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.
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
Whole New Ballgame
Schneider New Mayor; Grant, White, Hotchkiss, Self Win; B Loses in Big Upset
“Tonight we celebrate,” said an ebullient Schneider while standing atop a chair at Dargan’s Pub & Restaurant. Read story.
Where There’s a Dill, There’s a Way
Three Pickles Deli Comes to Goleta
After great success downtown, Three Pickles comes to Goleta. Read story.
Camellia Sasanqua
Camellias Are Some of the Most Beloved Garden Shrubs
Though not famous for their fragrance or being the perfect cut flower, camellias are among some of the most beloved garden shrubs. Read story.
Living Dead
Zombie Genre Re-Emerge in Mainstream Media
Zombies re-emerge as the scary creature of choice in the mainstream media. Read story.
Halloween Means More Concerts, Costumes
Muddy, SOhO, Velvet Host Weekend Theme Shows
SOhO, Muddy Waters, and Velvet Jones all host theme parties, live music this weekend. Read story.
Sustainability Plows Ahead
Orella Family Ranch to Host S.B.’s First Carbon Economy Series
Forward-looking agriculturists intend to help reverse post-Industrial Revolution carbon excesses. Read story.
Who Will Bang the Gavel?
Santa Barbara Mayoral Contest Underscores Power Grab at City Hall
Santa Barbara’s mayoral contest underscores power grab at City Hall. Read story.
Giving Back in the Giving Season
Stolpman Vineyards’ La Cuadrilla Project Thanks Vineyard Workers with Winemaking
Stolpman Vineyards’ La Cuadrilla Project thanks vineyard workers with winemaking. Read story.
Save Elings Park South
Proposed BMX Development Heads for EIR
The owners of Elings want to develop a portion of the park into a 55,000-square-foot BMX park with spectator bleachers, an amplified PA system, and very bright lights. Read story.
Girl in a Coma Reunites with Muddy Waters
The Sounds, Thao, Nico Vega, Mutineers Prove Ladies Rock
A whole bunch of female-fronted outfits make their way through town this week. Read story.
Naples Plans Hit Major Snag
Board Votes to Rescind Naples Development Agreement
It must have felt like an incredibly painful sort of déjà vu for hopeful Naples developer Matt Osgood at the county supervisors’ this week. Read story.
Cuba Sí! Subpoenas No!
Journalist Ann Louise Bardach Publishes Exposé on Castro While Feds Seek Her Testimony
Journalist Ann Louise Bardach publishes exposé on Castro while feds seek her testimony. Read story.
High Risk on State Street
On the Beat
Bob Ponce was in many a tight spot as a News-Press photo chief, covering wildfires and the like, but never faced the danger he does now just crossing State Street in a wheelchair. Read story.
Backlash Blues
Cash and Confusion Reign in City of Santa Barbara’s First Mail-In-Only Election
Cash and confusion reign in City of Santa Barbara’s first mail-in only election. Read story.
StylePhile
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, local line Ecozuzu has designed some adorable cropped pants perfect for lounging. Read story.
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