Santa Barbara Independent

UCSB Executive Vice Chancellor David Marshall was named the school's interim chancellor on Monday as the search for a permanent replacement for longtime leader Henry Yang remains “actively underway.” | Credit: Courtesy In a move akin to an administrative buzzer-beater, UC President Michael Drake announced the interim replacement for retiring UC Santa Barbara Chancellor Henry Yang on Monday. Yang's 31-year-tenure expired on June 14, as the school's seniors celebrated the end of both the academic year and their undergraduate education. UCSB's Executive Vice Chancellor David Marshall will temporarily take the helm until a new chancellor is found, vetted, and appointed, Drake said. The announcement followed a period of uncertainty and skepticism around who may take Yang's place and when, as the search process — started nearly a year ago — had still not bore any fruit last week, even with Yang's retirement date quickly approaching. Drake's announcement, sent out en masse via email to UCSB faculty and staff, began by commending Yang for his “remarkable leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence,” crediting Yang for the school's “historic growth” in many areas. He then went on to gush about Marshall, who has served as vice chancellor since 2014, and previously served for 16 years as the Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts. Drake described him as a “nationally recognized scholar in the humanities,” and noted that he's led “major campus initiatives” in academic planning, faculty diversity, undergraduate education and interdisciplinary research. “His deep experience, institutional knowledge, and longstanding partnership with Chancellor Yang position him exceptionally well to guide UCSB during this transitional period,” Drake said. “I know that Henry and David share a close and collaborative working relationship, and over the coming weeks, they will work together to ensure a seamless transition of leadership.” As for the search for Yang's permanent replacement, the process remains “actively underway,” Drake said, promising to continue to update the school community as the search progresses.

The Crosby Collective, Lobero Theatre, June 12, 2025 | Photo: Leslie Dinaberg What a high-energy, hard-to-explain but ever-so-cool-to-experience evening we had with the Crosby Collective last Thursday night. It was the first of their sold-out two-night stint at the Lobero Theatre (June 12-13) and quite an enjoyably unique flex of musical muscle from bandleader Jason Crosby and an impressive crew that included Dave Schools, Greg Leisz, John Morgan Kimock, Tom Guarna, Doug Stringer, Jeremy Jeffers, Lamar Williams Jr., Chavonne Stewart, AnDre Washington, and Alethea Mills, and some select songs with special guest Jackson Browne. There's never enough Jackson Browne in my opinion, and I was definitely left wanting more from him last week, but that didn't stop the entire evening from being terrific. The Crosby Collective setlist flowed seamlessly from “Clare D'Lune” to tunes from Johnny Cash, The Allman Brothers, The Grateful Dead, Michael Jackson, The Doors, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Electric Light Orchestra and so many more great artists. Crosby — who mostly played keyboards with some strings thrown in for good measure — was like a really great maestro-DJ, only this band's smooth segues from song to song were live, never skipping a beat, with standout vocals from Stewart, Mills, Washington and Williams, and cleverly unexpected mash-ups of old favorites like “Billie Jean” and “Riders on the Storm” keeping us on our toes and listening carefully for the next inventive twist. After a longish intermission — where I realized that much of the crowd had been expecting yet another David Crosby tribute and had no idea beforehand what an unusual musical delight they were in for — it was Jackson Browne's time to shine. Opening with a stripped down version of “My Opening Farewell,” with Crosby on the keyboard and Browne on guitar, Browne was in fine vocal form and good humor. “It feels weird to sing a song up here and not have it turn into another song,” he said with a smirk. “It's such a pleasure to be on stage with Jason Crosby. … And the Lobero Theatre is also one of my favorite theaters,” added Browne, as he launched into what he described as the “rehab version” of his iconic “Cocaine,” with lyrics by Browne and Glen Frey. Of the 1975 song, a reworking of “Cocaine Blues” by the Reverend Gary Davis, Browne said, “I learned to play this song long before I knew what cocaine was.” Browne's 2008 “Far From the Arms of Hunger,” with the particularly powerful for the times we're living in lyrics, “Where people walk in wonder / And speak to one another / And recognize as brother / The face across the border” was a haunting reminder of the world outside the theater, as was “Colors of the Sun” from 1973's For Everyman album, a song he thanked Jason for suggesting. Then before we knew it, Browne was off stage again, and the Crosby Collective was back to their earlier high energy happenings, with the incredible organist Jeremy Jeffers (who happens to be blind) leading a mashup of the Beach Boys classic “God Only Knows” (just days after Brian Wilson's death) with the Grateful Dead's “Scarlett Begonia,” then seamlessly segueing into Kenny Loggins's “Footloose” and “Take It Higher.” Then they were off and running with high octane zest and songs from The Kinks, Marvin Gaye, and Paul McCartney. This was followed by a fun mashup tribute to Jackson Browne — ”Keep on Taking Her Easy” — about which Crosby said, “that's how I told him about this project.” Their somewhat famous Grateful Dead and Nirvana mashup was next and finally Jackson Browne was back on stage to perform “Running on Empty.” They ended the night with “Oh Happy Day,” which was indeed an apt description for the whole performance!

As the sun began to peak through the coastal morning mist on Saturday, Juneteenth Santa Barbara (JSB) began their eighth year of free celebrations at Plaza Del Mar Park. Bringing the block party to the band shell amphitheater, JSB's “Hope for the People” began celebrating Black Independence Day just as the “No Kings” protest came to an end across the street. Protesters rested their signs in the lawn and listened to local talent, including Pastor David Moore Poet Yutopia Essex Poet Ariel Phoenix Dirtydom & The Vibe EvoLucians P$ Experience Kat Lincoln & Sin Palabras , and The Knew Vibe with DJ PTRK LMR to keep joyful music flowing in between performances. The community showed up to support, with multiple people enjoying the Indy Parenting kids zone with 805 Body Art face painting and the Santa Barbara Public Library on the Go Van . Local nonprofits Community Environmental Council MLK Jr. SB Moms Demand Action Santa Barbara NAACP Santa Barbara , and Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics all showed up with helpful handouts, calls to action, and some fun tabling giveaways to garner more support. While this Thursday, June 19, is still a federal holiday hosting a few events around town — like MCASB's Juneteenth with Jon Boogz and SBIFF's Juneteenth cinematic celebration — Saturday's event brought out food trucks ( A & R Catering Mony's Tacos , and Reality Eatz ) and brought a brand new beer and wine garden for attendees 21 years of age and older, pouring drinks from Muni Wine/Potek Winery and Third Window Brewing Company Juneteenth SB also did a final push for the State of the Black Community Survey , which helps gather data about the Black community across Santa Barbara County. Facilitated by UCSB Center for Evaluation, and sponsored by the Santa Barbara Foundation and NAACP Santa Maria—Lompoc , the survey will officially close on June 30, 2025. Credit: Ingrid Bostrom

The jacaranda trees were exceptionally purple, the mountains rose in the distant haze, and the promenade along West Cabrillo Boulevard was filling up with people. There is so much cause for anger, but the prevalent mood was passion, with a good infusion of humor, and now and then a burst of sheer festivity: impromptu singing, hugs, the horns of passing cars honking in support. One of the signs said: “Things are so bad, they're marching in Santa Barbara.” And yes, it was, after all, Santa Barbara, such a pretty-how-town, as e.e. cummings might have said, or, as I might have said, the kind of place you get to be if God decides to go easy on you. But we are not okay. The cruelty and injustice are unacceptable, the flagrant disregard for law and civility are intolerable, and the debilitating chaos is unsustainable. So sweet Santa Barbara stepped out, and not just the feisty old Boomers, but plenty of young people, Hispanics, veterans, gay pride folks, courageous immigrants who might well have been arbitrary targets, parents wheeling kids in strollers, people with disabilities, a pissed off pregnant lady, a sundry assortment of humanity connected by a shared commitment to democracy and decency. We reclaimed the symbols of our nation: American flags were everywhere. And kindness abounded. There were no strangers. But this was happening all over the country. Millions of people marched in the streets or stood stalwartly in gathering places, including in “red” regions, where it took an extra bit of bravery, and remote rural corners far from the eyes of the media. The signs they carried told the stories, and the collective power we experienced will fuel us through the struggles to come, and we will prevail. Robert Hubbell described it as “a turning point” and I agree. Now we pause, regroup, do this again … and much more. Relentlessly. I have a sense of free falling lately, and I don't know whether it's liberating or scary. Some of the reasons for this are personal ones, but this strange moment in history is forcing us all to take stock of what matters, and to let go of what does not. Sometimes I cannot sleep, but because I was awake last night, I saw Venus in the sky, floating low on the eastern horizon, just above the hills, glaring like a lantern, so big and bright and shiny, it almost lit the room. Hope is complex and capacious, not a pure and simple feeling. It's a shape shifter, sometimes shimmering, sometimes shadowed by the hard realities it contains, but it is resilient, and outrageous, and with action, it yields fruit. Change, meanwhile, is by definition unsettling, and I am in a storm of change right now, emotions washing over me like weather. But I can hear Rilke counseling me: We drove home after the protest, beneath the two trees that lean into each other to kiss above the road, past the glassy pond where a snowy egret keeps vigil, its own little haiku, the sea a composition in silver and gray glistening to the left. And Rilke, channeling God, advised: Momentum grows. Stay strong. We can be here for each other.

Saturday, June 21, 2025 at the Mission Rose Garden from 2-5pm

SANTA BARBARA, CA — The U.S. Postal Service is hosting several free hiring events to help future employees create their online profile and immediately start applying for jobs in Maintenance and Logistics. As part our innovative 10-year-plan, Delivering for America , the Postal Service is focused on building a more stable and empowered workforce. Our employees are our greatest asset, and we are investing in our new employees by providing robust training and on-the-job support. If you enjoy taking walks, breathing in fresh air, and serving your community, the Postal Service is a great place to work, with job security, career advancement opportunities and benefits. The Postal Service has an immediate need for the following positions to be filled: Transportation (Logistics): Tractor Trailer Operators Maintenance: Mechanics, Laborer Custodian and Automotive Technician A complete list of job fair locations can be found below: Applicants must be 18 years or older. All applicants must be able to pass drug screening and a criminal background investigation. Some positions require an exam. Any position that has a driving requirement will also require a valid driver license and clean DMV two-year driving history. Citizenship or permanent resident status is required. The Postal Service is an equal opportunity employer offering a fast-pace, rewarding work environment with competitive compensation packages, on-the-job training, and opportunities for advancement. Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable, and secure delivery of mail and packages to nearly 167 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America , to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America's most valued and trusted brands. The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to fund its operations. For USPS media resources, including broadcast quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom . Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter Instagram Pinterest and LinkedIn . Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook . For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com

SBCC's aging Physical Education building will be demolished to make way for a state-of-the-art sports complex with a NCAA regulation gym, classrooms, dance and exercise rooms, a fitness center, and staff office space. | Credit: Vince Grafton Santa Barbara City College began construction for its new physical education complex on Monday, June 16. The $105 million project — which will replace its existing 62-year-old athletic facility with a state-of-the-art, four-story, 77,000-square-foot sports complex — is made possible by $34 million in state funds and $71 million from the Measure P Bond extension, which South County voters approved with a 66 percent majority. For safety, the construction zone will be fenced off during the initial phases of demolition, abatement, and site preparation. The fencing will feature architectural renderings of the new facility and a QR code linking to the official website for project, which is expected to be completed in 2028.

'Indy' readers send photos of the witty, angry, colorful, and frequently hilarious signs.

At the Imagine Airport Day on June 7, an Atlantic Aviation hangar was turned into an inspiring general aviation career event. It featured aviation professionals and an impressive array of aircraft. Pilots flew in to speak one-on-one with youth alongside their planes and gave presentations during a program, which also featured remarks by Mayor Randy Rowse and Santa Barbara Airport Director Chris Hastert. With Montecito Motor Classic (MMC) as the event organizer, the event included many classic cars too. The event was created by Dolores Johnson, who cofounded the MMC and was a general aviation professional for 44 years. Johnson is passionate about conveying to youth the multitude of interesting and exciting career opportunities in general aviation, many of which do not require a college degree. She began as a front-desk clerk at an FBO (fixed base operator), which led to a glamorous career in worldwide sales and to serving as airport commissioner here. In crafting the event, Johnson sought to excite the next generation of aviators. “They don't even know they want to be aviators,” Johnson related, “because they don't know that these careers exist.” She sought to expose all ages, but especially the really young. Ask any pilot how old they were when they knew they wanted to be a pilot, Johnson related, and they will tell you that they were very young. The President/CEO of AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association), which has more than 300,000 members, flew in for the event in his 1954 P-51 Mustang, considered the most iconic World War II plane. The landing and takeoff by this seasoned pilot, Darren Pleasance, were thrilling events in themselves. Pleasance shared that he thinks aviation is one of the most exciting career fields, but that few kids know that this possibility even exists and that it is easy to enter. In addition to airline jobs, Pleasance recounted, there are jobs in medevac, flight instruction, aerial firefighting, cargo, corporate jets, bush flying, powerline patrol, law enforcement, crop dusting, and search and rescue. On top of that are the emerging industries of drones, electric air taxis, and low-cost space flight. As a teen, Pleasance would ride his bike to a small airport and offer to work for aircraft owners in exchange for a plane ride. He managed to get his commercial, instrument, and flight instructor ratings by age 18, enabling him to pay his way through college at UCSB. He feels fortunate to have discovered flying at a young age and lead an amazing life that has included being an Alaskan bush pilot, corporate jet pilot, and competition aerobatic pilot. Pleasance is also a former tech executive, having served at Google as managing director of global customer acquisitions and at Cisco leading its Acceleration Center. He views such an event as pivotal in helping expose youth to the diverse and exciting career and life opportunities afforded by aviation. Since most youth don't have direct access to anyone in the aviation field, such an event is essential “to connect inspiration and opportunity with the young individuals. There's a saying that “you have to see it to be it'” and this event played a key role in helping kids see these opportunities. Renowned pilot (and author) Tracey Curtis-Taylor arrived in her Boeing Stearman biplane. She shared that she was delighted to participate in an event that seeks to inspire youth to consider flying. Retracing the paths of pioneering women pilots in her biplane has provided her with a life of thrilling adventure and she encourages all young people “to give flying a go.” She acknowledges the challenge of paying for flying lessons and thus the importance of making youth aware of the many scholarships and support programs available. S.B. Airport Director Chris Hastert hatched the idea to bring back an Airport Day, which the airport formerly hosted but hasn't done since 2006. Before assuming his current position, Hastert was the general manager at the Santa Maria Public Airport District, where he co-created the Central Coast AirFest. That event showed him how impactful engaging the public with aviation can be, and he wanted to bring that same spirit to Santa Barbara. The career focus of this event, however, was novel, and Hastert was quick to give full credit to Johnson for the vision and execution. Crucially important, the event presented scholarship information. Event Committee Member and S.B. Aviators Founder Taylor Jobe related that for youth not connected to the aviation community, a career in the field can seem inaccessible, but that an overwhelming number of scholarships exist. The event sought to address the accessibility issue also through one-on-one conversations with professionals who rose through the ranks. Many people, like Johnson, start off in entry-level positions and move up the corporate ladder. Also participating in the event was SafeLaunch, a local nonprofit founded by Janet Rowse and Ron Cuff, that seeks to prevent addiction through education on the science of the developing brain. A key component is its Flights Above Addiction program, which invites youth at aviation events across the country to paint on its Cessna 182 after a brief lesson about the science of addiction and a pledge to not use alcohol or other drugs before age 21. For the event, four Dos Pueblos High School students designed and painted a mural on the Cessna. Alongside the aircraft at the event were nearly 20 classic and contemporary cars, with the owners on hand to chat with guests, and auto expert Monte Wilson doing interviews. Especially noteworthy were a 1955 Mercedes 300 Gullwing and a 1962 Ferrari 250GT Lusso. The hope is to make this an annual event.

We either have a border, or we do not. We either have laws and follow them, or we do not. We either have safe cities, or we do not. What we happened in Los Angeles was unbelievable, dangerous, and a disgrace. It was lawlessness, plain and simple. Why are we allowing riots carried out by illegals, communists and professional disruptors ? And why are we allowing ICE agents to be attacked and slandered? They are doing their job, which is to protect America. And where are the mayor of L.A. and the governor of California? Why did they not act sooner and stronger? No wonder President Trump deployed the National Guard. As a nation, we better get our act together. Otherwise similar riots will spread throughout America. It is time for extreme actions and words to stop. It is time for both parties and President Trump to work together. Praying for America.