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High Noon in the Garden of Eden: Inside the Fight over the Future of the S.B. Botanic Garden (Matt Kettmann)

Cover photo by Paul Wellman.

TOC

Matt Kettmann

VERDANT SCOOP: Our Senior Editor Matt Kettmann, who, as he puts it, is “in charge of everything and nothing” here at The Independent, crafted his latest coverage on the Botanic Garden saga in the form of this week’s cover story. With 10 years of reporting to his name, Kettmann says the unfolding garden controversy — which has seen little coverage elsewhere in town — has been unprecedented. “People care a lot about the Garden. I’ve had more people contact me about this story than any other in my career,” he observed. How the issue will be resolved, Kettmann says, is anyone’s guess: “Both sides have valid points. I have no idea what’s going to happen.” While congrats are in order for his unwavering commitment to the dramatic and, at times, convoluted Botanic Garden story, Kettmann deserves a pat on the back for another reason: He and his wife, Joanna, are expecting their first child, a boy, in early January.

In Print

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NOVEMBER

19

2009

CAMA Presents the Shanghai Symphony

China’s Oldest Orchestra to Appear with Pianist Yuja Wang

This Friday’s concert at the Granada will include an important recent work by contemporary Chinese composer Qigang Chen. Read story.

NOVEMBER

19

2009

Autism Attacked Alternatively

What Parents and Society Should Learn from The Horse Boy

What parents and society should learn from The Horse Boy, screening at UCSB’s Campbell Hall on Tuesday, November 24. Read story.

NOVEMBER

19

2009

Elings Park Expansion Shot Down

Too Much Traffic, Noise and Light Pollution Cited

Planning Commission faults too much traffic and noise and light pollution. Read story.

NOVEMBER

19

2009

Before I Be Your Dog …

Angry Poodle Barbecue

The seismic shifts not-so-quietly rocking Santa Barbara’s medical world have got me jumpier than six shots of triple espresso. Read story.

NOVEMBER

19

2009

High Noon in the Garden of Controversy

Deep Inside the Fight over the Future of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Deep inside the fight over the future of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Read story.

NOVEMBER

17

2009

Flobots Return with New Record, New Vision

Experimental Hip-Hoppers Take on Climate Change, Community Building

The Denver-based hip-hop group tackles politics, sustainability on their upcoming sophomore release. Read story.

NOVEMBER

12

2009

Two Centuries of Chumash

Ernestine Ygnacio-De Soto’s Six Generations Saga to Air on KCET and at Museum of Natural History

Ernestine Ygnacio-De Soto’s Six Generations saga to air on KCET and at the S.B. Museum of Natural History. Read story.

NOVEMBER

12

2009

Communication Breakdown

Details Emerge in Student’s Battle Against Carp High Mascot

Death threats and harassment against Carpinteria High School student over mascot issue come to light. Read story.

NOVEMBER

12

2009

Nothing to Hide Anymore

How One Man is Overcoming the Scars of Sexual Abuse One Day at a Time

How one man is overcoming the scars of sexual abuse one day at a time. Read story.

NOVEMBER

11

2009

More Bikes on City Streets

Santa Barbarans Are Shifting Gears

Santa Barbara residents are shifting gears. Read story.

NOVEMBER

10

2009

They Might Be Giants Get Scientific on New Record

Campbell Hall Hosts Family-Friendly Concert, Activities This Weekend

The band will play a family-friendly show at UCSB’s Campbell Hall this Sunday. Read story.

NOVEMBER

9

2009

What is the history of the estate that houses the Music Academy of the West?

In 1950, the Estate Known as Miraflores Became the College’s Permanent Home

In 1950, the estate known as Miraflores became the college’s permanent home. Read story.

NOVEMBER

5

2009

Saul Williams Brings Afro-Punk Tour to Velvet Jones

Rapper, Rocker, Performance Artist, and Poet Storms S.B. This Week

The rapper, rocker, performance artist, and poet brings his eclectic take on hip-hop to S.B. this week. Read story.

NOVEMBER

5

2009

Gratuitous Gore on Highway 154

Do the Math: Maximum of Six Minutes Saved by Speeding Over Pass

Highway 154 traffic deaths are gratuitous, since a maximum of six minutes is saved by speeding. Read story.

NOVEMBER

5

2009

Within the Syuxtun Story Circle

Collaborative Chumash Mosaic Brings Community Together at West Beach

Collaborative Chumash mosaic brings community together at West Beach. Read story.

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