On the 21-year-anniversary of the Michael Jackson trial and verdict, former News-Press reporter Dawn Hobbs recalls her time covering the high-profile trial. Hobbs covered every day of the trial in Santa Maria. In this episode of Santa Barbara Talks, Hobbs explains how she was assigned the story, how she approached the beat, and the moment she "locked eyes," with Michael Jackson. Hobbs also talks about her career as a reporter, her fight previous News-Press ownership and the state of journalism.

Josh Molina is a journalist and instructor at Santa Barbara City College. He creates dynamic conversations with individuals on the topics of housing, politics, media, culture, business and much more. Follow his podcast at www.santabarbaratalks.com and subscribe on YouTube to Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. Consider making a contribution to support his podcast.

Josh Molina talks about his memories of Loretta Redd; Also, a possible collaboration with Instagram's Visionari, in this Josh-only podcast. Josh reported on Loretta in various capacities over the years and he shares some of his thoughts on her. Also, Josh is talking with Visionari about being a guest on Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. Who is Visionari? We kickstart the conversation here. Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to make a contribution and support these podcasts.

Explore Jason Dominguez's vision for Santa Barbara, his background, and his approach to local governance as he campaigns for District 4 City Council. This interview covers key community issues like housing, fire safety, State Street, and rent stabilization.

In this episode:

Jason's personal journey from Maywood to Santa Barbara and his legal and international experiences

His previous city council service, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and transparency

Stakeholder perspectives on housing, rent stabilization, and controlling rising costs

Fire safety strategies in District 4, including coordination with fire departments and urban planning

The future of State Street and balancing commercial vitality with pedestrian-friendly policies

Dominguez's stance on political independence, collaboration, and maintaining respectful debate

Timestamps:

(00:01) - Welcome and introduction to Jason Dominguez's background

(0:30) - Why Jason is running for District 4 City Council

(2:43) - Growing up in Maywood, education, and early influences

(5:48) - How international experiences shaped his civic perspective

(10:00) - Transition from law career to local government

(13:08) - What Jason aims to accomplish in his current campaign

(17:19) - Community priorities in District 4: fire safety and development

(20:08) - The debate around rent stabilization and affordable housing

(24:26) - Perspectives on State Street revitalization

(32:15) - Balancing commercial growth with community needs

(36:42) - Views on urban planning, retail, and street redesign

(40:39) - Enhancing bike safety and youth recreation

(43:52) - Addressing concerns about political style and past interactions

(49:43) - Reflections on leadership, mistakes, and community service

(60:40) - The influence of fatherhood on his worldview

(63:23) - Final thoughts on voter trust and legislative experience

Santa Barbara Talks: Ryder Christ, Santa Barbara's Street Interviewer, talks with Josh Molina about his transition from News Director at KEYT to man-on-the-street interviewer. Christ opens up about his questions, his character, his approach, his dress, his style and what he learned from John Palminteri. Christ is leading a wave of local social media personalities capturing eyeballs on the South Coast.

Josh Molina is a journalist and college professor who creates dynamic conversations with celebrities, politicians, activities and experts in their field. Find more than 300 podcasts on this channel. Please follow and subscribe. Also visit SantaBarbaraTalks.com to contribute.

Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse won't run for re-election afterall, opening the race wide open for council colleagues Eric Friedman and Kristen Sneddon. Wendy Sims-Moten is also in the contest. Josh Molina talks about what led up to Randy's departure and what happens next on the road to the November mayoral election.

Jeramy Gordon started a newspaper in Santa Barbara at the age of 23 years old. For the next seven years, the paper emerged as such a popular media source that expanded with the launch of the Montecito Messenger. In this podcast, Gordon talks about running the newspaper as a young entrepreneur, in the triumphs and challenges, and what led to the paper's closure seven years later.

Gordon then talks about his new life as a business owner, author, father, husband and family man. He is also an author of several books, including his latest, "Opinionated, not Judgmental."

Gordon and the Santa Barbara Daily Sound represent a signifcant part of Santa Barbara's media history. Don't miss this provocative podcast episode.

Find Jeramy Gordon at:

Website

https://www.opinionated-book.com

Facebook

/ opinionatednotjudgmental

Instagram

/ jeramygordon

Buy the Book

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDJCZCF3

Joshua Molina is a journalist and college instructor. He creates compelling conversations with a variety of individuals on the topics of housing, education, politics, business and media. Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to consider a contribution to support his podcasts.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s...

Betsy O'Brien is the host of TheBetsLife podcast, and has crafted a vibrant platform where she focuses on women, business, fashion, fitness and culture, while living her "best life." The Montecito native opens up about her life, her business and what she loves about Santa Barbara.

Joshua Molina is a teacher and journalist in Santa Barbara. He is the editor of the Santa Barbara News-Press. This podcast creates dynamic conversations and spotlights amazing people making an impact on the community. Follow Josh at motownjoshnews.com. Listen to this podcast on all streaming platforms.

In this episode: The role and responsibilities of the Santa Barbara County Democratic Party

Why local races matter and how party involvement influences election outcomes

Challenges of down-ballot races and voter engagement techniques

The significance of endorsements in local elections, including the Santa Barbara mayoral race

Fundraising realities for grassroots campaigns and the importance of community support

Deep dive into the upcoming County Supervisors race and candidate endorsements

The impact of federal policies on local communities and the importance of proactive leadership

Christian’s personal background: growing up in Nevada, activism origins, and his journey to Santa Barbara

Perspectives on LGBTQ+ advocacy, faith, and community building

The importance of values, respect, and authentic communication in politics

Future challenges and opportunities for Santa Barbara’s political landscape

Personal anecdotes and reflections on love, family, and community service

Daniel A. Nelson talk about his compelling, moving documentary "Are You My Brother?" and his many other works, in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. Nelson go this start as a journalist at Santa Barbara City College, serving as sports editor of The Channels. He freelanced for the Santa Barbara Daily Sound, and covered the San Francisco Giants before transferring to Columbia University to study documentary filmmaking. He has worked on the "Are You My Brother?" and The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson," as well as "And so I stayed," and "How to Survive a Pandemic."

Nelson, the son of two Associated Press sportswriters, shares his journalism stories, talks about his career and talks about the importance of journalism.

Please subscribe to this podcast and visit www.santabarbaratalks.com.

Consider a donation to this podcast at www.santabarbaratalks.com

Josh Molina has been a journalist in Santa Barbara for 20 years. He creates dynamic and engaging conversations with people on the topics of housing, education, art, culture, business and more. He also covered City Hall for the San Jose Mercury News. In addition to working as editor of the Santa Barbara News-Press, he teaches journalism at Santa Barbara City College. Please subscribe to his You Tube channel for more content. This podcast is owned by Joshua Molina and not affiliated with any other organization.

Santa Barbara City Councilman Oscar Gutierrez chats with Santa Barbara News-Press Editor Joshua Molina about why he supports a rent stabilization ordinance in Santa Barbara. He also explains why he backs the plan to build housing at Paseo Nuevo. Gutierrez recently took trips to Japan and China and shares what he learned there.

Joshua Molina is.the editor of the Santa Barbara News-Press and a journalism instructor at Santa Barbara City College. He speaks with community leaders and interesting people to talk about housing, education, business, politics, culture and the most important issues of the day. Support his podcast at santabarbaratalks.com and follow him at motownjoshnews on Instagram