Development has started again in I.V., as new housing laws make it easier to build. At the same time, property owners are cutting back parts of homes on Del Playa as the cliff erodes and parking is even more tightly impacted. Where is I.V. headed? And what are some ways we can make it a better place to live?

This episode takes us into the quiet community garden, as well as the homes of long-term homeowners. How has Isla Vista changed from the eyes of people who see crops of students graduate each year? What was the impact of a major renovation that displaced dozens of long-term families? How can we look at I.V. from an artist’s perspective? And what’s with that uniquely shaped dome house?

One night in 1970, a fire broke out at the Bank of America. No one yet knows who set it. But it brought both police brutality and political engagement to Isla Vista. Why does I.V. have such a vast network of parks? Why isn’t I.V. a city? And decades later how did tragedy bolster support for the Community Services District, according to its founders?

Note: This episode contains discussion of a bomb incident (4:40 - 5:00) police brutality (5:54 - 8:20), rioting (5:54 - 8:20, 23:44 - 24:00), and mass murder (24:20 - 26:13). If you do not want to hear these parts, skip them.

Post-COVID, Isla Vista grew even more expensive, all while housing stayed pretty much the same. What is like living in I.V. now? There’s good, bad, and ugly here. Note, there is discussion of sexual assault, harassment and rape from 17:50 to 18:55. If you do not want to hear this discussion, please skip this part.

 In 1954, Santa Barbara College students traded “the campus with a view” for the “campus in the slough.” Developers built more than 4,000 structures in 10 years, receiving variances and helping pass zoning codes to increase density. What was it like to live there? Student stories start in 1954 and finish in 2016, as that housing stock ages.

From the Santa Barbara Independent, a podcast that delves into the history and development of Isla Vista, CA. Written, voiced and produced by Mickey Flacks Fellow Christina McDermott.

Ep. 93 - INSIDE AI: How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping our Lives

In this episode, The Indy host, Rebecca Fairweather, sits down with Assistant Professor of Computer Science and head of the Artificial Intelligence Integration Lab at UC Santa Barbara, Misha Sra. The two discuss the significance of AI and how it will impact our everyday lives.

Chat GPT has taken the world by storm with the site having up to 200 million visitors daily. While this is one example of AI, new software and formats of intelligence are evolving quickly. Ever wanted to train for a marathon without a physical coach? Ever needed physical therapy but wanted it in the comfort of your home? These are possibilities AI could potentially work on addressing. Learn more about this and other cool AI features in the episode.

Hosted by Rebecca Fairweather.

Image Credit: Canva (Ryan King)

The Indy: A Podcast was co-created by Molly McAnany and the Santa Barbara Independent.

Theme music was written by Molly McAnany.

Follow ‘The Indy’ on social media @theindypod to support and contact podcast@independent.com for advertisements.

In this episode, The Indy host, Rebecca Fairweather, sits down with Assemblymember Gregg Hart to discuss concerns over the environment and the ongoing housing crisis.

The Assemblymember has recently restarted ‘Sidewalk Office Hours’ that is available in twelve communities across the central coast including; Orcutt, Guadalupe, Goleta, Santa Barbara, Vandenberg Village, Lompoc, Solvang, Montecito, Summerland, Nipomo, Santa Maria, and Buellton.

During his ongoing tenure, Assemblyman Hart has authored numerous bills addressing concerns ranging from the environment to affordable housing. Recently two bills addressing environmental concerns, authored by the Assemblyman, have been approved by California Governor, Gavin Newsom. Assembly Bill 584 allows state and local agencies the ability to aid in the protection of life and property alongside restoration and cleanup as a result of natural disasters. The bill allows the Coastal Commission more flexibility to issue emergency waivers. Assemblyman Hart also introduced AB 631 which increases penalties and enforcement options, empowering state and local enforcement to shut down oil companies with chronic compliance issues.

To contact the Assemblyman, visit https://a37.asmdc.org/contact.

Hosted by Rebecca Fairweather.

Image Caption: Assemblymember Gregg Hart being sworn into the California State Assembly on December 5, 2022. (Courtesy image)

The Indy: A Podcast was co-created by Molly McAnany and the Santa Barbara Independent.

The theme music was written by Molly McAnany.

Follow ‘The Indy’ on social media @theindypod to support and contact podcast@independent.com for advertisements.