Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina

Architect Greg Rech and writer and author Betsy J. Green join Josh Molina for a fascinating discussion about the 1925 Santa Barbara earthquake and how the community built its way out of. Also visit https://eq25.org/ for the story of the quake and learn more at the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara.

Sunstone President Teddy Cabugos and Splash Nano Co-Founder Kalon Baird talk with Journalist Josh Molina about the effort to legalize hemp beverages. Cabugos and Baird have developed a hemp beverage and are working to educate the public and lawmakers about hemp. Learn all about hemp beverages and their efforts to make it as ubiquitous as other drinks. Josh Molina is an award-winning journalist who creates conversations around education, housing, pop culture, media, business and more. Check out this podcast by subscribing and visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to support this podcast financially. Follow Josh on Instagram @motownjoshnews

Santa Barbara City Planning Commissioner John Baucke talks about two La Cumbre Plaza housing projects with journalist Josh Molina, in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks. Baucke explains his concerns about a 443-unit project for the Sears side of the plaza. He also offers his views on the Macy's project on the other side of the mall. The conversation also shifts to affordable housing and Baucke's ideas for how create a redevelopment agency to help fund affordable housing. Baucke offers a smart take on what's happening with housing at La Cumbre Plaza and throughout the city. He also shares about his personal back story. Joshua Molina is an award-winning journalist, podcaster, and college instructor who creates compelling conversation on issues of housing, education, politics, business and culture. Please subscribe to this podcast and follow Josh on IG at motownjoshnews. Please consider a financial contribution to support Molina's podcast series at SantaBarbaraTalks.com SBT is an LLC founded by Joshua Molina.

Brittany Zagic and Gareth Kelly join Josh Molina on the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks to talk about their effort to preserve Santa Barbara's Funk Zone. They are fighting against a 250-room hotel proposed for 101 Garden Street. The want the hotel reduced in size or turned into housing to help preserve the charm and culture of the Funk Zone. Check out their points and perspective in this episode. Also, documentary filmmaker Gareth Kelly talks about his film that highlights the people and power of the Funk Zone. Watch the film here: https://www.youtube.com/@bowlinefilms Joshua Molina is an award-winning journalist, podcaster, and college instructor who creates compelling conversation on issues of housing, education, politics, business and culture. Please subscribe to this podcast and follow Josh on IG @ motownjoshnews. Please consider a financial contribution to support Molina's podcast series at SantaBarbaraTalks.com SBT is an LLC founded by Joshua Molina.

Rob Fredericks, executive director of the Santa Barbara Housing Authority, explains why he is halting new section 8 housing vouchers, the reasoning and who it affects. He also gives an update on the latest Housing Authority developments, including Bella Vista and Jacaranda Court, among others. Joshua Molina is an award-winning journalist, podcaster, and college instructor who creates compelling conversation on issues of housing, education, politics, business and culture. Please subscribe to this podcast and follow Josh on IG at motownjoshnews. Please consider a financial contribution to support Molina's podcast series at SantaBarbaraTalks.com SBT is an LLC founded by Joshua Molina.

Santa Barbara Teen Star Naomi Jane Voigt, Chloe Voigt, founder of YouthClusive and Kian Strenn, San Marcos High School ASB President, open up about their views on the Santa Barbara Unified School District attempt to cut teacher positions instead of administration. The three talk about the epic 8-hour meeting that ended about 3 a.m. and how they felt disrespected and unheard by some board members, especially board member Bill Banning. Naomi Jane talks about feeling "silenced and diminished by an older man on the board." "In that moment, us students, at least I felt my power in that moment was taken away. My voice got taken away. My passion got taken away. I felt squashed." Chloe said, "I am just offended by the fact that their job is to listen to us and make school a better place for us, but they don't want to listen to us." Kian adds: "It seems that they just lost perspective on what it is that really matters at schools, which is clearly the students. The biggest impact on students is what you do with the teachers. It's not the administration. It's not the people at the district level. It's the teachers. Check out this podcast to hear all their views on the proposed cuts, the mood among students, and where things are headed. Chloe also shares about her YouthClusive arts and theater program that she started at 13 years old. Naomi Jane talks about her experience winning Santa Barbara Teen Star and how she is using that platform to speak out for all students in Santa Barbara and beyond. Joshua Molina is an award-winning journalist, podcaster, and college instructor who creates compelling conversation on issues of housing, education, politics, business and culture. Please subscribe to this podcast and follow Josh on IG at motownjoshnews. Please consider a financial contribution to support Molina's podcast series at SantaBarbaraTalks.com SBT is an LLC founded by Joshua Molina.

He's only 24, but already, Sullivan Israel is one of Santa Barbara's most influential people. He founded the local Strong Towns SB and has been advocated for safer streets for all types of transportation. Sullivan wants Santa Barbara to move away from planning with a car as the main focus and instead make all ways of transportation an equal option. He wants to bring more housing to the downtown Santa Barbara area because housing downtown, he says, will help revitalize retail on State Street. Sullivan isn't just a guy with ideas. He has degrees in civil engineering and urban planning and is a graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and UCLA. He attended Laguna Blanca school and guess what? He wants to run for Santa Barbara City Council, possibly even mayor. Check out this dynamic podcast with one of Santa Barbara's brightest stars. Award-winning journalist Josh Molina creates dynamic and compelling conversations with the region's leaders on the issues of housing, transportation, education, business and culture. He formally worked at the San Jose Mercury News and now is a local journalist and teaches journalism at Santa Barbara City College. Consider a contribution to support his podcast by visiting www.santabarbaratalks.com and please subscribe on YouTube.

The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors want to increase their pay by $58,000 annually. They are set to vote on the matter Tuesday, Feb. 25. Conservative Andy Caldwell has been vocal about the proposed raise, calling it "obscene." In this podcast he talks with Josh Molina about the pay raise, why he objects to it, and why he believes it is a part-time job. Caldwell also discusses the controversial Santa Barbara County AMR contract, something he calls the worst moment he has scene in his more than three decades of following county government. The two also talk about Roy Lee, Bob Nelson, Steve Lavagnino and why Das Williams lose. Caldwell says he grew to like Williams, at a time when his early supporters left him. Joshua Molina is an award-winning journalist who creates compelling conversations with dynamic individuals on the topics of housing, education, culture, art, politics and so much more. Please consider a contribution at www.santabarbaratalks.com to support these podcasts and following him on instagram at @motownjoshnews.com

Storyteller Leslie Zemeckis talks with Josh Molina about her award-winning, women-centered films that tell the lost stories of powerful women in history. Her most recent documentary Grandes Horizontales tells the story of mid-1805s courtesans who accumulated wealth, power and property by breaking the rules, when women could now marry or work outside of their class. From her website lesliezemeckis.com: "It isn't for us to judge their choices but to reveal the answers behind the why and the what about these free-spirited, determined women that inspired decades of artists who tried to capture their likeness, their essence, their appeal." She also talks about her body of work, including "Bound by Flesh" about conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, and the award-winning "Mabel, Mabel, Tiger Trainer" about the first female tiger trainer, Mabel Stark, Zemeckis explains why she was called to tell the stories of women and the lessons we can learn from powerful women in the past. She also teaches writing and storytelling and recently returned to a full-time schedule at Santa Barbara City College. Joshua Molina is an award-winning journalist who creates compelling conversations with dynamic individuals on the topics of housing, education, culture, art, politics and so much more. Please consider a contribution at www.santabarbaratalks.com to support these podcasts and following him on instagram at @motownjoshnews.com Find Leslie Zemeckis at @lesliezemeckis

Developer Peter Lewis pulls back the curtain and talks about the blockbuster deal to sell the 81-unit Soltara Apartments in downtown Santa Barbara to UCSB. Lewis explains how the deal went down and why it was necessary to do so. He also talks about State Street housing, downtown, commercial conversions, and the Cost Plus World Market. Joshua Molina is a journalist, college professor and podcaster who creates dynamic conversations on housing, education, transportation, business, culture and the issues of the day with community leaders and personalities. Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to make a financial contribution to support this independently owned podcast. Also subscribe to IG @motownjoshnews

Newsmakers with JR editor Jerry Roberts talks about his switch to Substack as a distribution platform in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. Roberts explains what the change means, and his vision for the site, created in 2014 with Hap Freund, which provides analysis, commentary and enterprise journalism about Santa Barbara public affairs. Roberts also discusses the broader media landscape and his disgust with Donald Trump. Molina and Roberts also talk about Roy Lee, Das Williams, Wendy Santamaria and what Sheila Lodge no longer on the Santa Barbara Planning Commission means for the city. Check out the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina and consider a financial contribution to support these podcasts at www.santabarbaratalks.com. Also, please hit subscribe on YouTube. Joshua Molina is a journalist and college instructor who creates dynamic conversations on the topics of housing, politics, education, culture and business. Please hit subscribe on YouTube.

This is part 2 of a 3-part series with Das Williams, outing Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor. Williams is the longest-serving elected official in the county. He was first elected to the Santa Barbara City Council in 2003. After an unsuccessful bid at re-election in 2024, Williams is looking at his next move, which likely will involve working in an environmental field, to focus on climate change and renewable energy. In this podcast, Williams talks about his final Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting, his years in the California State Assembly, his legislation involving oil, education, gun laws, environmental sustainability. He also talks about cannabis and his views on the those who turned on him over cannabis policy and cannabis contributions. Check out this compelling podcast and don't miss Part 1, also on ‪@santabarbaratalkswithJosh‬ . Expect Part 3 in January.

John Davies is Santa Barbara's premiere conservative political mind. He sits down with Josh Molina for an in-depth discussion on conservative politics across the nation and locally and discusses why he believes Trump defeated Kamala Harris in November. Davies, the founder and CEO of Davies Public Affairs and Blaze PR, also has deep knowledge of Santa Barbara County politics. Davies talks about what may have been behind Das Williams' stunning re-election defeat, thoughts on his legacy and what he will miss about Williams. He also shares his views on Alejandra Gutierrez, who lost her bid for re-election to Wendy Santa Maria. Davies calls her a friend and said he spoke with her during the campaign. We also hear his views on the local Republican Party, and the reasons why Republicans can't seem to win seats locally. We also get his surprising views on Santa Barbara City Councilwoman and California Coastal Commissioner Meagan Harmon, and many other topics. Check out this podcast as well 200 others by visiting and subscribing to Santa Barbara Talks on YouTube. Josh Molina is a journalist and college instructor who creates community conversation on topics such as housing, education, politics, business, culture and more. Also visit www.santabarbaratalks.com for more content.

Das Williams joins Josh Molina to talk about the early part of his life and career in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks. Williams explains how his early work for CAUSE, field representative for Hannah-Beth Jackson and campaign manager for the No on Recall campaign against Gail Marshall led to a successful run for Santa Barbara City Council. He shares about his "troubled" childhood, growing up with divorced parents, and little supervision helped shape his survival instincts. He credits four Santa Barbara City College professors, David Lawyer, John Kay, Manou Eskandari, and Peter Haslund for helping to reset him turn him in the correct direction. Williams also talks about how he won a seat on the City Council, his campaign strategy of talking to voters outside of the Golden Triangle, and his focus on water, housing and neighborhoods. Williams also talks about lessons he learned from an ill-advised run for Santa Barbara County Supervisor in 2005, two years into his City Council term. Williams also reflects on his mistakes, successes, lessons learned, and his political enemies. This is Part 1. In Part 2 we will discuss his years in the California State Assembly and Santa Barbara County Supervisors, and what went wrong in his bid for re-election.

Rev. David Moore sits down with Josh Molina to talk about Trump's victory in the presidential contest, why and how it happened, and what it means for the country. He also shares his thoughts on Democrats, whether they turned their backs on working people, and how the situation in Gaza affected the presidential outcome. Moore also shares his views on local political issues, including rent control and affordable housing. Then he discusses his background and upbringing and how he became a human rights advocate. Check out this podcast conversation as well as more than 150 others by visiting and subscribing to Santa Barbara Talks on YouTube. Josh Molina is a journalist who creates community conversation on topics such as housing, education, politics, business, culture and more. Also visit www.santabarbaratalks.com for more content.

Dr. Eliot Jacobson, professor of mathematics and computer science returns to Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina to talk about the major weather storm currently hitting California. Jacobson explains why it is happening, and why we should expect more extreme weather events. Jacobson also talks about what it means to be an environmental doomer (it's not what you think), and expresses his frustration with some environmentalists who perpetuate a green energy agenda. He says there is no quantifiable difference between green energy and fossil fuels and that the real solution is for everyone to consume less of everything. Jacobson also has some messages for young people and how they can be part of the environmental solution. Essentially, he says we need to think about making change not for people, but for the natural world.

Journalist Josh Molina breaks down the contest between incumbent Oscar Gutierrez and challenger Tony Becerra in the battle for seat on the Santa Barbara City Council in District 3. Please consider a financial contribution to support these podcasts by visiting santabarbaratalks.com. Joshua Molina is a journalist and college instructor who creates dynamic conversations on the topics of housing, politics, education, culture and business. Please hit subscribe on YouTube.

They call him the mayor of the Westside. Tony Becerra, a karate trainer, enters the political arena to challenge his former student Oscar Gutierrez for a seat on the Santa Barbara City Council in District 3. In this podcast, Becerra opens up about the reasons why he is running for office and his views on issues such as rent control, State Street and the sales tax increase. Becerra also talks about his personal story, being a renter, a small business owner, and one of 12 children in his family. He says he has a vision, is an entrepreneur and plans to advocate for more crosswalks and services on Santa Barbara's Westside. Becerra also talks about Gutierrez, notes that he lives with his mother, and says that ''at some point you have to create your own life, your own opportunities.' Learn about Becerra's campaign in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. Please consider a financial contribution to support these podcasts by visiting santabarbaratalks.com. Joshua Molina is a journalist and college instructor who creates dynamic conversations on the topics of housing, politics, education, culture and business. Please hit subscribe on YouTube.

Jennifer Smith is running for Goleta City Council in District 3. In this podcast conversation with journalist Josh Molina, Smith talks about the housing proposal at the Glen Annie Golf Club, the county's Housing Element process, Old Town Goleta's re-striping efforts, traffic in Goleta, plans to close the Goleta library for two years, and variety of issues and challenges facing Goleta. Smith also talks about her work as a Legal Aid Foundation attorney and her background and the events that shaped her public service. Josh Molina is a journalist who creates dynamic conversation with people on the topics of housing, education, business, politics, culture and the issues facing our region. Please hit subscribe on YouTube and consider a financial contribution to support these podcasts at www.santabarbaratalks.com

Dave King is running for a re-election as Buellton Mayor in the Nov. 5, 2024 election. King was first elected in 2008 to the City Council. King talks with journalist Josh Molina about his re-election campaign. King shares his plans to build a disc golf course, re-open a movie theater, and explains the plan to open a bowling alley in Buellton. In addition, King, a retired CHP officer, said he wants to bring more CHP officers to Highway 246 to slow down speeding on the highway. King discusses his time as mayor and his plans for re-election. Journalist Josh Molina host Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina and creates dynamic conversations on topics such as housing, business, education, culture and politics. Please subscribe on YouTube and visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to make a financial contribution to support these podcasts. Explore the podcast

Josh Molina breaks down the behind-the-scenes dynamic behind the City Council District 1 contest between Alejandra Gutierrez and Wendy Santamaria, amid recent endorsements, and allegations of sign theft. Josh Molina is a college instructor and journalists who interviews people on a variety of issues, including housing, education, culture, business and politics. Santa Barbara Talks is a place for all perspectives to discuss solutions on topics that affect all of us. Visit SantaBarbaraTalks.com to make a contribution. Please hit subscribe on YouTube.

Goleta resident Rich Foster is running for Goleta Mayor! Foster is a regular at government meetings and often-critic of the Goleta City Council and staff. In this podcast, Foster talks about his views on housing, the Old Town Goleta re-striping project, the spending for the new train station remodel, roads, and other Goleta issues. Foster is challenging incumbent Paula Perotte. Please check out this podcast and find more than 250 others ‪@santabarbaratalkswithJosh‬. Josh Molina creates dynamic conversations with individuals on the topics of housing, education, business, politics, culture and more. Molina also hosts The Josh Molina show where he offers analysis and commentary on the issues of the day.

Journalist Josh Molina talks about how AI further erodes the quality of journalism and says news outlets should hire more journalists to save the industry. He also talks about media bias, explains what censorship is and what it is isn't talks the difference between on-the-ground news gatherers and influencers. Josh Molina is a college instructor and journalists who interviews people on a variety of issues, including housing, education, culture, business and politics. Santa Barbara Talks is a place for all perspectives to discuss solutions on topics that affect all of us. Visit SantaBarbaraTalks.com to make a contribution. Please hit subscribe on YouTube.

Buellton Vice Mayor David Silva stole the show at the recent Santa Barbara County Democratic Party Labor Day Barbecue. His explanation for why he his running for mayor wowed the crowd of nearly 300 people. Silva sits down with journalist Josh Molina for a candid discussion about his candidacy and his views on politics. "I don't view this as pitting against two people," Silva says on the podcast. "I see politics as less of a basketball game and more of a marathon. I am really just trying to run the best time I can." Check out the podcast to learn more about Silva, who grew up in Orcutt, the son on a rancher and a farmer. Joshua Molina is a journalist with more than 20 years of experience. He has worked in Santa Barbara, San Diego and the Bay area covering City Hall, politics, housing, redevelopment, breaking news, features, and just about every topic. He is also a college instructor. Please consider a contribution to support this podcast and see more content at santabarbaratalks.com. Also, please subscribe on YouTube.

A Los Angeles developer wants to build 255 apartments on a hill behind the Santa Barbara Mission and across the street from the Mission Rose Garden. Josh Molina explains what is going on in this fast-break, special episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. He also talks about the plan to create more housing at La Cumbre Plaza and talks about councilwoman Kristen Sneddon and her leadership. Santa Barbara Talks is a podcast hosted by journalist Joshua Molina. He creates dynamic conversations with people on the topics of housing, education, politics, business, culture and much more. Please subscribe on YouTube and visit Molina's website www.santabarbaratalks.com

Santa Barbara City Councilmember Alejandra Gutierrez is running for a second term on the Santa Barbara City Council. In this podcast, Gutierrez talks about her accomplishments during her first term in office, and answers questions about her stance on rent control, housing, and her primary opponent, Wendy Santamaria. Gutierrez also talks about her new alliance with Jason Dominguez, the person she unseated when she won her first term. Gutierrez also discusses the Santa Barbara County Democratic Party, and whey she did not seek an endorsement. Gutierrez also shares her personal story. Santa Barbara Talks is a podcast hosted by journalist Joshua Molina. He creates dynamic conversations with people on the topics of housing, education, politics, business, culture and much more. Please subscribe on YouTube and visit Molina's website www.santabarbaratalks.com

Hilda Maldonado, Superintendent of the Santa Barbara Unified School District, opens up in this podcast with journalist Josh Molina. Maldonado answers questions about the turnover in the cabinet, her leadership style, the Santa Barbara Teachers Association contract controversies, the strike threat, Hozby Galindo, what role being Latina plays in how she is perceived, and much more. She also talks about her personal story and coming to the U.S. at 11 and learning to speak English. Josh Molina is a journalist who focuses conversations on housing, education, transportation, business and culture. Please hit subscribe on YouTube and visit www.santabarbaratalks.com for more content

Journalists Jade Martinez-Pogue and Lily Dallow talk their epic Taylor Swift concert in Amsterdam. After spending hours online waiting to order tickets, the two lucked out and scored near front-row seats, for less than $250 each, a fraction of what Taylor tickets cost in the U.S. Hear about their amazing journey, along with friend Phoebe, through Europe, including their hostel stays. Also, Lily announces her new job, as digital content director at KTLA in Los Angeles. Check out this hilarious and entertaining podcast with two of journalism's brightest young stars. Josh Molina is a journalist who focuses conversations on housing, education, transportation, business and culture. Please hit subscribe on YouTube and visit www.santabarbaratalks.com for more content

Four days after Josh Molina talked about the Democratic Party's snub of Santa Barbara City Councilman Mike Jordan in his re-election campaign, Daraka Larimore-Hall comes on the show to talk about the endorsement process and explain the reasons why Jordan didn't have support. He says it was about more than just rent control. Larimore-Hall also criticizes Molina for his podcast comments and says he doesn't have the full story. Molina and Larimore-Hall clash over why the party didn't endorse Jordan, journalism, and Molina's coverage. Molina defends journalism, in this wide-ranging, at times, heated conversation. Please hit subscribe on YouTube and visit santabarbaratalks.com Josh Molina is a journalist and podcast who creates dynamic conversations on topics of housing, education, transportation, politics, culture and business and much more.

Journalist Josh Molina breaks down the plan between the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce and the city of Santa Barbara over an economic development proposal. The city wants to move forward, but without doing a request for proposals. Councilwoman Meagan Harmon raises some concerns about not doing a competitive process. Also, the democratic party declines to endorse Mike Jordan in his re-election bid on the Santa Barbara City Council. Check it out and find more content at santabarbaratalks.com Please subscribe on YouTube. Josh Molina is a journalist who creates dynamic conversations on topics of housing, education, transportation, culture and business.

Jett Black-Maertz suspends campaign in District 1 on Santa Barbara's Eastside. Tony Becerra, martial arts sensei challenges Oscar Gutierrez in District 3 on the Westside. Josh Molina explains how these changes shakeup the Santa Barbara City Council contest. Joshua Molina is an award-winning journalist who creates dynamic conversations on the topics of housing, education, transportation, business, culture and much more. Please share this podcast with a friend and please hit subscribe. Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com for more content.

Three members of StrongTowns SB join Josh Molina for a special episode of Santa Barbara Talks to discuss the future of State Street! Ian Baucke, Joanna Kaufman and Tristen Miller outline their vision for the State Street Promenade. The group would like to see no cars allowed between the 500 and 1300 blocks and they prefer the "flat and flexible" way. In this podcast, they explain what they actually believe about cars, electric bikes and pedestrians on the promenade. StrongTowns SB has emerged as a key player int he conversation about State Street's future as the State Street Advisory Committee meets to talk about the Master Plan. The SSAC plans to meet again on July 15 and eventually the council will take a vote. This is the place to learn about the plan, and StrongTowns' growing role and influence on Santa Barbara's transportation network. StrongTowns motto is "Let's make our city more livable, walkable, and fiscally resilient." Joshua Molina is an award-winning journalist who creates dynamic conversations on the topics of housing, education, transportation, business, culture and much more. Please share this podcast with a friend and please hit subscribe. Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com for more content.

Architect Ed Lenvik talks the future of Santa Barbara' State Street and the promenade, including his views on cars, bikes, parklets, pedestrians whether to become "curbless." He also discusses retail, the "restaurant mafia," and his views on the the progress of the State Street Advisory Committee, a group he sits on. Lenvik, a member of the Historic Landmarks Commission, pulls no punches in his assessment of the city's progress on State Street over the past three years, while also showing a love for the city and a desire to make it better. This is a deep-dive into the state of State Street in Santa Barbara and what can be done to save. Joshua Molina is a journalist and podcaster who hosts Santa Barbara's No. 1 Podcast, Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. He creates compelling conversations about housing, education, business, culture and all of the issues that we share in this community. Consider a contribution by visiting www.santabarbaratalks.com and please subscribe to the Santa Barbara Talks YouTube Channel.

osh Molina and Emily Zacarias talk bullying, smart phones and social media, in this hour-long podcast between two parents. Zacarias is a member of the Goleta Union School District Board of Education and a parent of two children. She is focused on the use of smart phones and social media among young people We also discuss bullying cases in recent months, including two tragic cases. Zacarias shares her views on social media restrictions, smart phone bans and how to prevent bullying. She also talks about her role on the Goleta Union School Board and the work the District is doing. Please watch this podcast and hit subscribe on YouTube. Josh Molina is a journalist and community college teacher. Please visit www.santabarbaratalks.com and consider a contribution to support these podcasts and please subscribe on YouTube.

Tom Widroe, executive director of the Santa Barbara Barbara County Taxpayers Association, joins Josh Molina and Santa Barbara Talks to talk the presidential election, Trump, culture wars, Jerry Seinfeld, comedy, Republican politics and other issues. Josh Molina is a journalist who creates dynamic conversation and provides media content on the issues of the day, including housing, transportation, education, business and culture. Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to make a contribution and please subscribe on YouTube.

osh Molina explains what is going with the Montecito Hot Springs controversy and why people are arguing over whether the pools are legal. A viral video sparked the latest wave of attention, as Montecito homeowners and trail hikers collide over parking in the neighborhoods, and alleged dumping of trash, fires, cooking and other behavior. Journalist Josh Molina gets you caught up to speed on the latest happenings, and why everyone is frustrated with Santa Barbara County, the board of supervisors, and government regulators who seem to created a situation that is murky and unclear for everyone involved. If you enjoy these podcasts visit www.santabarbaratalks.com and consider making a financial contribution. Also, please subscribe on YouTube.

Journalist Josh Molina talks about two California bills designed to help safe journalism. Molina also talks about his idea of teaching journalism as part of the curriculum in elementary schools to promote critical thinking and educate young people about the importance of understanding media literacy. Joshua Molina is a journalist who talks about housing, education, media, politics, business and culture. visit www.santabarbaratalks.com and consider a contribution and also subscribe to his podcast here or on YouTube.

Goleta City Councilman Stuart Kasdin announces his plans for re-election and seeking a third term on the Goleta City Council. Kasdin also shares his views on the Goleta Old Town restriping project, housing, potholes on Phelps Road, and the success of Goleta's businesses, including the Camino Real Marketplace. Kasdin also discusses his background and his career teaching political science, most recently at Santa Barbara City College. Joshua Molina is a journalist who creates dynamic conversations on the topics of housing, education, politics, business and culture. Please visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to consider a contribution to support these podcasts and please subscribe on YouTube.

Wade Cowper and Paula Phan are back to talk about the Waula Festival, this Saturday, May 25 at 5 p.m. Spencer the Gardener. The festival features a musical lineup of The English Beat, Spencer the Gardener, Queentide, Young Santa, and lots wine. All money goes to benefit the Sarah House a home for hospice patients. For tickets visit www.waulafest.com Please subscribe to Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina on YouTube. Please support this podcast series by visiting www.santabarbaratalks.com. Josh Molina is a journalist and creates conversations with people around the topics of housing, education, business, culture and community.

anta Barbara's plan to reduce free parking downtown on dozens of city blocks and in city lots and garages crashed and burned at the Santa Barbara City Council. From the first time it was unveiled, the proposal appeared ill-timed and lacking a cohesive public relations message. Journalist Josh Molina breaks it all down in this Top 10 list of reasons why the Santa Barbara proposal fell short. Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to make a financial contribution to support these podcasts. Please hit subscribe on YouTube. Joshua Molina is a journalist who focuses conversations on housing, education, policy, transportation, business and culture.

This is the week of May 14 and the city of Santa Barbara is talking budget, including a proposal for a half-cent sales tax on the Nov. ballot to raise $15.6 million, along with a proposal to raise parking fees to generate another $3.1 million, all while facing a lawsuit from Disney and Hulu over a video utility users tax and streaming services. Also this week, Wendy Santamaria appears on an episode of Santa Barbara Talks to discuss her candidacy against incumbent Alejandra Gutierrez. Josh Molina is a journalist who creates dynamic conversation and provides media content on the issues of the day, including housing, transportation, education, business and culture. Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to make a contribution and please subscribe on YouTube.

Wendy Santamaria is running for Santa Barbara City Council in District 1, which represents Santa Barbara's Eastside. In this conversation with journalist and college instructor Josh Molina, Santamaria outlines her vision for creating more affordable housing, tenant protections and "saving the fabric of Santa Barbara." "Are we really going to put profit over people's livelihood," Santamaria says. She also outlines a multipronged approach for addressing the housing crisis, including creating rental registry and a 2 percent rent cap on annual increases. Santamaria also offers her views on the incumbent Alejandra Gutierrez, calling her performance "disappointing." during the past four years. "There needs to be some responsibility taken for lack of representation," Santamaria said. Also, Santamaria shares about her background and how she became an activist and union organizer. Santa Barbara Talks is a podcast hosted by journalist and college instructor Joshua Molina. He creates dynamic conversations with people on the topics of housing, education, politics, business, culture and much more. Please subscribe on YouTube and visit Molina's website www.santabarbaratalks.com

Joshua Molina breaks down Tuesday night's Santa Barbara Unified School Board meeting and explains how the District should do everything it can to avoid a strike. The tensions between the District and the Santa Barbara Teachers Association is at a high, and the meetings have escalated into tense situations. Check out the latest in this episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com. Subscribe and watch on YouTube.

Journalist Josh Molina talks about the heroic work student journalists are doing at colleges and universities across the country, at this time of protests and counter protests. Molina explains the role of the free press, and why journalists daily face adversarial circumstances to report the news. Santa Barbara Talks is a podcast hosted by journalist and college instructor Joshua Molina. He creates dynamic conversations with people on the topics of housing, education, politics, business, culture and much more. Please subscribe on YouTube and visit Molina's website www.santabarbaratalks.com

Democratic Women of Santa Barbara County President Suzanne Cohen talks with Journalist Josh Molina about the role of the organization in the March 5 election, its growing influence in local politics, and how it is different from the Santa Barbara County Democratic Central Committee. Cohen explains the organization's non-endorsement in the First District Santa Barbara County Supervisor's contest, the role it played in helping Joan Hartmann get re-elected in the Third District, and its involvement in the Fourth District contest. Cohen also response to Daraka Larimore-Hall and his recent criticism of the organization for not endorsing the incumbent Democrat in the Santa Barbara County Supervisor's contest. She also breaks down how Dem Women is influential in national politics and is focused on supporting a woman's right to choose. Cohen also shares about her backstory and how she became an activist and women's leader.

The city of Santa Barbara wants to install timed parking downtown to save the downtown parking fund from financial collapse. They also want to dramatically overhaul the pay structure in downtown lots and garages, including moving to 15 minutes only free in some surface lots. Josh Molina talks about the proposal and its potential impacts. Please subscribe to this podcast on YouTube and visit www.santabarbarataks.com to make a contribution. Josh Molina discusses issues about housing, education, transportation, business and culture. He is a journalist and community college instructor.

Dr. Daraka Larimore-Hall, member of the Santa Barbara County Democratic Central Committee returns to Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina to discuss his views on being a new father, the Das Williams' shocking loss in his bid for another term on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, the Democratic Party's endorsement process, whether Roy Lee should have gotten an interview, views on the Santa Barbara County Democratic Women, and why and how he was removed from consideration as a delegate for the presidential election, and his views on NPR's Uri Berliner and the controversy surrounding "viewpoint diversity in newsrooms." Larimore-Hall is a former chair of the Democratic Central Committee, Vice Chair of the Santa Barbara County Party and well-known political Democratic activist throughout California. Please subscribe to this podcast on YouTube and consider making a financial contribution to support Josh Molina at www.santabarbaratalks.com Molina is a journalist and community college instructor who creates dynamic conversations about housing, education, politics, culture and business.

Journalist Josh Molina talks about the state of journalism with focus on NPR journalist Uri Berliner, and how a lack of viewpoint diversity has damaged the media giant. Josh talks about how he stands up to local electeds and activists who pressure him to influence the news. Josh Molina is a journalist, teacher and multimedia podcaster. Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to support this podcast. Subscribe on YouTube

In this daily edition of Santa Barbara Talks, Josh Molina discusses the need for changes in the endorsement process on the Santa Barbara County Democratic Central Committee. Roy Lee, a Democrat, never got an interview for the First District Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors seat. And that's a problem. Hear the reasons why in this 14-minute podcast. Also listen to learn about the proposed housing site at the Glen Annie Golf Club for between 800 and 1,000 units. Visit www.santabarbaratalks.com to make a contribution. Subscribe to Santa Barbara Talks on YouTube. It's the podcast of the moment.

Jett Black-Maertz outlines her vision for Santa Barbara and explains why she is running for Santa Barbara City Council, in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. In this podcast conversation, Maertz talks about: Housing Homelessness Paseo Nuevo State Street Rent Control Her views on incumbent Alejandra Gutierrez's City Council record Santa Barbara's Eastside Reasons why she is running in District 1 Her experience and so much more! Check it out! Maertz is running for City Council in the November 2024 election.

Steve Lavagnino is the triple crown chair. He is chair of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments and SBCERS, and widely regarded as a guy who loves public service. In this week's episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina, Lavagnino discusses: Housing SBCAG Highway 101 Cannabis Pension Reform County Budget Veterans Stand Down Das Loss and so much more! Josh Molina is a journalist, teacher and podcaster. Visit his website at www.santabarbaratalks.com Molina interviews people on the topics of housing, education, transportation, business, culture and politics. Please hit subscribe!