ownership controversy. and the downtown promenade. He also talks about he represented and supported former political candidate Christy Lozano, and his views on why she would have a better superintendent that Susan Salcido. Thyne then talks about his upbringing in Boston and his first dream career, to become a priest. He ends with the romantic story of how he met his wife. This is fantastic podcast with multiple layers of interests. Check it out, and please subscribe to @Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina You Tube channel. Consider a donation to this podcast at www.santabarbaratalks.com Subscribe to this podcast at @Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina Josh Molina has been a journalist in Santa Barbara for 20 years. He also covered City Hall for the San Jose Mercury News. In addition to working as a reporter at Noozhawk, he teaches journalism at Cal State University, Northridge and Santa Barbara City College. Please subscribe to his You Tube channel for more content.
Educator Shawn Carey talks with journalist Josh Molina about her jump from the Santa Barbara Unified School District to the Santa Barbara County office of Education. Carey, beloved by her peers and colleagues, left the Santa Barbara Unified School District amid a wave of voluntary departures, 26, as of July 31, in the past year. In this podcast, Carey talks about why she left, her career milestones, her family, the story behind how she came to Santa Barbara, and her new role as director of school and district support. Carey began her career in Santa Barbara Unified as a paraeducator, became a history teacher, and then principal at Dos Pueblos High School. She left the District in June as the assistant superintendent of secondary education. Please write a review and subscribe to this podcast on this streaming platform. visit www.santabarbaratalks.com.
Architect Anthony Grumbine believes the State Street promenade needs an interim plan because we're currently allowing a "B-level," or even "C-level," which is below Santa Barbara's standards.
"Shouldn't we at least have a basic, good, interim design in the meantime that is actually doable as an interim solution," Grumbine said on the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks.
"The reality is that some of those interim solutions are going to be around for 10 years probably. So why the heck are we allowing this to be a B-level city, or even a C-level city in terms of what it looks like, compared to what it could be."
Grumbine said if it is going to take at least five more years before anything is actually built out on State Street, something needs to happen sooner.
"We're so many years from having anything actually done," Grumbine said. "It's going to take years and years to get a plan. It's going to take years and years and years to fund and build that plan. And it's going to be done in portions."
Grumbine also chairs of the Santa Barbara Historic Landmarks Commission. In this podcast, he talks about State Street, the future of De la Guerra Plaza, and the city's housing challenges.
In his role as an architect and as HLC chair, Grumbine explains what he looks for in a project, and how the architecture should serve the function of the building. He talks about the principles of strength, function and beauty in architecture.
"Is it not just of this immediate fad or style, but actually a quality thing that is going to be beautiful for years to come, and actually be looked at like we look at these buildings that are 50, 100 years old, and they are still beautiful," Grumbine said. "There was this ingenuity to them, but they had this classic feel like they are never going to go out of style."
Grumbine also teaches architecture for Holy Apostles College & Seminary, and is an architect and principal at Harrison Design. Grumbine’s architecture projects range from new and remodeled churches, to Catholic campus buildings, to historic restoration and private residences, according to his website.
Consider a donation to this podcast by clicking here. Subscribe to this podcast by clicking here. Josh Molina has been a journalist in Santa Barbara for 20 years. He also covered City Hall for the San Jose Mercury News. In addition to working as a reporter at Noozhawk, he teaches journalism at Cal State University, Northridge and Santa Barbara City College. Please subscribe to his You Tube channel for more content.
Santa Cruz-born Neil Erickson is everywhere in Santa Barbara.
The singer-songwriter regularly plays sets at concert venues all over town, including SOhO, Topa Topa, Sandbar, Foxtail Kitchen, The Blue Owll and James Joyce.
He recently opened for American Idol superstar Jackson Gilles at concert at SOhO.
In this podcast, Erickson talks about how he decided to focus on his musical dreams after the COVID-19 pandemic hit. He was on track to major in journalism at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, but couldn't see himself spending his final two years of college in a Zoom setting.
"After doing two years at City College, I didn't want to do two years of a four-year online," Erickson said. "I just didn't like the online and that experience that I had. It wasn't for me. It didn't work out for me."
So he opted to pursue his music. His dad bought him a computer with software so that he could create, edit and produce his music. Around that time he contracted COVID-19.
"I was trapped inside for 10 days," Erickson said. "Instead of playing video games, or zoning out and watching Netflix, everyday I just like wokeup and recorded and made something."
With a classically trained voice in choir, passion for musical theature, Erickson focuses much of his music on love songs. Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz and John Mayer are among his musical inspirations. In this podcast he walks us through the creation of one of his biggest songs, "Better With You."
He has spent many days and nights walking Santa Barbara's Funk Zone, meeting managers to get booked. His sticktuitiveness has landed him many gigs, and he is not one of Santa Barbara's most sought-after local performers.
"I feel that Santa Barbara is a bubble of musicians that is about to burst," Erickson said. "I have met an incredible amount of talented musicians. It's actually unreal, how many great musicians and how many people are passionate about it Santa Barbara.
The former sports editor of the Santa Barbara City College said he might return to college one day, but right now he's focused on his musical career.
"I want to live in Santa Barbara and make music here, and make the best possible music that I can," Erickson said. "The biggest thing for me is can I make music, do what I love and support myself. That question has been answered for me, yes I can do it. But the biggest thing, one, the goal is to make the best music I possibly can. That's the biggest thing. And two, I want to tour. There's so much of the U.S. that I haven't seen."
Josh Molina has been a journalist in Santa Barbara for 20 years. He also covered City Hall for the San Jose Mercury News. In addition to working as a reporter at Noozhawk, he teaches journalism at Cal State University, Northridge and Santa Barbara City College. Please subscribe to his You Tube channel for more content.
Consider a contribution at santabarbaratalks.com. Please subscribe to this podcast at @Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina
For every journalist in America, there are six public relations professionals. That’s according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Think about that for a second. Why do I bring this up? Well, it’s because fewer journalists means less coverage of the important news. And why does that matter? When we don’t have journalists reporting stories, we have public relations professionals creating “narratives” for the government agencies, corporations and politicians. And why is that bad? When you are getting paid to create a narrative, you aren’t always telling the entire truth. And there’s a difference between journalism and content. So there was a viral tweet this week by reporter Bethany Bruner, where she says “I was the ONLY reporter in the courtroom this morning as the man accused of raping a 10-year-old girl, impregnating her, leading to an abortion in Indiana, was arraigned.” She’s a reporter for the Columbus Dispatch, a Gannet-owned newspaper. Why is she the only reporter in a courtroom reporting on news of this magnitude? It’s because newspapers have been downsizing for two decades now and the number of reporters at local newspapers has plummeted. You see, journalism doesn’t pay well. In case you haven’t heard. Certainly, the reporters at the New York Times, Washington Post, LA Times and other large newspapers are doing OK, although they are probably still underpaid for the amount of quality work they do. Most reporters in America are paid pennies on the dollar for what they are worth. Check out the latest podcast with Josh Molina, where he goes solo this time talking about the importance of journalism, and why new need more newsroom diversity. Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com and consider a donation and subscribe @Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina is owned by Jagan Media. Josh Molina has been a journalist in Santa Barbara for 20 years. He also covered City Hall for the San Jose Mercury News. In addition to working as a reporter at Noozhawk, he teaches journalism at Cal State University, Northridge and Santa Barbara City College. Please subscribe to his You Tube channel for more original content, including interviews, conversations, and talk about the state of the media locally and the nation.
Geordie Armstrong and Josh Molina return with the latest episode in their ongoing series "Let's Talk About . . ." This week the geographer and the journalist, who are also teachers at Santa Barbara City College, talk about our culture's obsession with language and why we care about some words, and not others. The two also talk about the importance of listening and hearing people, and allowing them to feel safe from judgment as they explore words and terms — and their meanings. Armstrong offers a history of how some words came to existence, and why their meaning is so offensive to some marginalized groups. She also talks about how our culture uses female genitalia as negative terms and how that language objectives women. "What does it say about us that we have narrowed female genitalia down to just the part that is there for the purpose of reproduction?" Josh talks about how men use female genitalia to diminish the masculinity of men when they call each other the "p-word." Geordie and Josh also talk about their approaches in the classroom and how they help students feel safe to express themselves without judgment. The is mature, in-depth conversation about the importance of words and why they and sometimes, why they don't. Geordie Armstrong is a geographer and professor of geography at Santa Barbara City College. Josh Molina is a professor journalist and professor of journalism at Santa Barbara City College and Cal State University, Northridge. Please consider a contribution to this podcast, owned by Jagan Media LLC. Check out other "Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina" podcasts and "Let's Talk About . . . " podcasts on the YouTube channel @Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina Consider a contribution at www.santabarbaratalks.com
Patricia Stark is on one Santa Barbara's jewels of journalism. For 30 years she served as the faculty advisor for The Channels, Santa Barbara City College's award-winning newspaper. She brought her tough, fiery brand of journalism to multiple generations of students — and became one of the most respected and beloved teachers in the college's history. In this podcast, Stark talks about the importance of student media, explains her teaching method and the ways she learned from her students. Molina was one of Stark's students and he shares some of his memories, including Stark's "I guess I am gonna have to give a lecture on how to read a phonebook," moment that forced him to work harder. Stark got her start working for the Contra Costa Times and recalls her time working as a reporter. She grew up poor in White Castle, Louisiana, the youngest of six children. Her mother went to the third grade, and her father went to the 7th. In addition to teaching for 30 years, Stark is married to her husband Bill, and they have two children. Stark and Molina also recall some of the many names of students who have gone through the program, including the "heyday" of the mid-1990s, including Daniel Jimenez, Joshua Fischer, Maja Johnson, Elise Johnson, Kristiana Bertelsen and more. This podcast is a great window into one of the greatest journalism minds of our era and someone who has had a profound and long-lasting impact on thousands of students. If you like this podcast, please share it with your friends and hit the subscribe button. Also, visit www.santbarbaratalks.com and consider making a contribution to Jagan Media. This podcast is owned by Jagan Media and serves to deliver an audio and video archive of the community. This podcast is always looking for sponsors. email josh@santabarbaratalks.com if interested and visit @Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina
Geordie Armstrong and Josh Molina meet again for their ongoing series "Let's Talk About . . . Parenting!" Armstrong parents a 15-year-old and Molina has two kids, 16, and 8. The two talk about parenting, from their own perspectives, and recall their own childhood memories and how that affected their approach. In this special episode, the duo discuss childbirth, relatives, schooling, routines, structure, sleeping, and dealing with the parents of their children's peers. Geordie and Josh also talk about their own stories growing up, and what they learned and didn't learn, and how they apply that information and knowledge as adults with their own children. Armstrong also discusses the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to reverse Roe vs. Wade. Geordie Armstrong is a geography professor at Santa Barbara City College. Josh Molina is a journalist and journalism instructor at Santa Barbara City College and Cal State University, Northridge. This podcast is intended to spotlight the views of these two 40-something individuals with similar experiences and interests on a variety of topics. Check out our previous episodes on imposter syndrome, women in science, empowerment and much more. If you like what we do, we are interested in sponsor so we can move the podcast in studio. Future episode topics include discussions on language, virtue signaling, teaching. Email josh@santabarbaratalks if interested in supporting the podcast. Check out Molina's website santabarbaratalks.com. And subscribe to this channel at @Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina Find his stories in a variety of places including currently Noozhawk.com and formerly mercurynews.com Armstrong is a full-time teacher at Santa Barbara City College. Check out her article on feminism here: http://www.ayww.org/new-blog/2016/2/2... Thanks for listening and watching.
Does Jay Higgins have the answers to Santa Barbara's most pressing housing issues? The longtime planner offers his views on housing, a hotel moratorium, commercial vacancy tax and much more in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. Higgins has spent nearly eight years on the Santa Barbara Planning Commission, one of the most influential boards in the city. He's a UCSB graduate and has an expert mind when it comes to land use and planning. In this conversation, Higgins says he opposes a hotel tax to fund housing and a hotel moratorium, but expresses mild support for a commercial vacancy tax for extreme situations. This is a smart conversation with an individual at the center of the debate about Santa Barbara's future. Please subscribe to this podcast on YouTube and visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to make a contribution to help reach a larger podcast audience. Award-winning journalist Joshua Molina is a journalism instructor at Cal State University, Northridge and Santa Barbara City College. He has more than 20 years of professional experience.
Goleta City Councilman James Kyriaco joins Josh Molina to talk about his plans for re-election, and shares his views on housing, childcare, the new District Election boundaries, and his plans for office if re-elected this November. Please take a moment to subscribe to this podcast for more exclusive content. Visit Josh's website, SantaBarbaraTalks.com Josh Molina has been a journalist in Santa Barbara for 20 years. He also covered City Hall for the San Jose Mercury News. In addition to working as a reporter at Noozhawk, he teaches journalism at Cal State University, Northridge and Santa Barbara City College. Please subscribe to his You Tube channel for more content.
Spencer Brandt is one of Santa Barbara County's rising political stars. He is the president of the Isla Vista Community Services District and the organizing director for the Santa Barbara County Democratic Party. Brandt came to UCSB from Visalia -- and never left. He became involved in Isla Vista and wanted to help make the community better. In this podcast, Brandt talks about his activism, and the role that the Community Services District plays in making Isla Vista safer for students and families. Brandt shares his views on housing and ways to solve the housing crisis. Brandt also talks about his role as organizing director for the Democratic Party, and the importance of putting in the work to impact change. Visit https://spencerbrandt.org/ Please watch this podcast on YouTube and subscribe. Visit Josh's website, SantaBarbaraTalks.com Josh Molina has been a journalist in Santa Barbara for 20 years. He also covered City Hall for the San Jose Mercury News. In addition to working as a reporter at Noozhawk, he teaches journalism at Cal State University, Northridge and Santa Barbara City College. Please subscribe to his You Tube channel for more content.
Goleta City Councilman Kyle Richards talks with Josh Molina about everything going on in the city of Goleta, in the 115th episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. In recognition of Pride Month, Richards, the only openly gay elected official in Santa Barbara County, opens the interview talking about "Coming Out" in college and how his parents reacted. Richards shares details of how being open about his sexuality affected his decision to run for Goleta City Council. Richards shares why he decided to enter politics. Elected in 2016, Richards has emerged as one of the leading voices on the council. In this podcast, he talks about housing, retail, homelessness, the future of Old Town Goleta. We also hear from our sponsor, the Waula Festival, which is Saturday, June 11 in Santa Barbara. To learn more about this amazing event to benefit the Sarah House, visit: https://www.waulafest.com/ Please watch this podcast on YouTube and subscribe. Visit SantaBarbaraTalks.com for more podcasts and information.
Melissa Quigley and Kristen Hughes were among the original founders of Techwise SB, a group that seeks to educate elected officials and school administrators about the technology and its affect on children in the early grades. They asked the Santa Barbara Unified School District to remove iPads from K-3 students because the dangers associated with excessive iPad use. Hughes is a pediatrician at the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and said she has seen an increase in childhood obesity and other serious health concerns as a result of technology use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Quigley is a psychologist at Monroe Elementary school and said she is seeing students talk about suicide ideation, depression and other mental health issues. The two forced the Santa Barbara Unified School District into a discussion about technology and the school district is listening. In this hour-long podcast, Hughes and Quigley talk about their professional experiences and share their professional advice on how to help kids use technology in a safe way — and not let it control their lives. Please consider a financial contribution to Santa Barbara Talks. This podcast is a venture by Joshua Molina, owner of Jagan Media LLC. Any contribution goes directly to the content creator. Visit his Website at SantaBarbaraTalks.com Also visit his YouTube channel and subscribe, for more compelling podcasts. Molina is a college instructor, journalist and podcaster, who brings 20 years of professional experience to Santa Barbara Talks to create emotional, engaging and amazing conversations.
With a shared passion for 1990s music, Josh Molina and Geordie Armstrong kick off an occasional series of podcasts on their mutual interests. The first episode centers on their appreciation of the music of the great Alanis Morissette. Armstrong talks about taking her daughter to see Alanis at the Hollywood Bowl and describes the demographic makeup of the crowd. The two then explain what Alanis's music meant to them in their formative years and how other stars, including Prince, George Michael, Whitney Houston, Nirvana, Guns & Roses, Bjork, Erykah Badu and others impacted their lives. The two connects the music to their own life experiences and share how music makes a difference in their lives. This is one in an occasional series where college instructors Josh Molina and Geordie Armstrong plan to talk about teaching, parenting and much more. This podcast is owned by Jagan Media LLC.
In 2007, Dale Francisco stunned political observers when he won election to the Santa Barbara City Council. Francisco didn't win by talking about national issues or appealing to people's fears or sense of morality. The conservative won by focusing on a core issue important among many Santa Barbara residents: traffic calming devices. He spoke out about a flurry of street sweeping signs that the city of Santa Barbara's public works department wanted to install on the upper Eastside. He also pushed back against mini-roundabouts and sidewalks extensions and street narrowing, suggesting that weren't safe and the the newly hired urban planners were out of touch with the needs of local residents. He won a spot on the council and opened the door to two other conservatives to win seats. While the Santa Barbara City Council is now dominated by 7 Democrats, in 2010, three Republicans served on the City Council. Francisco served eight years on the council and remains an influential person is conservative politics. In this great podcast, Francisco talks about the Superintendent of Santa Barbara County schools contests featuring Susan Salcido and Christy Lozano, Gregg Hart vs. Mike Stoker for Assembly and other contests. We also talk about the role of religion and Christianity in politics and elections, and the psychology of candidates. Josh asks Francisco about the Republican Party's lack of presence in local politics and Francisco offers insight on why it's so hard for Republicans to win in Santa Barbara County. Francisco also comments on the recent preliminary opinion from the U.S. Supreme Court about Roe vs. Wade. And is the original Bachelor Andrew Firestone the future of the Republic Party in Santa Barbara County. It's all here in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina, Santa Barbara's No. 1 podcast.
TVSB executive director Erik Davis joins Josh Molina to talk TVSB's programming, guests, politics and future of the station. Davis arrived at TVSB in 2017 and has been instrumental in growing the organization to include a more diverse palette of guests. The station pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic and turned from being just in-studio to a full-service TV studio that shot programming outside and at remote locations. Today, the station supports dozens of nonprofit organizations through its programming and services. Davis is a former journalist and talks about his career in the business. He also shares his love for history and preservation and talks about his time as El President of the Fiesta, an annual summer tradition in Santa Barbara. Check out this fun and important podcast and learn about ways to contribute to TVSB and Santa Barbara Talks.
Marty Blum is one of Santa Barbara's most decorated elected officials. She served as mayor between 2001 and 2009 and two terms as City Council member. She is also a former president of the Santa Barbara Teachers Association. In this podcast, Blum offers her view on the current state of the city, Cathy Murillo's time as mayor, affordable housing and State Street. She also shares her story of recovering from a double mastectomy — and returning to City Hall after just one week. Blum talks about Iya Falcone, Dr. Dan Secord, Babatunde Folayemi and current names such Meagan Harmon, Kristen Sneddon and John Davies. Blum is one of Santa Barbara's most treasured elected officials, with a wealth of knowledge and wisdom.
santa barbara
politics
breast cancer
Please subscribe to Santa Barbara Talks on You Tube and visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to make a contribution.
Caroline Harrah launched SB PLAN two years ago to start the conversation about returning students to school during the COVID-19 pandemic. She's still going strong, as a force for change in the Santa Barbara Unified School District. Harrah's Facebook group has more than 1,000 members. It's where community members go to discuss issues related to equity, literacy and leadership at the Santa Barbara Unified School District. Harrah's group is one of Santa Barbara's most influential civic and community education organization. In this podcast, Harrah talks about the controversial issue of combining honors with college prep, iPads for students K-3, equity and turnover in the District Administration. She also offers a strong defense of teachers and advocates for them to receive better resources and support in the classroom. "Without SB Plan, you wouldn't know what your constituents are thinking," Harrah says. Please subscribe to this podcast on You Tube. Visit SantaBarbaraTalks.com to make a contribution.
diversity #equity # schools
Gabe Escobedo, the chair of the Santa Barbara's Community Formation Commission and member of the Santa Barbara Planning Commission sits down with Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina to discuss plans for a new civilian police oversight board in Santa Barbara. Escobedo explains how the commission worked for more than a year to create recommendations for the Santa Barbara City Council. Escobedo also talks about his personal story, growing up with an incarcerated father, and how he overcame the odds to graduate from college and pursue his dreams. Escobedo then talks about his short-lived California State Assembly run, and explains his decision to step away from the running for the seat. Finally, Escobedo talks about housing and ways to increase affordable housing in Santa Barbara. This is a great conversation between two knowledgeable experts in the community. Please consider a donation to Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina by visiting www.santabarbaratalks.com Santa Barbara Talks focuses on housing, education, culture and lifestyles in Santa Barbara. The podcast is independently owned by journalist and college instructor Josh Molina. Please visit my You Tube channel to subscribe and watch these podcasts.
Santa Barbara City College professor Geordie Armstrong talks about the importance of empowering women in education, in this special edition of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. Armstrong, a professor of geography, teaches a variety of classes, including Human Geography, World Regional Geography, California Geography, Physical Geography, and Economic Geography. She explains how understanding geography can help shine a light on the complex challenges we face as human beings. Armstrong also dives into the topic of diversity, and what that means, and how diversity makes everyone stronger. Armstrong also shares her personal story of overcoming an abusive childhood and discusses how a couple of key people in her life encouraged her and helped point her in the right direction. Armstrong talked about overcoming imposter syndrome, finding a way to believe in her full potential and understanding that she deserved a seat at the table. Listen to Armstrong and Josh Molina talk about her amazing journey and how her hard work, courage and intelligence led her to a full-time job at SBCC. Now, she spends her days educating students, living her dream job. Please visit You Tube and subscribe to Santa Barbara Talks. Visit SantaBarbaraTalks.com and consider a financial contribution. Joshua Molina is a journalism instructor at Cal State University, Northridge and Santa Barbara City College. He brings his years of experience, intuition and listening skills to this podcast to help create amazing conversations with interesting and intriguing individuals.
UCSB economist Peter Rupert breaks down the theory and data behind rent control, the latest housing protection program to hit Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara City Council will vote on the topic on Tuesday, April 12, 2022. Rupert says that rent control has never worked successfully in any community in the world. He says economist Milton Friedman and Swedish economist Gunnar Myrdal agree that rent control doesn't work. Rupert shares data and studies about the economics behind rent control. A better solution, he said, is for the government to just give the money directly to those in need for rent, rather than capping the amount of rent property owners can charge. Rupert, the director of the Economic Forecast Project also talks about the state of the economy coming out of COVID-19 and what's ahead finally for Santa Barbara. If you like this podcast, please visit www.santabarbaratalks.com and consider a financial contribution. Also, please subscribe to this podcast to get original content before anyone else. Joshua Molina is a college instructor and journalist and talks with the most interesting and intriguing individuals and the issues of the day. Santa Barbara Talks is Santa Barbara No. 1 podcast. Please subscribe now.
The Santa Barbara City Council will tackled the controversial issue of rent control at its Tuesday, April 19 meeting. Frank Rodriguez, policy advocate for CAUSE, Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy, explains how Latinos have been driven out of Santa Barbara in record numbers, and how rent control and rent stabilization will help keep Santa Barbara a diverse community. Rodriguez also talks about his experience growing up in Santa Barbara and the story behind his fight for social justice. If you like this podcast, please consider a donation by visiting SantaBarbaraTalks.com Please subscribe to this Channel. Joshua Molina is a college instructor and journalist and talks with the most interesting and intriguing individuals and the issues of the day. Santa Barbara Talks is Santa Barbara No. 1 podcast. Please subscribe now.
Retired Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Frank Ochoa calls for ranked-choice elections in Santa Barbara. Ochoa, one of the activists behind Santa Barbara's move to District Elections, says that the mayor should be someone who is elected with at least 50.1 percent of the vote. Santa Barbara currently has a system where the top vote-getter wins, regardless of vote percentage. Ochoa and others are pushing for a primary in June and then a runoff between the top two in November. Ochoa has also worked to bring Goleta resident Juana Flores back home permanently. In 1999, Flores traveled to Mexico to visit her sick mother and attend her funeral. When she returned to the United States, she was stopped by Customs and Border Protection. Although she received several extensions to be allowed to stay in the U.S., on humanitarian grounds, those ended on Feb. 26, 2019. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office ordered Flores back to Mexico, and she voluntarily left the country. Ochoa was able to bring her back in 2021, but only for a year. Ochoa is going to ask Joe Biden for a pardon so she can stay permanently. He is also working with elected officials to create legislation to help her stay home. Ochoa also talks about the importance of diversity. He shares a story about his father, who was a teacher, and how he encountered discrimination in seeking employment. The retired judge also talks about his work in Santa Barbara County, efforts to divert people from prison, and his approach to the justice system. Visit SantaBarbaraTalks.com to consider a contribution.
Noozhawk Executive Editor Tom Bolton talks about his amazing career in journalism. Bolton knew when he was in high school that he wanted to be a journalist. At UCSB, he became the editor of the Daily Nexus and then worked at places such as the Santa Maria Times, Santa Barbara News-Press, and eventually as co-owner of Noozhawk. "Most of the people I know who go into this business are good writers, but the best writers anguish over it," Bolton said. "They work really hard with word choices, transitions. If you stop doing that then you writing starts to flatten out." In addition to his editing duties, Bolton writes breaking news reports for Noozhawk. He's typically the first in town to break stories about crime, fire, accidents and other breaking news events. This podcast is an incredible opportunity to hear about the behind-the-scenes workings of Noozhawk, how journalism is created and where the industry is headed, from a professional with more than 40 years of experience. Please subscribe to this podcast, which is owned by journalist and college instructor Josh Molina. Visit his website SantaBarbaraTalks.com for more content and podcasts.
Conservative John Davies talks Republican candidates in the 2022 Santa Barbara County election in this must-listen podcast. Davies dishes on the Republican and Democratic parties, why politics have become so divisive, and accuses the Democrats of attacking Republican candidates on a personal level. He talks about Barrett Reed's candidacy for Santa Barbara City Council, former mayor Helene Schneider, First District Santa Barbara County Supervisor Das Williams, Assembly candidates Gregg Hart and Mike Stoker, Santa Barbara County Office of Education candidate Christy Lozano, Democratic activist Daraka Larimore-Hall, and much more. Davies is the owner of Davies Public Affairs and Blaze PR. He's nationally known for his public relations work for energy companies and has a long history of running campaigns in Santa Barbara County. Please visit www.santabarbaratalks.com for more podcasts and to consider a contribution to support Santa Barbara Talks. Josh Molina is a journalist and college instructor.
Santa Barbara Unified School District Board Member Wendy Sims-Moten talks with podcast host Josh Molina about racial prejudice, violence and discrimination in Santa Barbara schools. Sims-Moten spoke out strongly at a recent board meeting, calling on District officials do better in addressing problems at schools. Sims-Moten talks about "anti-Blackness," the decision to end implicit bias and cultural proficiency training in schools, and what's ahead for the school district. The conversation comes after several reports of racial violence and harassment in Santa Barbara schools. A 30-year resident of Santa Barbara County has a deep-rooted interest in the progress, development, and well-being of this community and its residents. Wendy has worked for the County of Santa Barbara for 24years. She started her career in the County General Services Department in 1996 as an account clerk, then in 1999, as the Senior Departmental Assistant for First 5 Santa Barbara County, where she worked her way up through the department to her current position of Executive Director. Wendy also served on the original Santa Barbara County Employee University Governing Council and also served as a mediator in the County’s Mediation program. Please subscribe to this podcast by clicking the subscribe button above.
Peter Lewis plans to build 80 units in downtown Santa Barbara, on the 400 block of State Street, a project that could set the trend for future development projects downtown. Lewis offers his visionary approach to housing, saying that change is inevitable, and that Santa Barbara is experiencing a revolution. Lewis, who also owns the Cost Plus World market on the 600 block of State Street, shares his views on the state of retail, homelessness, the future of the State Street promenade, and Santa Barbara's Paseo Nuevo. Lewis also talks about his family and upbringing in Indiana, before coming to Santa Barbara. SUBSCRIBE to Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina Visit santabarbaratalks.com and make a contribution.
SBT 99: Joyce Dudley Talks Retirement, Sex Trafficking, Criminal Justice Reform, Diversity, Future Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce Dudley plans to retire after serving 12 years as the county's top prosecutor. In this pull-no-punches podcast conversation, Dudley explains why she is walking away and what's next for her. Dudley answers some hard-hitting questions about criminal justice reform, reimagining law enforcement, communities of color, and the defunding of police. Dudley then talks about her upbringing and how she overcame discrimination and sexism to become an attorney. Dudley talks about her "poppy," who was placed on a boat as a 13-year-old by his mother and sent to the U.S. to protect him from violence in Ukraine. Toward the end, Dudley talks about John Savrnoch, whom she hopes will take her places as District Attorney. Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to make a contribution to this podcast, owned by Josh Molina. Subscribe to this YouTube channel.
On Feb. 23, 2001, David Attias drove his Saab into a crowd of pedestrians on Sabado Tarde Road in Isla Vista. Josh Molina was a young reporter who got the call from the night editor that there were a major crash in Isla Vista. Molina rushed out to the scene and was later joined by Scott Hadly. The two reporters spent the next day reporting on the crash and trying to piece together the story of how Attias and why Attias used his car as a weapon and killed four people, Nicholas Bourdakis, Chris Divis, Ellie Israel and Ruth Levy. A fifth victim, Bert Levy, was also hit and died several years later. Attias was eventually found not guilty by reason of insanity. He was sentenced to Patton State Hospital and then released into a conditional-release program n 2012. Now Attias is seeking a release from his program. In this podcast, Hadly and Molina recall the night of the crash, their reporting efforts, how they navigated the difficult situation and how they pieced together their report to tell a compelling narrative of the event. Hadly also recalls how he obtained and viewed footage from an Isla Vista public access film crew, which helped fuel the reporting. In the video, Attias can be seen swinging wildly before being taken down by a sheriff's deputy. Hadly also talks about his journalism career, the story of how he almost became a police officer for the Santa Barbara Police Department, and then eventually landed at the 23andme in the Silicon Valley. Molina and Hadly worked together for seven years and developed a mutual respect for one another. They have won multiple investigative journalism awards. Please like this channel and watch these podcasts on You Tube under Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina
Santa Barbara City Councilman Mike Jordan shares his views on housing density, State Street and a new mood at City Hall. Jordan, a longtime Santa Barbara City Planning Commissioner, was elected to the City Council in 2019, winning a seat in Santa Barbara's Mesa District. Jordan is blunt, honest and direct in his views on the biggest issues facing Santa Barbara. Jordan is an advocate for affordable housing and working with the state to bring back the redevelopment agency to create a new funding method for affordable housing. Jordan hopes to see changes on State Street soon, and expects parades such as Summer Solstice and the holiday parade to be back this year. Jordan also talks about the new culture at City Hall with new mayor Randy Rowse. Please consider watching this podcast on YouTube at Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. Also consider a donation to support this podcast by visiting www.santabarbaratalks.com.
Santa Barbara's Gregg Hart is headed for Sacramento, making a much-anticipated voyage into state politics. Hart is running for California State Assembly. One of Santa Barbara's most consummate elected officials, he has served over the course of four decades, from starting in the Santa Barbara City Council, then getting elected to the county board of supervisors. In this podcast, Hart talks housing, COVID-19, his approach to statewide politics, his plans for the legislature if elected and the overall changes facing the state. Hart also looks back on his time as a City Councilman and shares stories about former mayor Harriet Miller, councilmembers Tom Roberts, Gil Garcia and more. Santa Barbara Talks is a podcast founded by journalist and college instructor Joshua Molina. Josh talks to the region's most interesting and influential leaders about a variety of topics, including education, politics, business, housing and culture. Please consider a contribution by visiting SantaBarbaraTalks.com. All contributions go directly to the content creator and allow SBT to expand to a larger audience and create and audio archive of this tremendous region.
Retired Santa Barbara Police Department Det. Roger Aceves talks an array of issues in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. Aceves, who has spent 16 years on the Goleta City Council, talks 20 years of Goleta cityhood and how Goleta has changed the past 20 years. He shares his views on housing, parks, commercial and retail development and the relationship between the city of Santa Barbara and Goleta. Aceves also jumps in on Santa Barbara's Civilian Review System and shares his stories of his time on the beat, including when he famously de-escalated a hostage situation in Santa Barbara. Aceves also talks about the local Democratic Party and its role in local politics. Finally, Aceves reveals his political future and plans for running for election in November 2022.
UCSB's Acting Athletic Director Kelly Barsky shares her story of athletics, empowerment and leadership in this special edition of Santa Barbara Talks. Barsky shares her coaching and playing philosophy and her own stories as a star high school and college athlete. At UCSB, Barsky says she is focused on the success of the students in all aspects. "My mission is how do we serve our student athletes to the best of our ability, how do we support the co-curricular experience, their academic experience, their athletic experience, having competitive experiences on the track, court, field, the pool. How do we provider leadership, and mentorship, and life skills?" Barsky also talks about her role models and offers tips on how she empowers young athletes. Check out SantaBarbaraTalks.com to consider a contribution. Also watch this podcast at Santa Barbara Talks on You Tube, and please subscribe.
Susan Salcido is Santa Barbara County's top education official, the superintendent of Santa Barbara County Schools. With a stellar reputation for communication and working well with others, she leads a countywide effort to make sure the 20 school districts in the county are running smoothly. That's never been easy, but her job is even more important in the age of the pandemic. In this exclusive podcast, Salcido walks us through the role of the Santa Barbara County Education office and its important work in the community. She also shares her story, the daughter of Korean immigrant parents. As a child, she worked in the family hotel business in Santa Maria and learned the value of hard work. "If you were staying in room 6, and called and needed more towels, you might get Susan Salcido at 6 years old bringing you towels because that's the work life that we had." Salcido has a bachelor's degree in English from UCSB, a master's degree in education from UCSB and a doctorate of education from USC. Don't miss this amazing podcast with Santa Barbara County's top superintendent. For more podcasts, visit www.santabarbaratalks.com Joshua Molina is a journalist, college instructor and podcaster.
Austin Herlihy, executive vice president of Radius Commercial Real Estate, talks the sale of the Hotel Indigo and boom in the hotel industry in Santa Barbara and State Street. Herlihy talks about the attraction of the Funk Zone and how it is luring hotel investors and owners to help revitalize State Street. He also talks about the state of retail on State Street, commercial vacancies, and the challenges that homelessness creates in the city. And then he shares his story of growing up, coming to Santa Barbara for UCSB and falling in love with commercial real estate. Steve Brown gave him his start, but it was Herlihy's incredible persistence that helped launch is successful career. Hear how Herlihy convinced Brown to give him a chance in the industry. Please subscribe to this podcast and write a positive review! Santa Barbara Talks.com
Santa Barbara City Councilman Oscar Gutierrez talks the NEW City Council that will be sworn in Tuesday, Jan. 11, and gives his thoughts on former Cathy Murillo and the ways she influenced him. Gutierrez offers a view of his platform, including his efforts to help businesses in his District, including the 400 block of State Street, which recently saw the closure of J.J.s Diner. Gutierrez also shares his personal story, growing up on Santa Barbara's Westside, the son of immigrant parents who worked in the fields as farmworkers, as well as janitors and housekeepers. Gutierrez also sheds some light on the discrimination and micro-aggressions he has faced at City Hall. Toward the end he shares information on his experience at The Channels, the Santa Barbara City College newspaper, and touches on his political future. Please like and subscribe to this podcast and write a review. To support journalist and college instructor Josh Molina, visit his website, SantaBarbaraTalks.com
Noozhawk owner, founder and publisher Bill Macfadyen sits down with Josh Molina for the first SBT podcast of 2022 to dive deep about Noozhawk and the local media landscape. Macfadyen talks about whether Noozhawk is liberal, conservative, or something else. He explains the inner-workings of Noozhawk and pulls back the curtain on how the company gathers news. He also talks about his popular and sometimes controversial column. The two also relive some old days working at the daily paper. Toward the end, Macfadyen talks about Noozhawk's future and the plan for a direct public offering. Please subscribe to Josh Molina's podcast, Santa Barbara Talks on You Tube. Hit like and subscribe below on You Tube or your preferred streaming platform. Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com
Retired UCSB sociology professor Dick Flacks dives into the debate over Santa Barbara's proposal to create a 2 percent cap on rent increases. Flacks offers counterpoints to residential property owners who say that maximizing rent increases would hurt tenants because they would not be able to make repairs or conduct regular maintenance. Flacks makes a case for tenants and talks about ways to increase affordable housing. He says that the city should consider building on parking lots, working with other regions to take a bigger view, and work with the city's Housing Authority to acquire more land to build affordable housing projects. Flacks also explains how he believes nonprofit social housing will help to create more affordable housing. Flacks is a Santa Barbara legend and regarded as one of the most progressive thinkers on issues of social justice. Please by subscribe to this podcast and visit SantaBarbaraTalks.com
Santa Barbara Police Chief Barney Melekian is one of the most respected people in law enforcement throughout the nation. He is currently serving as interim police chief, at a time of major transition and turmoil at City Hall. Melekian opens up about his thoughts on the Community Formation Commission and the eventual Civil Review System. Many members of the community pushed for a civilian review board after the murder of George Floyd. He also talks about implicit bias training, diversity of the police force, and the challenges that law enforcement faces in Santa Barbara. Melekian also shares his hopes for new Mayor Randy Rowse and what he hopes the former councilman will bring to the City Council. This is a revealing conversation with Santa Barbara's top cop.
Economist Dr. Lanny Ebenstein explains all of the maps behind the new district maps for Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, California State Assembly and the Santa Barbara Unified School District. Ebenstein eloquently breaks down the pros and cons of each scenario and how it will impact voters. Essentially, 2nd District Santa Barbara County District Supervisor Gregg Hart may be in the rare situation where he is calling his own shots and will find success whether he seeks re-election in the county or the state Assembly. Ebenstein drops names such as Hart, Meagan Harmon, Das Williams, Jonathan Abboud, Eric Friedman, Steve Lavagnino, Joan Hartman and many others in this informative political discussion with real impacts on the community. Ebenstein, a former member of the Santa Barbara Unified School District Board of Education, also talks about his ideas on how to close the Achievement Gap between white students and students of color. His answer? More summer school.
One year ago Virginia Alvarez was elected to the Santa Barbara Unified School District Board of Education. In this podcast she talks about the past year, including the recent controversial teachers survey that suggested low morale among teachers and counselors, and a lack of confidence in superintendent Hilda Maldonado. Alvarez lets loose with her opinions on the turnover among district officials and administrators, and the concerns teachers feel about being overworked and not listened to during Maldonado's tenure. Alvarez also shares details about her personal story and how she overcame the obstacles after moving to the U.S. in the fourth grade. Alvarez also talks about equity and the ways the district can close the Achievement Gap. For more podcasts, visit Santa Barbara Talks on You Tube and subscribe. If you like what you hear, please consider a donation at www.santabarbaratalks.com to expand the podcast audience. Contributions go directly to the content creator.
Jonathan Abboud, Santa Barbara City College Trustee, and General Manager of the Isla Vista Community Services District, talks with Josh Molina about his Assembly run next year. Abboud, 29, is known for his creative ideas, work ethic and political ambition. Now he's looking to win a newly configured assembly seat. Listen to Jonathan talk about affordable housing, the state of Isla Vista, equity at Santa Barbara City College, and regionalism. He also toward the end of the podcast shares his "fun facts" about himself, including that he likes to grill, get his food from the Isla Vista Co-Op, and exercise. This is a super-interesting podcast featuring on of the county's rising political stars. SantaBarbaraTalks.com
In this video, Giana Magnoli pulls back the curtain on Noozhawk.com and how the organization gathers news. Among some of the highlights: 1:26: The role Noozhawk plays in the local media landscape 3:32: Why Giana chose Noozhawk over other options 5:05: Giana talks original team, Lara Cooper, Noozhawk's beginnings on Gutierrez Street 6:30: Early feelings on working for just-launched startup 9:05: Josh talks working at the San Jose Mercury News and living at the Extended Stay for 6 months 9:40: Giana explains what life was like growing up in Silicon Valley 16:30: Giana talks Noozhawk's legacy projects, including her series on opioid addiction in Santa Barbara and District Elections series 20:19: How Noozhawk changed during the COVID-19 pandemic 29:04: Challenges of being a woman in journalism: Hint: (no one tries to hug Josh) 32:33: What Noozhawk does well and its growth areas 39:53: How Giana responds to story takedown request and headline, copy changes after publication 47:49: Giana explains why Noozhawk does not endorse candidates 49:49: Giana talks about her goals at Noozhawk and as a journalist
James Joyce III nearly shocked the world on Election Night in Santa Barbara when he placed second, winning 7,125 votes in his bid for mayor. He finished in second, far ahead of incumbent mayor Cathy Murillo. While Joyce did not win the top spot, he showed that there was a lot of buzz and excitement around his campaign. Joyce was outspent heavily by his opponent, yet only finished 3,000 votes behind the top vote-getter Randy Rowse. In this podcast, Joyce talks about his campaign, the strategy, what worked and what didn't. He is joined by Wade Cowper, his political consultant, who talks breaks down the strategy for victory. Joyce also responds to critics who say he cost Cathy Murillo, another Democrat, the election. He also talks about Daraka Larimore-Hall, and responds to the criticisms of his candidacy. Joyce and Cowper join Josh Molina in his kitchen for a conversation unlike any other. Joyce also talks about his future in politics. Unfiltered. Uncensored. Unapologetic. If you like podcasts like, please subscribe to my You Tube Channel at Santa Barbara Talks and consider a donation directly at my www.santabarbaratalks.com web site.
Former Mayor Sheila Lodge has endorsed Randy Rowse in the 2021 Santa Barbara mayoral race, in somewhat of a political shocker. Lodge has thrown her credibility behind Kristen Sneddon in her re-election campaign. Lodge also talks about why she is not a fan of councilwoman Meagan Harmon, whom she calls "calculating." Lodge also pivots from politics to talk about local issues and her book, Santa Barbara: An Uncommonplace American Town. At 91 years old, Lodge is still going strong and one of the most important figures in Santa Barbara politics and preservationist worlds.
Goleta City Councilman James Kyriaco unleashes his wealth of knowledge on the Santa Barbara mayoral and city council election and the city of Goleta in this blockbuster 2-hour podcast! Kyriaco, a former political consultant breaks down the state of play in the mayoral election and warns people not to count out incumbent mayor Cathy Murillo, Kyriaco talks about the challenges Murillo faces as candidate of color. Kyriaco also talks about Meagan Harmon's rise to power, and Kristen Sneddon, whom he calls the prototype for District 4. Kyriaco and Molina also relive the 2000s and the leadership styles of Babatunde Folayemi, Iya Falcone, Roger Horton, Das Williams, and others. Kyriaco and Molina then talk the City of Goleta, including housing, congestion, traffic, Old Town Goleta, space, and the plan to create angled parking on Hollister Avenue. Kyriaco explains district elections in Goleta, the recent ban on flavored tobacco, the city's resolution in support of "reproductive freedom" and the project labor agreement.
Santa Barbara County Chairperson Darcel Elliott talks about the mystery and intrigue surrounding the upcoming Santa Barbara Mayoral contest. There's some concern among Democrats that Santa Barbara Mayor Cathy Murillo won't win a second term because she faces spoiler candidates in Democrat James Joyce and Deborah Schwartz while going up against a right-leaning moderate in Randy Rowse. Elliott walks us through the various scenarios that could play out on election Day. She also talks about City Council incumbents Meagan Harmon and Kristen and the challengers they face. The Party is also expanding its reach into North County and Elliott explains those efforts. Thank your listening!
Please take a moment to visit Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina on You Tube and subscribe to see the video versions of the podcast. Dr. Daraka Larimore-Hall joins Josh Molina for nearly one-hour of political talk regarding the Santa Barbara Mayor's race and two City Council contests. Larimore-Hall defends Cathy Murillo's record and raises concerns and questions about those who are supporting the other Democrats in the race, James Joyce and Deborah Schwartz. Murillo has been endorsed by the Santa Barbara County Democratic Party. Daraka touches on gender, race and discrimination in politics and brings his big-thinking approach to unravel the complicated contests and explain the political landscape. Daraka references the Santa Barbara Independent endorsement of Joyce, and says the key driver of support should a person's record, not their personalities. Larimore-Hall grew up on Santa Barbara's Westside, in the Ladera Street projects. He has a doctorate from UCSB.
Kristen Sneddon talks with Josh Molina in this powerhouse podcast leading up to the Nov. 2 election. Sneddon is looking to win a second term and is taking on Barrett Reed, who is well-funded by developers. Sneddon charges in the podcast that a Reed contributor skirted campaign contribution rules by giving money under multiple LLCs to Reed. Sneddon also discusses her votes on the Project Labor Agreement, the Mission Canyon Bridge and other policy positions. Sneddon sums up her views on working with her colleagues and talks about her professional relationship with councilwoman Meagan Harmon. Sneddon also talks about growing up in Santa Barbara, teaching at SBCC, and her plans if re-elected, among other topics. Don't miss this powerful podcast! Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
New Santa Barbara Assistant City Administrator Rene Eyerly talks with Josh Molina about all things City of Santa Barbara. Eyerly joined the city in 2017 from the city of San Jose and has been one of the city' s environmental leaders since. She's led efforts regarding recycling, sustainability and reducing climate change. Recently, she helped move 58 people from encampments in wildland areas into the Rose Garden Inn, as part of the city's efforts to help the homeless and reduce fire risks. Eyerly also talks about growing up South Carolina, her family and background, and opens up about her love for horses and horseback riding. This is a special window into one of Santa Barbara rising stars and leaders of the next generation at City Hall.
The Whip SB looks to create conversation around politics and community. Alexis Tande joins Josh Molina in this exclusive podcast to talk about the technology venture. Tande hopes to create a forum for individuals to talk freely and openly about the issues they face in the community, and interact with elected officials. Currently the forum exists on Instagram Live, through a series of interviews that Tande hosts, and interactive questions. Soon, The Whip SB will release an app. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE SANTA BARBARA TALKS YOU TUBE CHANNEL!
santabarbaratalks
thewhipsb
santabarbara
Please subscribe to my You Tube Channel Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. Also visit www.santabarbaratalks.com and consider a donation to help grow this video series.
She's one of Santa Barbara's original television stars. Paula Lopez, former anchor with KEYT and KCAL 9 talks about her career in broadcast journalism, including her very public exit, and her road to recovery from alcohol addiction. Lopez opens up about her recovery, as a way to help and inspire others. In addition, she talks about what she's doing now, her work to help bring Goleta resident Juana Flores home. Now a Realtor, Lopez works to help and inspire other women, and has refashioned herself as one of Santa Barbara's most inspirational women leaders.
Bio: Emmy Award-winning journalist Paula Lopez has over thirty years of experience writing, producing and reporting news in the Los Angeles and Central Coast markets. In 1990 Paula joined KCAL9 and became the original anchor of the highly rated News at Noon. During her tenure at KCAL9 Paula anchored award-winning live coverage of some of the most significant events of the late 20th century including Operation Desert Storm, the Los Angeles Floods of 1992, the Northridge Earthquake, the O.J. Simpson Murder Trial and the Los Angeles Riots. During a live on-air interview with Rodney King’s aunt in the midst of the L.A. Riots, Paula suggested that King make a public statement condemning the riots. Shortly thereafter King held a news conference in which he asked the now famous question “Can’t we all just get along?” In 1993 Paula was awarded a Los Angeles area Emmy Award for Nine News at Noon and in 1994, the Minorities in Broadcasting Training Award presented by actor comedian George Lopez.
Join Josh Molina and Jerry Roberts in a Santa Barbara City Council District 4 debate between Councilwoman Kristen Sneddon and challenger Barrett Reed. The two battle over a variety of issues, including equity, homelessness, Paseo Nuevo and much more. Reed also challenges Sneddon on several points and the issue of Rob Dayton's leave of absence also erupts. This is a high-energy debate that will give readers a clear sense of where the candidates stand on the issues.
Santa Barbara downtown property owner Richard Berti talks candidly on his views on homelessness and the lack of city leadership to address the issue over the long-term. Berti also shares details of his personal life story and how he became one of Santa Barbara's most prominent downtown property owners.
Join Josh Molina and Jerry Roberts to talk to the candidates for District 6 Santa Barbara City Council. We talk to the candidates about homelessness, State Street, economic development, Paseo Nuevo Mall, equity and leadership. www.santabarbaratalks.com
All six candidates for Santa Barbara Mayor talk with journalists Josh Molina and Jerry Roberts. Watch Mayor Cathy Murillo and candidates Randy Rowse, Deborah Schwartz, James Joyce, Mark Whitehurst and Matt Kilrain talk about this issues of the day in this exclusive podcast with Santa Barbara Talks and Newsmakers with Jerry Roberts. Forum also available on You Tube.
Longtime Santa Barbara City Hall employee Nina Johnson is running for the Santa Barbara City Council in District 6. Johnson has spent nearly 25 years in the City Administrator's office. It's the only job she has ever had professionally. Now, she is looking to jump from her office to a spot on the Santa Barbara City Council. She's connected s with businesses, architects, the arts and tech community. "“Many people want to see a new style of doing things, so they appreciate what I bring," Johnson said. In this podcast with Santa Barbara Talks, Johnson explains why she is running for Santa Barbara City Council, talks about how she would be different than incumbent Meagan Harmon, and opens up a bit about her background and journey.
ninajohnson
CityCouncilDistrict6
Sportswriter Mark Patton talks with Josh Molina about his wonderful, decades-long career, telling the stories of Santa Barbara's athletes. Patton shares stories about covering basketball star Brian Shaw, discusses his favorite athletes and opens up about his writing style. Patton talks about his high school and college sports experiences, learning journalism under Ray Canton at The Channels, working as a crime reporter for the Santa Maria Times, and then landing his dream job at his local newspaper. Patton also talks about raising his daughters and his new plans for the next stage of his life, including writing a regular column for Noozhawk. Hear two journalists chop it up and share their journalism stories.
Developer Ed St. George says he wants 1,000 units of housing at Paseo Nuevo, in this wide-ranging podcast. St. George also talks about Rob Dayton, Meagan Harmon, Paul Casey, politics, 711 N. Milpas Street, Solvang and responds to his critics.
For years, everywhere a person turned at a city or county government event or affair, there was Lee Moldaver. Quiet and unassuming but with laserlike observation skills, Moldaver could recite Santa Barbara history, chapter and verse, like Billy Graham could preach on the Bible. Endowed with wit, humor and a phenomenal memory, he would quote Greek philosophers and slip in historical war references into everyday conversation. The loss of Moldaver marks an end to another chapter in Santa Barbara's history. He was one of the few remaining activists in town who knew the likes of former Mayor Harriet Miller and former City Administrator Sandra Tripp-Jones, knew the lineage of council members and county supervisors dating back 40 years. While City Council members, mayors and city administrators come and go, people such as Moldaver are once-in-a-generation fixtures, with Santa Barbara losing a signficant part of its institutional memory.
Santa Barbara is one of the most sought-after places in the world to live, but it's not all palm trees, red tile roofs and oceans. Santa Barbara is also wracked with housing challenges for most people who don't make at least six figures a year. In this podcast, Rob Fredericks, executive director of the Santa Barbara Housing Authority talks about the major challenges facing the city and how the city and state are way behind in building enough housing for everyone who needs to home. It's not just a conversation about affordability, but a deep look at the problems the lack of housing in the city creates --- long commutes time, lack of people with knowledge of the community living in the community, and homelessness. Fredericks explains it all -- and the good things Santa Barbara is working on to address the problem and find housing for more people in the community.
The controversial Santa Barbara City Administrator Paul Casey spills it all as he announces his departure from the city on Sept. 10. Casey, appointed City Manager in 2015 and Community Development Director in 2001, says he is leaving City Hall. Casey led the city during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also faced serious blowback from members of the business and development community for his perceived leadership problems. In this podcast, Casey talks about the highs, lows and the critics, and pulls no punches. Casey says he is leaving on his own terms and that the critics have not won. Casey also talks about his love for his three daughters and raising a family in Santa Barbara.
Architect Jeff Shelton recently won approval from the Santa Barbara Historic Landmarks Commission to design a building on the 700 block of State Street. The tequila bar will undoubtedly carry his amazing signature elements. He talks about the Ablitt Tower, the Vera Cruz House, El Jardin, and where he gets his inspiration. "I take on every project like it is my only project and like it's the last project I will ever do," Shelton tells Santa Barbara Talks.
Janene Scully is Noozhawk's "wrangler of words," in Santa Barbara's North County. Scully is a true blue, veteran journalist who spins compelling yarns as Noozhawk's north county editor. In this revealing podcast, Scully talks about life as a journalist, the many stories she has covered, photojournalism and her thoughts on the future of the industry. Scully, one of Noozhawk's most prolific reporters, explains what keeps her running at maximum speed nearly three decades into the business. "You got to love what you do and it has to be fun," Scully says.
journalism
noozhawk
janenescully
santabarbaratalks.com
Michael Montenegro is on a mission to save and preserve Santa Barbara's history. He founded chicanocultureSB on Instagram, which has ballooned into one of the region's most popular IG pages. He has also made several short films documenting the history of Chicanos in Santa Barbara. In this podcast, Montenegro offers a candid portrait of his passion for preserving history, his love for filmmaking and details of his upbringing. Montenegro also talks about Latino representation in Santa Barbara political and leadership circles.
Robin Elander, executive director of Downtown Santa Barbara, has helped revitalize the organization and transformed it into an influential business, political and advocacy organization. In this podcast, Elander talks about the future of State Street, outdoor dining, parklets, and how businesses are responding to the re-opening of the economy. Thanks for watching the 64th episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina
In a move that shakes up the Santa Barbara City Council District 4 election, Barrett Reed has announced that he is running for City Council. Reed, a real estate investor, said he plans to be strong on homelessness and revitalize State Street. Reed said he will bring leadership to the City Council. He grew up in Santa Barbara and wants to make the city a great place to live for his kids and family. visit www.santabarbaratalks.com Support these podcasts at www.patreon.com/joshmolina Instagram: Motown Josh
Das Williams grew up poor in Isla Vista, dropped out of high school, lived in his RV for six months while attending Santa Barbara City College, and then met two professors, Dr. Manou Eskandari and Dr. John Kay, who instilled a belief in himself. Williams' SBCC experience helped his transfer to UC Berkeley and eventually UCSB. Williams served seven years on the Santa Barbara City Council, six years in the California State Assembly, and now is in his fifth year as a member of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. Williams tenure as county supervisor, however, has been marred, by allegations that sold out to the cannabis industry in exchange for support and financial donations. Williams says the county's cannabis policy legalized a black market industry and made it safer for use. Still Carpinteria residents complain of odors from cannabis growers. In this podcast, Williams also talks about his critics, his view on why his lost the Coastal Commission appointment, and how he handles adversity.
The future of journalism is bright; just ask Jade Martinez-Pogue and Brooke Holland, two of Santa Barbara's rising stars. In this amazing podcast, Holland and Martinez-Pogue talk about their careers so far in the industry, including the challenges, the highs, the lows, and all the work that goes into storytelling. This exclusive podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be a journalist in an industry constantly changing. They also talk about what it's like to be young women in journalism, offer tips for public relations professionals, and offer their thoughts on the future of the industry. This is a compelling podcast that you will want to share with anyone industry in the world of journalism and public relations.
Former Santa Barbara County Deputy District Attorney Gordon Auchincloss talks creating a navigation center to help Santa Barbara County's homeless. He's working with a broad array of organizations and individuals to address the chronically homeless population in Santa Barbara County. The goal is to find land that provides housing, support services and care to help solve the countywide problem. Don't miss this podcast where Auchincloss talks creative solutions to Santa Barbara's homeless challenges.
Meagan Harmon is Santa Barbara's rising political star. But beyond the acumen and advocacy, the 34-year-old Lompoc-born millennial is also one of the county's most intriguing personalities. She's a mom of a three-year-old, who balances life as an attorney and a member of the Santa Barbara City Council. In this podcast, she talks about the challenges she faces as a young woman in politics, battling misogyny and ageism. Harmon also opens up about her miscarriage in 2020, and how she has managed to overcome the challenges and emotions related to that experience. Don't miss this amazing podcast conversation and please check out the YouTube video version available May 17, 2021.
Journalist Josh Molina previews the upcoming episode with newly appointed California Coastal Commission member Meagan Harmon, who is also on the Santa Barbara City Council. Josh also talks about the nexus between journalists, deadlines, and public relations. Hint: Josh hates being asked "what is your deadline" by public relations professionals. Great episode for those who deal the media or consider yourself a media enthusiast. @JECMolina instagram: MotownJosh
Randy Rowse had done it all in Santa Barbara. He served on the City Council for 9 years. At the same time he owned the iconic Paradise Cafe in downtown Santa Barbara. Now, after a brief stint in retirement, Randy Rowse has decided he wants to be the top politician in Santa Barbara. He's running for mayor, taking on incumbent Cathy Murillo. In this podcast, Rowse opens up about State Street, housing, bikes, homeless, councilwoman Meagan Harmon, extra pay for grocery store workers, and the future of the city. www.patreon.com/joshmolina www.santabarbaratalks.com Twitter:@JECMolina
Graham Farrar opened the first retail cannabis dispensary in Santa Barbara and is now looking to expand with licenses in Isla Vista and Santa Ynez. The founder of Glass House Farms, Farrar recently went public on the Canadian stock exchange. In this podcast, he talks about the controversial cannabis industry, his efforts to educate people about the plant's benefits, and his rise from Santa Barbara Middle School student, to co-founder of software.com, Sonos and now one of the biggest cannabis players in the industry. visit: www.patreon.com/joshmolina www.santabarbaratalks.com IG: MotownJosh Twitter: @JECMolina
Deborah Schwartz is running for mayor of Santa Barbara. The longtime Santa Barbara Planning Commissioner is looking to unseat incumbent Cathy Murillo and knock off two challengers. The daughter of famed environmentalist Naomi Schwartz, Deborah says it's time for a "course correction" in Santa Barbara. In this podcast, she explains what's wrong with Santa Barbara, and her plan to fix it.
Journalist Josh Molina talks about the reporting behind the Montecito Riven Rock/Hot Springs trail drama, as reported at Noozhawk.com on Sunday. Molina, the host of Santa Barbara Talks, explains the work that goes into reporting and photography when reporting a complex, but important story about the interface between residential, urban and outdoor recreation. Molina also explains the "warning" he received from the CHP.
Zumba dance instructor extraordinaire talks about her rise from classically trained dancer in New York to one of the world's foremost Zumba dance instructors. Santa Barbara's Josette Tkacik opens up about defeating Rheumatoid arthritis through diet and lifestyle changes, being a mother and building a business when all the odds were stacked against her. Tkacik also talks about energy and intuition what she believes is her gift to the world.
Less than a week after seeking the endorsement of the Santa Barbara County Democratic Party, Eric Friedman opens up about one of the questions involving his political support of his mother. Friedman also explains why he doesn't always endorse the same people as the Party. "I know the person she is," Friedman says. "I know her whole life, her whole history," Friedman also talks about what equity means to him as an elected official. He also talks about his job at Trader Joes, while also working as an elected official, plush much, much more.
Dr, Mario Garcia, professor of Chicano Studies at UCSB, is a historian who shares his views on the life journalist Ruben Salazar. Salazar was one of the first Mexican-American journalists to work at the Los Angeles Times and cover issues of concern to the Mexican-American community. He also worked as a journalist for Spanish-language TV station KMEX 34. Garcia has studied Salazar and his impact on the Chicano community and activism. Salazar died controversially at the hands of authorities while covering the Chicano Moratorium in 1970, a protest against the Vietnam War. Garcia also talks about the state of race in 2021, the crisis at the border from Central American refugees and a variety of historical topics. Garcia's Books: "Ruben Salazar: Border Correspondent, Selected Writings, 1955-1970" (Univ. of California Press) "Rewriting the Chicano Movement: New Histories of Mexican American Activism in the Civil Rights Era" (Univ. of Arizona Press) "Father Luis Olivares: A Biography--Faith Politics and the Origins of the Sanctuary Movement in Los Angeles" (Univ. of North Carolina Press)
Former California State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson talks about her 14 years as a member of the California legislature, including her groundbreaking efforts to equalize pay for women in the workplace and require corporations to place women on boards of directors. Jackson also for the first time publicly endorses James Joyce for Santa Barbara mayor. Listen to Jackson talk about the failures of the Trump administration and her admiration for Vice President Kamala Harris. The former Senator also defends Gov. Gavin Newsom and says the recall will fail. The interview begins with Jackson talking about recently receiving her COVID-19 vaccination.
Mike Eliason is one of the country's foremost photojournalists. His also a former firefighter and now the Santa Barbara County Public Education Officer. Listen to Josh and Mike recalls their days working together covering stories everywhere in Santa Barbara County. Eliason also opens up about photography, his favorite moments, how he got his start and details on how he spends his day in search of the next big shot.
Elise Simmons, principal of Santa Barbara High, talks with Josh Molina about COVID-19's impact on the school, on-campus cohorts, and her thoughts on when high school might re-open to in-person learning for everyone. Simmons also shares her story about how she found education and overcame her own obstacles to emerge as one of the Santa Barbara Unified School District's rising stars.
Gabe Escobedo has emerged as one of Santa Barbara's key political players. He serves on the city's planning commission and was recently selected as one of the 13 members of Santa Barbara Community Formation Commission. Escobedo talks about his upbringing, the challenges and discrimination he faced growing up, and the change he intends to bring to the city. As a 32-year-old, Latino millennial renter, Escobedo offers his view of Santa Barbara, including climate change, housing and the controversial future of Paseo Nuevo.
In first video interview, James Joyce III announces bid for Santa Barbara mayor, looking to unseat Cathy Murillo. Joyce would be the first black man to serve as mayor and would unseat the first Latina. Joyce talks about race, why the time is right for him now, what he can bring to Santa Barbara and how he started Coffee With a Black Guy several years ago to facilitate difficult conversations. Check out the first interview with James Joyce III in his bid for Santa Barbarra Mayor
Dr. Daraka Larimore-Hall sits down with Josh Molina to discuss the strength of the Santa Barbara County Democratic Party, the 2021 Mayor's race, mayor Cathy Murillo's performance as mayor and the role parties in deciding candidates and elections. Larimore-Hall recently started his own podcast called "Talking Strategy, Making History," which can be found at https://www.patreon.com/tsmh.
Santa Barbara City Councilwoman Alejandra Gutierrez talks about the tragic shooting that took the lives of two teenagers on the Eastside on Sunday night. Gutierrez, elected to the City Council in 2019, also shares her story of growing up on the Eastside, deciding to run for office, and the challenges she has faced since her term began. Gutierrez tells all in this one-hour podcast.
One of three Mexican-Americans on the Santa Barbara City Council, Westside resident Oscar Gutierrez opens up to SBT about his two-plus years on the Santa Barbara City Council, the challenges he has overcome, and what it's like to work with his colleagues and the administration. Gutierrez also shares details of his rough high school experience, how mentors have helped shaped him, and his efforts to help young people believe in themselves and accomplish their goals. Gutierrez also talks about his COVID-19 battle and how the New York Times knocked on his door to hear his story. Don't miss Oscar's inspirational story and conversation with journalist Josh Molina.
Retired Santa Barbara Police Department Sgt. Mike McGrew talks about his new work with nonprofit 911 At Ease International, a group that provides free and confidential, trauma-informed counseling for first responders. McGrew also opens up about his personal battles, including his struggle with alcohol, overcoming cancer, and losing a child. but finding redemption and purpose when he turned his life over to God.
Yona Estrada is living his dream. He recently opened YonaRedz, which specializes in birria queso tacos. Yona grew up on Santa Barbara's Westside. In this podcast, Estrada shares his story of growing up poor, in a single-parent household, and turning his mother's recipes into a successful business. He started cooking in a friend's backyard, moved to a rented kitchen, and now opened YonaRedz at 532 State Street. Hear his story in this exclusive podcast with Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina.
Das Williams, First District Santa Barbara County Supervisor, opens up to Josh Molina about politics, education and his future. In this podcast, Williams states that he will be supporting Cathy Murillo for Santa Barbara Mayor in 2021; talks about the impact of distance learning on students whose parents can't afford to stay home with their kids, and explains how someday he might want to return to the state legislature. Williams also talks about religion, his faith and how he reconciles his evangelical Christianity with being a liberal Democrat. These are just some of the topics discussed in this podcast from Josh Molina's backyard.
Journalist, author and nationally syndicated columnist Starshine Roshell talks with SBT about the craft of writing, her favorite columns and her journey from The Hollywood Reporter to one of the region's most respected and popular writers. Roshell explains how she creates her columns, the art and architecture behind her prose, and offers tips on how to breathe life into your writing. Josh and Starshine also revisit some of her most memorable and impactful columns. Settle in to this dynamic conversation between two former colleagues.
In this exclusive interview, Wade Cowper, political strategist and co-founder of CCA Enterprise, talks all things politics, including his views on recent election results, Santa Barbara County party politics and the 2021 mayoral contest. Wade and Josh drop a lot of names, including Meagan Harmon, Kate Ford, Alejandra Gutierrez, Virginia Alvarez and Vicki Ben-Yaacov. From there, the conversation turns to the state of the media and journalists Delaney Smith, Jerry Roberts, Melinda Burns, and the importance of civics and media literacy. Wade offers a laser-like understanding of the political landscape in this dynamic conversation.
Nick Welsh, executive editor of the Santa Barbara Independent, reveals the man behind the pencil, in this exclusive podcast conversation. Welsh talks about his award-winning Angry Poodle column, his thoughts on writing, and how "Mrs. Powell" in Catholic School helped inspire his path. Welsh talks about his career, how his writing changed after overcoming cancer, and he shares his thoughts on journalists and journalism. Welsh also opens up about a few of Santa Barbara's most prominent names, past and present. "I always knew I wanted to be writer," Welsh says.
Caroline Harrah has emerged as one of the South Coast's most influential parent activists with the formation of Facebook group SB PLAN. But Harrah is not new to activism. A parent with a longtime record of volunteering, she is now trying to provide a platform and voice for parents, teachers and administrators who have opinions about the re-opening of public schools during the pandemic. In this podcast, Harrah talks openly about her group, how it formed, its goal, and its frustration and expectations for the political leaders who will decide the re-opening. A communications expert, Harrah says, "We started SB PLAN because we didn't have a voice. We felt like we weren't represented."
Iconic journalist and author Jerry Roberts visits Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina to discuss the local, state and national political scene. Jerry talks about "triple smart" Meagan Harmon and who's really driving the conversation at Santa Barbara City Hall. Roberts also eloquently outlines the state of play in the Santa Barbara Unified School District Board of Trustees election, and breaks down a few of the high-profile statewide propositions. Finally, Jerry talks about Trump and what America can expect to see on Election Night at the 77 days that follow.
Radius Commercial Real Estate Co-Founder Steve Golis talks the state of apartment investing on the Central Coast. Golis shares how student housing has been hit hard by COVID-19, but is surviving. He also talks about some ballot measures, including how rent control would hurt the industry. Golis has more than 40 years in residential real state an brings an expert set of eyes to the real estate investment market.
Musician and Realtor Steve Epstein and Kostis Protopapas, artistic and general director of Opera Santa Barbara, tell all about how government officials on the state and local level have ignored live music as part of the COVID-19 re-opening strategy. To say "we will wait until the pandemic is over to have live music," is nonsense, Protopapas says. The two are working with a large group of arts stakeholders to bring live music, with social distancing, back to Santa Barbara. "My community has been deprived of their tribe," Protopapas said. "We have been deprived of everything that means something to us." Steve and Kostis explain their plan for returning outdoor live performances to Santa Barbara.
Goleta City Councilman James Kyriaco opens up about all the local election contests, including the contentious Goleta mayor's race, Goleta City Council, and the school board elections in Goleta and Santa Barbara. Kyriaco, a former political consultant, puts his pundit hat on to talk about national politics President Trump, and shares details about his childhood. He talks fondly of his mom and the sacrifices she made as a single-mother. The councilman also shares why he is such a passionate advocate for childcare programs.
Iliana Gonzalez, marketing director at PHP Agency, speaks with Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina about financial planning, her experience helping managing people's wealth and investments. She also shares her experience as an immigrant to the country, and how she learned financial planning lessons from her parents mistakes.
Dr. Charity Dean, one of the country's foremost experts on battling the COVID-19 pandemic, talks with Josh Molina in this one hour-plus podcast conversation. Dr. Dean is the former assistant director of the California Department of Public Health, and the former Santa Barbara County Public Health Officer. Dr. Dean talks about the importance of COVID-19 testing, the country's failed response to the pandemic and how by February 2020 it was "game over." Dr. Dean explains what the country has learned -- and has not -- since the 1918 influenza pandemic. Dr. Dean also talks about how the public health system and the health care delivery system work in silos, and what needs to happen before schools can re-open. Most of all, Dr. Dean explains how human beings need to work together to overcome this pandemic and own our individual mitigation roles through social distancing and wearing masks.
Fidel Rodriguez has decades of experience holding workshops that focus on practical wellness tools, history, trauma, poverty, racism, leadership and healing. Fidel graduated from USC as a McNair Scholar with degrees in Chicano/Latino and African American studies. He is a certified trainer for Franklin Covey and an initiated Shaman. He was born and raised in Santa Barbara, California and is of Mexican, Native-American and African descent. For the last few years, he's been on the front lines in Santa Barbara fighting to change an offensive and racist street name in Santa Barbara.
Rising young political star Lucas Zucker is the policy and communications director for the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), a nonprofit community organization working to advance social, economic, and environmental justice in the Central Coast of California. In this podcast Lucas talks about the Latino exodus of families in Santa Barbara, and property owners as city leaders facilitate development for a new wave of tech workers. Zucker also explains how COVID-19 has impacted the farmworker community in Santa Maria and the efforts to reduce the transmission of the disease. Zucker also shares his story of growing up in the Bay Area, moving to Ventura for junior high and choosing to give back to the community he grew up in after graduating from UC Berkeley.
Luz Reyes-Martin, executive director of public affairs and communication for Santa Barbara City College, talks with Josh Molina about distance learning as the SBCC semester is set to begin. She's also a parent and a board member for the Goleta Union School District, and explains how Goleta schools successfully dealt with the first week of distance learning. Reyes-Martin also shares her inspirational story of coming to the U.S. from Mexico at 2 and eventually graduating with degrees from Stanford and USC.
Goleta Union School Board member Susan Epstein opens up about the state of schools and distance learning, just before the start of the school year. Epstein has served 16 years on the board and talks about the challenges and opportunities related to equity and education. Epstein is also a social entrepreneur, early AI researcher and possesses a mind for technology policy, education, good governance, and social impact. Epstein in this podcast also talks about her journey, her amazing children, and her next professional move.
Gregg Hart is one of Santa Barbara County's most respected and well-known elected officials. With more than 30 years of public service, Hart has served on the Santa Barbara City Council, County Board of Supervisors and California Coastal Commission. Now, as chair of the Board of Supervisors, he's a key figure in the COVID-19 pandemic, helping the county tackle this public health crisis. In this podcast, Hart talks about his role at this time, but we also reflect on a career of public service and his life behind the scenes.
Santa Barbara journalistic icon John Palminteri talks with Josh Molina about his career, his biggest stories and life as a media celebrity. He talks about his Instagram platform, and how he uses it to break news. We also talk about his most controversial posts and moments, including the infamous selfie attempt. Along the way we drop a lot of names and offer a fierce defense of the importance of journalism. Palminteri shares what motivates him to stay hungry and continue his insatiable desire to break news and inform the public. This is an amazing two hour-plus podcast with the biggest icon in television journalism.
Santa Barbara Police Department Sgt. Rashun Drayton talks about what it is like to be a Black police officer, his Santa Barbara upbringing, boot camp and career in the U.S. Marine Corps, life as father of two girls, and the state of the country, amid the fallout of the George Floyd killing.
Frann Wageneck, assistant superintendent of the Santa Barbara Unified School District, talks about what equity means to her, the social justice activism of today's youth, the discrimination that she has faced and overcame, and her efforts to understand her white privilege and how she can be a better advocate and educator.
Robin Elander, interim executive director of the Downtown Santa Barbara Organization, explains how Gov. Gavin Newsom's rollbacks affect Santa Barbara's restaurants and businesses. She also talks about the future of State Street, and the possibility that there wont be a downtown holiday parade this year.
For Shaun Smith, Institution Ale is not just a restaurant and bar, it's a way of life. He, his brothers and father grew the company from a home-brewing hobby to one of the region's top beer destinations. Hear about how he grew his business, life as a new dad, and the future amid COVID-19.
Aron Ashland transformed a longtime restaurant on State Street into The Cruisery, a popular eatery and brewery. With a long history of managing restaurants and nightclubs, Ashland has been one of the driving forces behind State Street's recent revitalization. Ashland talks about overcoming the pandemic, pivoting to expanded dining and pushing the city to pay more attention to the 500 block of State Street.
Santa Barbara's Laura Knight, owner of Pascucci, 509 State St., is one of Santa Barbara's restaurant success stories. In this podcast she talks about surviving the pandemic, re-opening in a instant and offering expanded dining. She also talks about her hopes for State St., and Josh and Laura recall their memories of the late Babatunde Folayemi and his sweet potato pie.
When the pandemic hit, Santa Barbara Unified School District teacher Jennifer Cervantes pivoted to find a way to teach her junior high school students. She turned to Instagram and social media to find inspirational people to speak to her class. In this era of distance learning, Cervantes discovered that not only is she the teacher and the master, but she's also the student and she's enjoying her educational journey while keeping students' needs first and foremost.
James Joyce, founder of Coffee With a Black Guy, talks about the death of George Floyd, racism and injustice in America, the history of policing in the U.S., and a variety of topics related to the current state of the country. Joyce also breaks down Santa Barbara's protest and rally, and the importance of "teachable moments," and the getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Mary Lynn Harms-Romo, the senior marketing director for Paseo Nuevo, opens up about the loss of Nordstrom, the future of the iconic, 30-year-old mall that once-rescued the downtown, what's going on with the old Macy's building, and the $20 million in tenant improvements that the mall's owners are investing. Harms-Romo also offers her views on closing State Street to cars and her vision for Paseo Nuevo and Santa Barbara's downtown experience.
Rob Dayton, Santa Barbara's Transportation Planning and Parking Manager, talks about his vision for Santa Barbara, why at heart he truly is a car advocate, and the importance of building housing downtown.
Santa Barbara City Councilman Mike Jordan talks about Santa Barbara's COVID-19 pandemic problems, Paseo Nuevo, the downtown, Old Spanish Days, building heights and five of the worst months of his life, in a wide-ranging interview with Josh Molina.
Thomas Tighe is the President and CEO of Direct Relief. Hear him talk about his organization's response during COVID-19, his thoughts on the Lompoc prison outbreak, and the factors in his youth that helped shaped him into a humanitarian. Tighe also talks about Direct Relief's other big mission: supporting midwifery and helping to prevent the unnecessary deaths of mothers and children during labor.
Santa Barbara's Bob Stout, owner of the Wildcat Lounge, talks rebuilding during the COVID-19 pandemic and life as a nightclub owner.
Famed Santa Barbara architect Brian Cearnal talks about rebuilding during the COVID-19 pandemic and architecture in Santa Barbara.
If you think you know Jerry Roberts, think again. The longtime journalist talks behind the scenes of his news blog, his political coverage in San Francisco and ways Santa Barbara can revitalize State Street.
Santa Barbara resident Ben Romo talks with Josh Molina about homelessness, housing and rebuilding Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara bike guru Ed France talks leadership, achieving goals and finding the strength to pursue activism in the face of adversity. Hint: You have to strive for little wins that lead to big wins in the long run. Listen to Ed's hypnotic style and approach in this cool conversation.
First 5 Santa Barbara County Executive Director Wendy Sims-Moten talks about how the COVID-19 virus affects children, her views on ending the achievement gap and her definition of "uncommon courage."
Santa Barbara Planning Commissioner Barrett Reed talks about Santa Barbara and how to turn around retail in the city.
Santa Barbara's Meagan Harmon talks parenting and life as a mom during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also has ideas for how to rebuild Santa Barbara during this difficult time.
Geoff Green, Santa Barbara City College Foundation talks how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the lives of students.