Santa Barbara Independent

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Santa Barbara Independent We deliver fresh online news, arts, and entertainment coverage all day, every day.

Our weekly newspaper is published every Thursday morning, with Santa Barbara County's largest circulation of 40,000 audited copies. Since 1986, The Santa Barbara Independent has been required reading for the South Coast's active and sophisticated population. The Independent reaches more than 135,000 readers in Santa Barbara County each Thursday with in-depth news reporting, the most extensive cale

ndar of local events, and the best arts and entertainment coverage in the region. Although we have had a website since 1998, it wasn't until April, 2007 that we began our community news, arts, and entertainment portal, independent.com. Providing a thorough and up to date site for all things Santa Barbara, independent.com immediately became the area's most visited community website. Santa Barbara has a daily news site, and a place for the community to connect. In 2008 we were recognized as the Best Weekly Newspaper website in the United States, in a national contest sponsored by Editor & Publisher magazine. In the meantime, our online audience has grown to be the largest in Santa Barbara county, twice as large as our nearest news competitor. But don't take our word for it -- here's a link to current online traffic rating services. Our newspaper also was singled out in 2008 as one of "10 That Do It Right," of newspapers leading in innovation and adaptation, in another Editor & Publisher recognition. The Independent was created from the merger of the Santa Barbara News & Review, a weekly paper consisting of politics and commentary founded in 1973, and The Weekly, an arts and entertainment publication with extensive listings. The merger created a unique voice for independent writers, critics, and involved citizens, and Santa Barbara go-to community resource for what-to-do. The Santa Barbara Independent is a true community newspaper with a market pe*******on higher than almost every other "alternative" weekly in the country. Our audited circulation of 40,000 copies exceeds the daily paper and any other publication in Santa Barbara County. Copies are picked up at more than 600 locations stretching from surf points at Rincon to the flower fields of Lompoc. We are very proud of our support of community events, nonprofit charities, and public service advertisers. The Santa Barbara Independent is a major sponsor of the largest community events, including the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Old Spanish Days, the Summer Solstice, and the Downtown Holiday Parade. Our underwriting covers the breath of Santa Barbara activity -- from support of the UCSB Economic Forecast Project to the Downtown Organization to outreach in the public school system. The paper is a major sponsor of UCSB intercollegiate sports, high school athletics and events, and the major theater companies in the region. From its world-class art museum to its state-of-the-art zoological garden, Santa Barbara is a community committed to a rich and culturally diverse quality of life. Since its inception, The Santa Barbara Independent, has been here to celebrate and support that commitment.

The Sheriff's Special Enforcement Team recovered a loaded handgun and shotgun and ballistic vest during the arrest.
11/01/2025

The Sheriff's Special Enforcement Team recovered a loaded handgun and shotgun and ballistic vest during the arrest.

Razo came out of retirement to lead the school two years ago, following former principal Elise Simmons's sudden resignat...
10/01/2025

Razo came out of retirement to lead the school two years ago, following former principal Elise Simmons's sudden resignation in August 2023.

After burglars stole $10,000 worth of rare Pokémon cards last week, Metro Entertainment’s owner Bob Ficarra said Santa B...
10/01/2025

After burglars stole $10,000 worth of rare Pokémon cards last week, Metro Entertainment’s owner Bob Ficarra said Santa Barbara community members have reached out to support the store. Metro Entertainment is currently raising funds to help the store.

More than 29,000 acres have burned, five people have been killed, and thousands of structures destroyed in the most dest...
10/01/2025

More than 29,000 acres have burned, five people have been killed, and thousands of structures destroyed in the most destructive fire in LA history.

More than 35,000 acres have burned, five people have been killed, and thousands of structures destroyed in the most destructive fire in LA history.

Out of town and can’t get to your nearest newsstand in Santa Barbara County? Not to worry! We put our weekly issue onlin...
10/01/2025

Out of town and can’t get to your nearest newsstand in Santa Barbara County? Not to worry! We put our weekly issue online each week, so you can have the print experience from anywhere.

January 9, 2025, Vol. 39, No. 991

The student-led, Santa Barbara–based nonprofit has an international reach, as well as a local one.
10/01/2025

The student-led, Santa Barbara–based nonprofit has an international reach, as well as a local one.

On Tuesday morning, January 7, Capps took the ceremonial gavel befitting her new role as the board’s chair.
09/01/2025

On Tuesday morning, January 7, Capps took the ceremonial gavel befitting her new role as the board’s chair.

Big issues confront the new Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors.

Former baseball player and coach Tyler Heil joins the program.
09/01/2025

Former baseball player and coach Tyler Heil joins the program.

Alejandra Gutierrez received a fond farewell, while Wendy Santamaria was sworn in to begin her term on city council.
09/01/2025

Alejandra Gutierrez received a fond farewell, while Wendy Santamaria was sworn in to begin her term on city council.

In this week's cover story, Matt Kettmann investigates why Buellton’s Winfield Farm will stop raising Mangalitsa pigs in...
09/01/2025

In this week's cover story, Matt Kettmann investigates why Buellton’s Winfield Farm will stop raising Mangalitsa pigs in favor of sheer survival.

Why Buellton’s Winfield Farm will stop raising Mangalitsa pigs in favor of sheer survival.

This week, we’d like to introduce you to one of the writers in this week’s issue: our intern, Madeline Slogoff! From the...
09/01/2025

This week, we’d like to introduce you to one of the writers in this week’s issue: our intern, Madeline Slogoff! From the arts, to community, to business and fashion, Slogoff has done a little bit of everything here at the Indy.

This week, we’d like to introduce you to one of the writers in this week’s issue: our intern, Madeline Slogoff!

New Board of Supervisors unanimously passes resolution of support for members of the LGBTQ+ community against threats, v...
09/01/2025

New Board of Supervisors unanimously passes resolution of support for members of the LGBTQ+ community against threats, violence, or any form of discrimination following dramatic testimony from DA John Savrnoch.

‘Babygirl’ showcases Nicole Kidman’s expertise in carnally knowing roles, with power and gender themes in the margins.
09/01/2025

‘Babygirl’ showcases Nicole Kidman’s expertise in carnally knowing roles, with power and gender themes in the margins.

UC Santa Barbara archaeologist Dr. Anabel Ford works to restore ancient forestry in Belize.
08/01/2025

UC Santa Barbara archaeologist Dr. Anabel Ford works to restore ancient forestry in Belize.

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