Santa Barbara’s Budget Bombshell | Newsmakers with JR

Santa Barbara’s Budget Bombshell | Newsmakers with JR

The shocking news this week that the city of Santa Barbara has spent through all its budget reserves not only re-shapes debate on major policy decisions, but also instantly transforms the race for mayor and three soon-to-be vacant city council seats, as Josh Molina and Sophia Wallace join the genial host in breaking down a big week of City Hall headlines, including a new plan to regulate vacation rentals, and preliminary approval of a major downtown project by the Music Academy that includes suspension of the once-sacrosanct 45-feet building height limit.

Author | Anita Perez Ferguson | The Creative Community with David Starkey

Anita Perez Ferguson shares her inspiring journey from a difficult childhood to becoming an author and political figure. She highlights her trilogy, Mission Bells, which reveals the untold stories of California's workers. Ferguson discusses resilience, the importance of education, and representation in literature, reflecting on her government experiences and the significance of community support. The themes of injustice, perseverance, and storytelling encourage others to share their narratives. The Mission of TV Santa Barbara (TVSB) is to empower people to make media that matters. TVSB provides open access to media technology for companies and individuals who want to tell stories, share ideas, and create television shows, independent films, web videos, and documentaries. http://www.tvsb.tv [http://www.tvsb.tv]

Journalist Panel June 5, 2026 | Newsmakers with JR

On this week’s edition, our all-star panel of local journalists updates the Trump Administration’s real-life impacts on real people in Santa Barbara County, as Christina McDermott details how thousands of poor and elderly folks suddenly face food scarcity, and Ryan P. Cruz reprises his reporting on new data about federal immigration arrests locally - while Josh Molina has the latest as vote-counting slowly continues after Tuesday’s primary election. Plus: some rare good news about downtown Santa Barbara.

Harpist | Laurie Rasmussen | The Creative Community with David Starkey

Laurie shares her journey with the instrument, discussing its beauty, costs, and the learning process. She recounts personal stories of performances, the challenges of playing, and the significance of proper technique. Rasmussen highlights her teaching methods, the versatility of her students, and the emotional connection music creates with audiences. She reflects on her travels and memorable experiences, including a lost harp, and offers insights into her teaching philosophy. The Mission of TV Santa Barbara (TVSB) is to empower people to make media that matters. TVSB provides open access to media technology for companies and individuals who want to tell stories, share ideas, and create television shows, independent films, web videos, and documentaries. http://www.tvsb.tv [http://www.tvsb.tv]

36 Hours Out: Final Primary Breakdown | Newsmakers with JR

Thirty-six hours before election results begin trickling in, Nick Welsh and Josh Molina join the genial host for a final rundown on the June 2 primary, as the three amigos break down final polling on the governor’s race, last-minute intel on the critical Board of Supervisors race for the Fifth District, the strange dynamics in the Assessor-Clerk-Recorder contest, an unusual challenge to a sitting judge, and a fearless forecast for at least one key match-up.