KCSB News

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.