KCSB News

Union Del Barrio is a political volunteer-based organization that fights for the rights of undocumented immigrants. As a result of recent ICE surges, Union Del Barrio has amped up their volunteer work and reporting. KCSB's Inesha Ranasinghe-Denish interviewed Diego Lazcano Avila about the association.

UCSB’s Special Collections hosted "Open the Case!," an interactive session exploring materials from the university's American Religions Collection. David Gartrell, the collection's curator, gave visitors a closer look at historical astrological artifacts and the stories behind them. The event was part of the ongoing "Cosmic Synastry: Collective Codes and Personal Readings" exhibition in the UCSB College of Creative Studies. KCSB’s Arlene Ramos has the story.

In Santa Maria, a woman was detained by federal immigration agents. She worked as a volunteer for 805 UndocuFund, an organization that works to document the activity of ICE on the central coast. KCSB’s Nico Brown-Corrada has the story.

Last weekend, young people took to the streets in France to protest the rising cost of living and issues within the education system. Police respond with ‘less than lethal’ force. The protests enter into a fragmented political landscape, just six months before the French presidential election. Maelle Fontaine with KCSB news has more.

KCSB's Liz Spiller interviews UCSB's AS External Vice President for Statewide Affairs (EVPSA), Jasmine Hsieh, about the upcoming midterm election in California on November 3rd. Hsieh discusses helpful information about what on the ballot will affect students the most. She also shares what motivated her to run for her elected position.

ICE has recently targeted community colleges on the Central Coast of California. KCSB's Inesha Ranasinghe-Denish discusses the latest and what schools have been doing to combat ICE's presence.

Forecasters warn that this coming winter rain season could be among the worst on record. How can Isla Vista residents prepare for the storm? KCSB's Alyssa Tarango speaks with Eleanor Gartner, chief of staff to Supervisor Laura Capps, and Jonathan Abboud, general manager of the Isla Vista Community Services District about what you need to know about preparedness and potential dangers. Later in the program, learn about some issues on the November ballot that are of most interest and concern to college students, as KCSB's Liz Spiller speaks with UCSB External Vice President of Statewide Affairs, Jasmine Hsieh.

UCSB sorority Alpha Phi is facing backlash following allegations of racial discrimination during its Fall 2026 recruitment. The controversy has prompted the chapter to issue a public statement, claiming that key recruitment decisions were made without the knowledge or approval of its members or executive board. Here's Trinity Samuel reporting with KCSB News.

The National Institutes of Health has drastically changed over the last few years. Under the Trump administration, grants have been delayed for important research. KCSB’s Inesha Ranasinghe-Denish has the story.

The 200th endangered Western Snowy Plover was recently released by the Santa Barbara Zoo, who runs the rescue program for the species, and new technology has allowed for better Plover data collection. KCSB's Devon Szalva has the story.

Thousands of Moroccan migrants continue to roam in Ceuta, with limited information what the future brings for Spanish-Moroccan border control. KCSB's Maelle Fontaine explains the events and possible implications of mass migration.

Santa Barbara County is asking for public input to outline the county's top priorities for advocacy this year. Through a legislative survey, anyone is able to participate in a ranking of their top legislative priorities. This survey will be taken into consideration by the Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors in their legislative decisions for 2027. KCSB's Mavis Holley spoke to Legislative Analyst for the County of Santa Barbara, Clare Tobin, to learn more.

With midterm elections upon us, UCSB students and Isla Vista Community members have many opportunities to get involved with elections at a local and national level. There are resources on how to vote, submit a ballot, and different initiatives for getting involved with local politics. KCSB's Mavis Holley spoke to the UCSB Assistant Dean of Civic & Community Engagement, Viviana Marsano to learn more.

This story was originally aired on September 21st 2026. Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Assembly Bill 713, which would have allowed undocumented university students in California to work campus jobs, on September 20th. Undocumented students are legally allowed to attend university, but barriers surrounding the cost of living and tuition make it difficult for them to receive equal access. AB 713 aims to address this. KCSB's Mavis Holley spoke to Jeffery Freitas, president of the Union of Educators and Classified Professionals, an organization that sponsored the bill, to find out more.

In Northern Ireland large protests surrounding a march by Loyalist group the Orange Order led to a two week standoff with residents of the town. The march has historically been met with violence, prompting Northern Ireland’s Secretary of State to ban it. KCSB’s Tyler Andell breaks down the history and ongoing situation.

A “Super El Nino” isn’t the only weather phenomenon that could bring destruction to California’s coastline this winter. KCSB’s Arlene Ramos explains more on the matter.

Three of UC Santa Barbara’s faculty members were recognized and honored this year for their earth sciences advancements by the professional organization, the American Geophysical Union. KCSB’s Alyssa Tarango has more.

The number of "MIP" (minor in possession of alcohol) and other alcohol-related violations increases in the fall when students arrive or return to Isla Vista and UC Santa Barbara. AS-UCSB Legal Resources Center Attorney Robin Unander explains how to avoid the most common violations in this KCSB News feature, "From Where I Sit." Produced and created with KCSB News reporter Clarissa Hom.

KCSB’ Sports Director Hiral Panchal speaks with Oskar Garcia, sports journalist with The Athletic, to learn more about his time at KCSB where he once served as the station's news director and general manager, and how his college media experience helped him become the journalist he is today.

As the UCSB academic year begins, Associated Students Executive Officers and Senators are starting up projects and plans to serve the student body. One executive officer has also joined Isla Vista’s local governing body to bridge the information gap between Associated Students and Isla Vista’s Community Services District. KCSB’s Tatiana Jacquez sat down with External Vice President for Local Affairs, Noah Luken, to learn more about his plans for the school year.

At the beginning of the K-12 academic year in the city of Santa Barbara, multiple instances of ICE presence were reported in the early hours of August 26th through August 29th. What are the patterns of ICE Raids in the city of Santa Barbara, and how do they conduct raids in the 805 area? KCSB's Tatiana Jacquez spoke with 805UndocuFund's Programs Manager, Beatriz Basurto, to learn more about the days-long ICE presence in Santa Barbara.

This news story was originally aired on September 21st 2026. Just 6 months after Sable Offshore Corp began pumping oil along the Gaviota Coast, the company has plans to dig up the pipeline in 12 locations to check for corrosion. These validation digs along the Santa Barbara County pipeline route will determine for the company and federal regulators if there are anomalies. KCSB's Mavis Holley spoke to a UCSB professor to understand the situation.

This Saturday (September 19th), the 42nd annual California Coastal Cleanup Day will be underway. It’s an opportunity for community members to help clean up trash and make a difference in their local ecosystems. Learn how you can get involved. KCSB's Mavis Holley has the story.

El Niño activity has grown exponentially stronger over the past 40 years than any events over the past 1,000 years. 1850 marks the year when humans began impacting the climate with greenhouse gases, a possible explanation for the rising intensity. The phenomenon is natural, coming every couple of years, and causing the tropical Pacific to become warmer than usual and affecting weather patterns across the globe. A UCSB researcher is tracking the strengthening phenomenon in the tropical Pacific. KCSB's Mavis Holley has the story.

A Trump administration rule attempting to rescind the federal regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act is going into effect today (September 14th 2026). The removal of the word means damaging or destroying habitat may no longer violate the law when it injures or kills protected wildlife. KCSB's Mavis Holley spoke to a UCSB professor to break down recent developments.

Earlier this month (August 2026), the California Coastal Commission unanimously voted against an offshore fracking proposal for 16 oil wells at Platform Gilda in the Santa Barbara Channel. The commission cited risk of oil spill and aging infrastructure as the grounds for its objection against the project. KCSB's Mavis Holley spoke to Deputy Chief Counsel at the Environmental Defence Center, Maggie Hall, about the coastal commission's decision and community outcry against fracking. Photo: Maggie Hall

The Associated Students Legal Resource Center is a student initiative helping students respond to legal problems affecting their academic studies or well-being. Student Legal Advisors are available to help students navigate different categories of legal issues, including tenant disputes, employment, and immigration. KCSB's Mavis Holley spoke to Student Legal Advisor Jessica Anticoni about how students can get involved. Photo: Mavis Holley

This week motorists waited in line for hours in Goleta to buy gas at $3 a gallon. It was all to draw attention to Republican Steve Hilton’s campaign for governor. KCSB’s Ray Briare brings us this report:

Volunteers from SBResiste show up in the lobby of the Santa Barbara County Jail, whenever ICE agents are present, to observe and document the activity. This week ICE blasted volunteers with pepper spray. KCSB’s Ray Briare brings us this report. Photo Credit: SBResiste, used with permission

Have a beef with your landlord or roommates or finding yourself in a conflict with campus administration? Learn more about these no-cost resources available to UCSB students and IV residents. KCSB's Mavis Holley anchors this episode, speaking with Jessica Anticouni, an attorney in the AS Legal Resource Center, and advisor to the Isla Vista Tenants Union. Plus, learn more about how the AS-UCSB Office of the Student Advocate General (SAG) serves as the campus publid defender, in a conversation (2026-27) Student Advocate General Suyan Wang.

KCSB FM has a new executive committee team for the upcoming school year. In this episode, you'll hear from KCSB's incoming Sports Director, Hiral Panchal, in conversation with Annabelle Persaud, a recent UCSB graduate, to find out how she’s using the skills she learned in student media in her professional career.

UC Santa Barbara hosts the UCSB Reads Program, an opportunity for students and community members to engage in multiple activities and programs surrounding one book for the duration of the school year, including a talk with the author. Voting ends August 26th, so head over to library.ucsb.edu to cast your vote for the 2027 book. KCSB’s Mavis Holley spoke to UCSB Exhibitions and Events Manager Sara Kelly about how to get involved.

Free National Parks and Public Land access days are right around the corner. Next Tuesday is the 110th birthday of the National Park Service and an opportunity for parkgoers to access national parks for free. Also upcoming on Saturday, September 26th, is National Public Lands Day, a volunteer event offering free admission to many sites. KCSB's Mavis Holley spoke with UCSB Environmental Studies lecturer Deborah Williams about how to find freely accessible public lands near you.

A case of measles was reported in Santa Barbara county last week, contracted while the individual was out of the county. Health officials say the case is no longer a community threat, according to KSBY news. On a national scale, Measles cases have been on the rise over the past two years, says UC Health. Previously, it was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but has since returned. KCSB’s Mavis Holley spoke with the Public Health Officer for the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, Dr. Henning Ansorg, about the county's case and the national resurgence.

UC Santa Barbara is looking to extend and establish more Artificial Intelligence Guidelines for academia across campus. There are still several questions about the appropriate use of AI, and debate about how to apply the technology throughout the wide range of disciplines the university offers. KCSB's Mavis Holley spoke to UCSB Psychology and Brain Science Professor Miguel Eckstein to learn more.

Santa Barbara’s East Beach is found to have consistently high levels of bacteria such as E. Coli and other pollutants. The Sierra Club found significant pollution in the beach's water during rainy winters, prompting the organization to enact the Clean Water Act. To stop the pollution, they’ve negotiated a settlement agreement with three responsible companies. KCSB’s Mavis Holley spoke to Sycamore Law Partner Jesse Swanhuyser about the issue.

Since the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law by President Donald Trump last July, it’s had an impact on healthcare within Santa Barbara County. The bill has resulted in residents at risk of losing Medi-Cal coverage through CenCal Health. Changes to federal eligibility rules and loss of funding have created unique challenges for undocumented patients. I spoke to the director of Santa Barbara County Health, Mohanad Hamami, about the Trump administration's efforts to politicize health care. KCSB's Mavis Holley has the story.

California’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is hiring personnel to serve as “fire watch” for prison facilities with malfunctioning or inoperable fire alarm systems. The price to replace the alarms is now in the millions. KCSB’s Tatiana Jacquez has more on the story.

UC Santa Barbara lecturer Deborah Williams joined the Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame, an award dedicated to honoring women whose significant achievements and contributions have shaped and influenced the direction of Alaska. KCSB's Mavis Holley spoke to Williams about her career as an attorney, teacher, and public servant.

On May 15th, 2024, hundreds of law enforcement officers were called to UC Irvine to disperse a peaceful protest on the 76th anniversary of the Nakba. The protest was ruled unlawful, and law enforcement began pushing back the crowd. Tenured Global Studies professor, Dr. Tiffany Willoughby-Herard, was arrested and injured by law enforcement officers while attempting to protect student protestors and de-escalate the situation. Now over two years later, UC Irvine Chancellor Gillman has found her in violation of faculty code of conduct and suspended her without pay and health insurance for an academic quarter. Here is KCSB’s Tatiana Jacquez with the story.

Last year on July 10th, one of the largest immigration raids on the Central Coast was carried out by federal agents at the Glass House Farms facilities in Camarillo and Carpinteria. Around 360 people were arrested and one man, Jaime Alanis Garcia, died after sustaining injuries from a 30 foot fall. On the one-year anniversary of the raids, community members and volunteers from various immigration advocacy groups came together outside the Glass House Farms facility in Camarillo to remember and honor the people whose lives have changed forever as a result of the raids. Here’s KCSB's Tatiana Jacquez with the story.

The UC Santa Barbara Office of the Student Advocate is a resource that helps students navigate disputes with the university through confidential peer support, assistance, and advice. The office works to improve University policies on behalf of the student body. To discuss the work that they do, KCSB’s Mavis Holley speaks to Student Advocate General, Suyan Wang.

Sable Offshore Oil Corp. reportedly sent a letter to the Trump administration asking to exercise eminent domain over public and private land in Santa Barbara county. Politico published the letter last week, it was dated June second. Sable’s pipelines are connected to the land they’re looking to acquire. The company has been actively operating after it resumed oil production in March and is looking to bypass prohibitive local and state law. Initially, the Trump administration approved the restart through an emergency order bypassing permission from California. KCSB’s Mavis Holley spoke to UC Santa Barbara professor Paasha Mahdavi about what asserting eminent domain over private and public land means for both the pipeline project and California state rights.

To learn more about Sacramento-based immigration advocacy, and the conditions of immigrant detention centers across the country, KCSB's Tatiana Jacquez spoke with NorCal Resist Program Director, Giselle Garcia, to learn more about the Sacramento-based group’s efforts to aid communities affected by ICE.

When tenants secure housing in Isla Vista, most landlords will ask for a security deposit. AS-UCSB Legal Advisor Robin Unander shares information that renters need to know about security deposits - and how to ensure that all or most of the funds will be returned upon move out. Robin is interviewed by KCSB News Reporter Malia Guy.

On Tuesday June 23rd, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors heard a presentation from the Sheriff’s Department regarding the number of ICE transfers through SB54 and judicial warrants. Community members pushed back, urging the Sheriff's department to end voluntary compliance with federal immigration enforcement. KCSB’s Tatiana Jacquez has more on the story.

UCSB has announced a new Dean of the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management starting during the 2026-2027 academic year. KCSB’s Tatiana Jacquez has more on the new dean, Dr. Elena Irwin.

A ban on loud music over the traditional Deltopia 2026 weekend prompted IV’s local government to create a new street festival with live music, free food, public art displays and more to bring the community together. This is part 2 of the conversation between KCSB’s Dick Flacks speaks with Jonathan Abboud and Myah Mashhadialireza with the Isla Vista Community Services District, IV’s local government.

The story behind Isla Vista’s new spring festival, Soltopia. Reps from IV’s local government organized the inaugural 2026 event as a safer, more community-inclusive event to Deltopia, the unsanctioned Spring street festival that typically draws crowds of revelers from out of town. KCSB’s Dick Flacks speaks with Jonathan Abboud and Myah Mashhadialireza with the Isla Vista Community Services District, IV’s local government. In the first of this two part series, they dive into the history of Deltopia.

KCSB's Malia Guy speaks with Robin Unander, attorney in the Associated Students of UCSB Legal Resource Center, about what tenants need to know when moving out of their rentals. Topics include, what is a move out inspection, and how to maximize your chances of having your security deposit returned.