In an effort to document the experience of living through a global pandemic, the UC Santa Barbara Library has launched the COVID-19 Community Archives Project. The library has been accepting digital submissions through their website since May 14, ranging from personal stories to photographs. KCSB’s Bryndon Madison discussed the significance of the submission-based collection with archivist Calli Force, who spearheaded the project.

On behalf of prisoners at Lompoc Federal Prison, the ACLU of Southern California has filed a class action lawsuit that claims their 8th amendment rights have been violated. The lawsuit asks Lompoc and Terminal Island prisons to provide compassionate release to those with serious medical conditions, who are especially at risk for COVID-19. KCSB’s Ashley Rusch spoke with Peter Eliasberg, chief counsel of the ACLU of Southern California, to hear the details.

Hospitals are now required to report COVID-19 data to another organization rather than the Center for Disease Control. KCSB's Grace Aldrich explains.

With nationwide protests across the nation following the killing of George Floyd, mainstream media has been criticized for its portrayal of the demonstrations. Many are disappointed and distrustful of current news media, which they say sensationalizes looting and violence and ignores the voices of organizers. Community media outlets and local newspapers attempt to highlight these voices, but are often underfunded or have smaller platforms. To learn more about mainstream media in relation to the current Movement for Black Lives, KCSB’s Ashley Rusch spoke with Media Justice Executive Director Steven Renderos.

Lompoc’s Federal Prison was ground zero in COVID-19 cases in Santa Barbara County, quickly becoming the largest prison outbreak in the country. The prison’s response fostered outrage about the conditions inside the penitentiary, igniting community backlash and frustration among family members. In response to the troubling conditions inside the penitentiary, the ACLU of Southern California has now filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of the inmates. KCSB’s Ashley Rusch spoke with the sister of an inmate, who wished to remain anonymous, and Reverend Jane Quandt, a support group leader, about the conditions inside the prison.

Photo Credit: Federal Bureau of Prisons

For many people, emotions are stirred up in response to the unprecedented time we are living in. It may feel that anxiety and fear is pulling people away from their balance. One thing that is for certain is that we have the ability to make meaningful change starting from our own peace of mind. Reporter Kali Acquaah speaks with Ashe Brown, owner of Pura Luna Apothecary in Santa Barbara.

KCSB’s Jonathan Ya interviews Kyle Ratner, an assistant professor in psychological and brain sciences at UCSB, about his study on the negative psychological effects that stereotypes have on Mexican American students. While discussing the study, they also discuss how this study relates to the current social climate in America today.

A report by the Santa Barbara County Grand Jury details the need for affordable housing in Santa Barbara in order to address homelessness and the job and housing imbalance. Chuck Flacks, the program director at PATH (People Assisting the Homeless), works to build affordable housing and provide supportive services for homeless individuals and families in the city. KCSB’s Aubrey Valerio spoke with Flacks about the Grand Jury report and why the city of Santa Barbara has been reluctant to build more affordable housing.

Following a 10 month search the UC regents have announced the 21st president of the University of California, Dr. Michael V. Drake. KCSB’s Grace Aldrich explores his past accomplishments and qualifications that make him a promising choice for the future of the UC system.

(Photo Credit: UC Newsroom)

UC Santa Barbara’s Associated Students Legal Resource Center will forfeit providing confidential legal advice for students beginning July 10th. KCSB’s Ashley Rusch spoke with Robin Unander, the student legal services advisor, about the proposed changes and the potential consequences for students.