Nearly 300 Santa Barbara residents gathered in solidarity with the Asian American Pacific Islander community on Saturday, March 27 to mourn the lives lost in the March 16 Atlanta shooting and spike in anti-Asian violence since the pandemic began. KCSB’s Ashley Rusch has the story.

The societal outpoor of grief following Atlanta’s massage parlor shooting, which many are calling a hate crime against Asian women, is indicative that this was not an isolated incident of hate toward the AAPI community. Since the pandemic began, reports of anti-East and anti-Southeast Asian hate crimes have dramatically spiked in Western countries. KCSB’s Sarah Hamidi has the story.

Deb Haaland recently made history after her confirmation as the first Native American interior secretary in the United States. So, what could this mean for the future of open space on the Central Coast? KCSB's Kathryn Foster has the story.

The 36th Santa Barbara International Film Festival opens Wednesday March 31, and will run until Saturday April 10. KCSB's Harry Lawton got to talk with the major programmers about the changes required this year because of the COVID crisis (drive-in screenings at Santa Barbara City College, online award ceremonies). Nonetheless, Artistic Director Roger Durling promises a rich and varied program of US and international films.

KCSB's Jennifer Yoshikoshi speaks with Deputy Justin Schroeder, the Isla Vista Foot Patrol deputy with the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office about plans to prevent large gatherings and other COVID-related public health violations from happening over Deltopia weekend.

Then, hear from Alexis with the Associated Students Program Board about the Warm Up weekend concert being planned for UCSB students.

March Madness is upon us - for the first time in two years! KCSB's Jason Martinez sat down with Victor Bryant, former Gaucho and current sports editor for the Santa Barabara Independent, to talk college hoops and the chances of a UCSB cinderella run.

UCSB's Associated Students’ subcommittee Pages for Individuals in Prison collected hundreds of books during this year’s book drive for incarcerated individuals as a part of A.S. Human Rights week. KCSB's Sierra van der Brug speaks to Project Director Julia Chin and Publicity Co-Chair and Education Chair Mina Basmaci to learn more.

PoolUp, a UCSB rideshare app, has been created to change the way UCSB students commute and travel. CEO Michael Chong speaks with KCSB reporter Jennifer Yoshikoshi about his background and process in developing PoolUp.

UCSB's Arts and Lectures Race to Justice Series welcomed renowned author, Ta-Nehisi Coates. Some of his best selling books include Between the World and Me, We were eight years in power, and most recent novel, The Water Dancer. Coates is also a current author for Marvel comics including captain America and Black Panther. Today KCSB's Kali Acquaah recaps the event that took place on January 12th between Ta-Nehisi Coates and moderator, Professor Terrance Wooten of the UCSB's department of Black Studies.

Ever since we started quarantine a year ago, there has been a surge in children's mental health crises. The pandemic has also caused higher levels of stress and depression among working mothers. Mariela Marine, a marriage and family therapist, talks about how to identify and cope with a mental health crisis with KCSB’s Mylee Sumoge.