The news site of Santa Barbara City College.

The Channels
The news site of Santa Barbara City College.

The Channels
The news site of Santa Barbara City College.

The Channels
Desiree Erdmann

Desiree Erdmann, Photo Editor

Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021

All content by Desiree Erdmann
Chef Stephane Rapp teaches his Principles of Pantry class how to cut a carrot from his teaching station at the front of a socially distanced class where each student has his or her own workstation on Jan. 25, 2021 in the cafeteria where the culinary department temporarily held classes over the COVID-19 pandemic at City College in Santa Barbara, Calif.

[Photo] News Briefs: CARES/HEERF grants disbursed, free flu shots available

Sunny Silverstein, Staff Writer
February 25, 2022
After working in a strict corporate environment for so many years, Domingo Lopez enjoys working outdoors on his own time, mixed in with the crowds and seeing old clients. “I wouldn’t trade it,” he said, and also adding that when he sees his old clients he’s “excited to see them again.”

[Photo] Santa Barbara’s ‘sole man’ still shining in retirement

May 7, 2021
The newly launched website inspired by the 18th Annual All-SBCC Student Conference, hosted by The Honors Program. The virtual Student Conference asked students to share their take on the subject of “Justice: Environmental. Economic. Racial.” Student submissions could be papers, videos, art or music, and represent each art department of City College

[Photo] Honors Program students awarded at first virtual Student Conference

May 3, 2021
From left to right starting on the top Faculty Adviser Joshua Molina, Photo Editor Desiree Erdmann, LTA John Rose, Features Editor Alloy Zarate, Editor-in-Chief Ryan P. Cruz, Opinion Editor Cassandra Wilkins, News Editor Jacob Frank, Opinion Editor August Lawrence, and A&E Editor Rodrigo Hernandez during the last Editorial board meeting of the spring semester on April 24, 2021 over Zoom.

[Photo] Channels editors share highs and lows of covering virtual semester

May 3, 2021
File image of the East Campus Cafeteria from January, 26, 2021.

[Photo] Ever-changing summer plans bring uncertainty to current students

Heidi Hutton Rigoli, Staff Writer
May 3, 2021
File image of the East Campus Cafeteria from January, 26, 2021.

[Photo] News Briefs: Queer and Ally club open, poetry awards announced

Sunny Silverstein, Staff Writer
May 2, 2022
Lewis Daniel trims away unhelpful branches from one of the saplings on April 27, at the Landscape Gardens on East Campus at City College in Santa Barbara, Calif. Daniel graduated from UCSB in 2011 with a film degree and after working in the industry with 70 hour work weeks with no breaks he decided to choose a new path at City College hoping to leave with landscaping license or arborist certification.

[Photo] A need for less waste brought Lewis Daniel to an organic career

May 3, 2021
Cameron Olandt, the 2020-2021 recipient of the The William Olivarius Biology Scholarship on the steps of the Physical Science building on April, 22 at City College in Santa Barbara, Calif. Olandt said he did not expect to receive the scholarship, but that he is looking forward to the opportunities it will help provide.

[Photo] City College student awarded William Olivarius Scholarship

April 23, 2021
Amanda Lunsford, the local chapter leader of the Young People in Recovery group, on East Campus at City College in Santa Barbara, Calif. Lunsford hosts Rainbow Recovery and other LGBTQ+ YPR online support groups.

[Photo] Teenage trauma led Amanda Lunsford to a path of service

April 23, 2021
"Untitled" by Carla Romero in the virtual 2021 Annual Student Exhibition carousel, hosted by the Atkinson Gallery for the SBCC Art Department. Art Students from the past school year were encouraged to submit work for the opportunity to be in the show, and to possibly win a scholarship.

[Photo] Virtual Atkinson exhibition awards students' art with scholarships

April 23, 2021
Exhibit A from Judge For Yourself Cafe.

[Photo] Editor’s List: Favorite restaurants in Santa Barbara with outdoor dining

Rodrigo Hernandez, Arts & Entertainment Editor
April 19, 2021
The drive-through vaccine clinic at Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital has multiple immunization tents, including a walk-up tent for locals and UCSB students that don't have a car on April 16 at Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital in Goleta, Calif. 

[Photo] Vaccine eligibility expands, doesn't assure full return to SBCC campus

April 16, 2021
Influencer and City College alumni Bianca Williams and her boyfriend Jade Grenada attended the 36th Santa Barbara International Film Festival under sponsorship from UGG on March 31, 2021, at the temporary drive-in movie theater in the parking lots of City College in Santa Barbara, Calif. UGG is one of the bigger named sponsors for the festival.

[Photo] Film festival brings seaside cinema to SBCC with drive-ins at La Playa

Rodrigo Hernandez, Arts & Entertainment Editor
April 2, 2021
City College has seen a 35% drop in enrollment in the Promise program because of decreased enrollment due to the pandemic. To help counteract the drop in enrollment the college has opened up the Promise Program to any student that dropped out in the last year and wasn't able to take advantage of the full two years allotted. File photo from Jan. 26, 2021, of the study area in the Earth and Biological Science building at City College in Santa Barbara, Calif.

[Photo] More students eligible for financial aid after 35% drop in Promise plan

March 15, 2021
State Street has been turned into a pedestrian promenade with the goal of bringing business back for the local shops, restaurants, and bars. File photo of State Street on March 15, in Santa Barbara, Calif.

[Photo] State Street Promenade attracts business, raises concerns on biking

March 15, 2021
Screengrab of the College for Working Adults main page on the SBCC website. The College for Working Adults program aims to help the Hispanic student, post-traditional and part-time student populations.

[Photo] College for Working Adults aims to help older students earn degrees

March 8, 2021

[Video] Voices: “What internet trends have you tried before?”

Tom Chorney and Alexandra Rubalcaba Ruther
March 8, 2021
City College officials are bringing the equity, diversity and inclusion climate survey back into conversation while they draft new policies to support students and faculty. File photo of East Campus at City College in Santa Barbara, Calif.

[Photo] Leadership 'just getting started' on response to mistrust, SBCC climate

March 8, 2021
Justice Studies Professor David Saunders stands outside the West Campus Center where he teaches when in-person classes are in session. Saunders was a police officer for eight years and takes insight from all perspectives when it comes to improving the police response to mental health crisis calls.

[Photo] SBCC justice studies professor on social workers assisting SBPD

March 15, 2021
Screengrab of the Academic Achievement Zone website where student athletes can go for assistance in completing their educational goals.

[Photo] COVID-19 strikes out the SBCC Academic Achievement Zone

March 1, 2021
Jazz instructor Andrew Martinez with his saxophone outside the Garvin Theater on Feb. 23, 2021, at City College in Santa Barbara, Calif. Martinez first started playing the saxophone when he was in 8th grade and has never put it down since.

[Photo] Anonymous donation strikes a chord with music department

February 26, 2021
Anna Grace Butler works on taking apart the transmission and putting it back together on Feb. 22 during the automotive lab in the MacDougall Administration Building at City College in Santa Barbara, Calif. “I love this place, it’s fixed a lot of my cars,” said Butler, who has been a part of the Automotive department since she was 16 during middle college.

[Photo] Female students in auto program hope for a shift in representation

February 26, 2021
Yona Redz freshly made Taco de Birria on Feb. 17, 2021 at Yona Redz location of 532 State St. in downtown Santa Barbara, Calif. Owner Jonathan “Yona” Estrada started as a backyard taco stand back in May and now has his first official location.

[Photo] Yona Redz brings a traditional Mexican favorite to Santa Barbara’s thriving State Street promenade

Ryan P. Cruz
February 26, 2021
In response to a consistent drop in out-of-state enrollment, the City College outreach team is focusing on reaching local high school students who may be considering City College during the challenges of the pandemic. File photo of a walking path on City College's main campus from Jan. 2021.

[Photo] City College strives to engage local students amid low enrollment

February 15, 2021
Brea Cook (left), and Cara Christian practice caring for a simulated tracheostomy patient on Feb. 9 2021 at the Nursing Lab in the City College Administration building in Santa Barbara, Calif. Each pair of students work together, learning the entire process of setting up a sterile tray of supplies and changing the dressings where the patient's breathing tube would be placed.

[Photo] Maintaining stability, SBCC nursing program survives in-person classes

Heidi Hutton Rigoli, Staff Writer
February 15, 2021
Jean Nell, right, smiles while being serenaded by the barbershop quartet 'Modern Nostalgia' at her 96th birthday party on Friday Feb. 14 2020 at Beach City in Santa Barbara, Calif. Nell lived at her apartment with an ocean view at Beach City for nearly 30 years. She originally moved into the apartments before they were converted into student housing.

[Photo] Beloved 'surrogate grandmother' of Beach City residents dead at 96

February 15, 2021
Megan Mcgill (left), and Astrid Bladh grab and organize the boxes of pre-packaged fresh produce and non-perishables that are placed in the back of students cars at the food distribution event in the West Campus Lot 5-1 on Wednesday Feb. 10, 2021 in Santa Barbara, Calif. Mcgill has been volunteering with the food distribution services for a couple weeks and said that “it’s good to know that we are helping people.”

[Photo] Students lead the way for CESJ, providing through the pandemic

Tom Chorney, Staff Writer
February 12, 2021

[Video] Voices: “What’s one new thing that happened to you because of the quarantine?”

Rodrigo Hernandez and Cassandra Wilkins
February 8, 2021
In the third round of CARES Act grants in early March, $2.8 million will be given out to students from the latest Federal COVID-19 relief bill. File image of the Campus Center from Jan. 26, 2021, at City College in Santa Barbara, Calif.

[Photo] Students to receive another $2.8M in CARES Act grants this February

February 8, 2021

[Video] Voices: “What is your biggest goal for 2021?”

Cassandra Wilkins and Rodrigo Hernandez
February 1, 2021
Board policy 3052 was drafted after an inappropriate student-teacher relationship last year, an attempt to protect students from predatory behavior. File Photo of the Student Services Center from January 2021.

[Photo] Senate debates new language for student-teacher relations policy

Jacob Frank, News Editor
February 1, 2021
From the top of the bleachers at La Playa Stadium the black gravel that was laid down as a base for the artificial turf 11-years-ago can be seen almost as clearly as if you were down on the field on Feb. 1, 2020, at City College in Santa Barbara, Calif. The holes and ripped up turf can also be seen from a distance.

[Photo] Overdue turf at La Playa scheduled to begin replacement in April 2021

August Lawrence, Associate Editor
February 1, 2021
Chef Stephane Rapp teaches his Principles of Pantry class how to cut a carrot from his teaching station at the front of a socially distanced class where each student has his or her own workstation on Jan. 25, 2021 in the cafeteria where the culinary department is temporarily holding classes at City College in Santa Barbara, Calif. Chef Rapp originally came to America in the 80’s and ultimately stayed because of his passion for culinary education.

[Photo] Culinary arts instructor channels passion for food and education

Heidi Hutton Rigoli, Staff Writer
February 1, 2021
Inga Guzyte next to her self portrait titled “Super Rebel - Me” on Nov. 30 at her studio in Santa Barbara, Calif. When Guzyte first came to City College she was unaware that being an artist could be a career choice. Now years later, she makes a living and an impact with her art.

[Photo] Local artist creates unique art using thrashed skateboards

August Lawrence, Arts & Entertainment Editor
December 7, 2020
From left to right starting on the top Faculty Advisor Joshua Molina, Photo Editor Desiree Erdmann, LTA John Rose, News Editor Rodrigo Hernandez, Features Editor Alloy Zarate, Opinion Editor Jacob Frank, Editor-in-Chief Ryan P. Cruz, and A&E Editor August Lawrence on the last production Zoom call during The Channels fall 2020 semester on Dec. 7. All fall ‘20 editors will be returning in the spring as editors.

[Photo] Channels editors share joys and challenges of reporting virtually

December 7, 2020
Before the new class structures that were put into place by the COVID-19 pandemic, the culinary classes would be taught in pods with shared equipment and ingredients; now each student has their own workstation, supplies and ingredients. Before each class the instructor and LTA’s prep each station with trays of supplies and ingredients measured out for their exact needs that day in class.

[Photo] Culinary arts at SBCC cuts through the obstacles of staying on campus

August Lawrence, Associate Editor
December 4, 2020
Angi Daus climbs up Half Dome on July 23, 2020 in Yosemite, Calif., using the support cables installed in 1920. The cables are an example of national parks becoming more convenient and accessible, but not without trade-offs.

[Photo] Future commercialization will ruin Santa Rosa Island natural beauty

Jacob Frank, Opinion Editor
November 30, 2020
There are many non technology based activities to do when it comes to art. Trying out a new medium of paint, collage, drawing or even making a sculpture out of found objects around your house can help pass the time on Nov. 29 in Santa Barbara, Calif.

[Photo] Beat quarantine boredom without internet connection, fun at home

November 30, 2020
Erin Guereña trims up long-time returning client Tyler Silvestre's hair on Nov. 19, 2020 at Haven Barber Shop at 1924 De La Vina St. in Santa Barbara, Calif. “I don't even need to look at it,” Silvestre said to Guereña. “Your hair cuts are perfect every time.”

[Photo] Barbershop owner dives into local politics while facing pandemic

November 23, 2020
DEEopsthanksgiving-2

[Photo] EOPS providing Thanksgiving gift cards for student single parents

November 20, 2020
The Sculpture was not a planned installation before the pandemic closed down the school John Connelly talked about and went on to explain that when thinking of ideas for the gallery they wanted to do something that people could see from the outside of the building on Nov. 2, on the Atkinson Gallery sculpture terrace at City College, Calif. The Boat represents many meanings including the installation crew's favorite of moving forward, not backwards in life just as boats do in the water.

[Photo] From Vogue to Atkinson, a call for unity and womanhood through art

Paula Rodenas, Staff Writer
November 2, 2020
From left Sammie Lock, Kylie Brewer and Isabelle Clayton discuss the small details in the gallery on Oct. 31 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, Calif. Lock, Brewer and Clayton stumbled upon the gallery while visiting Santa Barbara for the Holiday weekend.

[Photo] SB art museum safely unveils new exhibits after extensive remodeling

August Lawrence, Arts & Entertainment Editor
November 2, 2020
Hong Lieu (left), and Akil Hill recording their podcast “Vaquero Voices” over Zoom on Oct. 23, 2020. Lieu and Hill record their podcast over Zoom inorder to keep up social distancing.

[Photo] Podcast gives SBCC staff a chance to chat and express their voices

October 26, 2020
Ana Zepeda, right, her daughter Lia Velazquez and her infant son Luke togher as a family on Oct. 14 on West Campus at City College in Santa Barbara, Calif. Zepeda is thankful for the experiences and opportunities that the City College has provided her over the years. She is also looking forward to graduating and making a bigger impact in the community than she already has done.

[Photo] Single mother overcame addiction, homelessness—wants to inspire

October 19, 2020
Photo Illustration of a person meditating.

[Photo] The Well hosts virtual meditation classes to help students destress

October 16, 2020
Instructor Brittanye Muschamp gives specific directions based on questions from Juan Carlos and Diego Espinoza on Oct. 8 at City College in Santa Barbara, Calif. Espinoza said that the in-class labs are “awesome” and followed it up with “we learn better this way."

[Photo] Automotive department gets the green light for in-person classes

Eric Evelhoch, Staff Writer
October 12, 2020

[Video] Voices: “What is your favorite ‘secret spot’ in Santa Barbara?”

Alloy Zarate and Alvaro Abrego Trancozo
October 12, 2020
Hailing from North Carolina, Brian Ware originally planned to make his way across the country for the West Coast to live in Washington, but now finds himself living with his friends from their shared time in the Navy. Following through with their plan to go to college, and live together once they all got out of the U.S. forces. Ware is enjoying his time so far in Santa Barbara and relishes the weather at Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden on Oct. 6 in Santa Barbara, Calif.

[Photo] Veteran adapts to online classes after nine years of service in Navy

October 12, 2020
David Starkey outside of the Garvin Theater on the City College campus on Oct. 3 in Santa Barbara, Calif. Starkey is looking forward to his retirement this spring, he said that he will continue to write creatively, and is excited to do so in ways outside of his teaching positions.

[Photo] Ex-rocker and creative writing professor on life, time at SBCC

October 5, 2020
A memorial put together in Nicholas Claudio's honor for his vigil on Oct. 3 at Sands Beach in Isla Vista, Calif. Claudio's close friends placed items that reminded them of him like pizza, candles with messages written on them, flowers and alcohol.

[Photo] Community honors the life of City College student in candlelight vigil

October 5, 2020
A memorial put together in Nicholas Claudio's honor for his vigil on Oct. 3 at Sands Beach in Isla Vista, Calif. Claudio's close friends placed items that reminded them of him like pizza, candles with messages written on them, flowers and alcohol.

[Photo] Community honors the life of City College student in candlelight vigil

Ryan P. Cruz and Rodrigo Hernandez
October 5, 2020

[Video] Voices: “What are you most excited/concerned about for the upcoming election?”

Alloy Zarate and Alvaro Abrego Trancozo
October 5, 2020
Illustration by Alloy Zarate, 2020

Cross Currents: Are you a dog person or cat person?

Ryan P. Cruz and Desiree Erdmann
September 25, 2020
“You should be careful, but don’t lock yourself indoors,” Brianna Masel said when talking about how she feels about COVID-19 post having it, she then added, “people shouldn’t be going to parties, but don’t be afraid to go to a restaurant”. Masel poses for a photo while wearing her favorite color on Sept, 24 at Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara, Calif.

[Photo] SBCC student speaks out on first-hand experience with COVID-19

Eric Evelhoch, Staff Writer
September 25, 2020
A freshly baked peperoni pie from Revolver Pizza on Sept. 17, 2020 at Revolver Pizza in Santa Barbara, Calif. Owner Nick Bodden keeps his menu limited in order to focus on quality over quantity.

[Photo] Revolver pizzeria reverberates on SB’s westside

Ryan P. Cruz, Editor-in-Chief
September 21, 2020
Anna Botello checks out a Wi-Fi hotspot from City College Librarian Ellen Carey on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020 at Luria Library in Santa Barbara, Calif. The Library is open most days for technology checkouts.

[Photo] Luria Library brings convenient curbside pickup to City College

Rodrigo Hernandez, News Editor
September 14, 2020
Pablo Ochoa, a City College Bookstore employee of eight years, has seen wait times of to 2-3 days due to difficulties brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ochoa said they have used new approaches for the new problems arising for the Bookstore, and that this semester has been "a different kind of crazy" on Aug. 31, 2020 at the City College Bookstore in Santa Barbara, Calif.

[Photo] City College provides students with laptops, Wi-Fi for online semester

September 4, 2020
Terese Brunner cuts Mitch Schrage’s hair at home while barber shops remain closed in the area on April 15, at their home in New Holstein, Wis. Schrage occasionally gets his haircut at a barbershop and usually has Brunner trim his hair in-between visits.

Channels’ photographer shows life under quarantine in Wisconsin

Desiree Erdmann, Staff Photographer
May 1, 2020
Animals are still up for adoption as the County of Santa Barbara Animal Services started livestreaming dogs and cats in a home environment via Instagram to connect with potential owners.

[Photo] Local animal shelter shows off adoptable pets on Instagram Live

Valerie van den Broek, Arts and Entertainment Editor
April 24, 2020
Global carbon emissions and pollution have decreased as a result of measures taken by countries around the world to combat COVID_19 through business closures, social distancing and a large majority of the population staying inside.

[Photo] Pandemic and shelter order leads to decrease in ozone emissions

Kai Zheng, Opinion Editor
April 3, 2020
Joica Buyse serves the tennis ball while her twin sister Jamaica stays ready for the response of an opponent on March 9, 2020, at Pershing Park tennis courts in Santa Barbara, Calif. Joica and Jamaica are second-year tennis players from Izegem, Belgium.

[Photo] From Izegem to SB: How the Buyse twins led SBCC tennis to victory

Max Mullins, Sports Editor
May 1, 2020
Lydia Kaestner scrapes at the dirt surrounding the fossils found by City College alumni, staff and students on Saturday, Feb. 29, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Fossil mass was the product of a year and two months of work.

[Photo] City College breaks ground with monumental fossil discoveries

Kai Zheng, Opinion Editor
March 9, 2020
Laura Capps similes while entering her joint election party with Elsa Granados on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at Jill's Place Restaurant in Downtown Santa Barbara, Calif. Laura said that she can be optimistic and positive about her campaign because they were able to communicate with voters.

[Photo] Cole leads District Assembly race, Murillo and Bennett close behind

Ryan P. Cruz, Serena Guentz, Sarah Maninger, and Max Mullins
March 4, 2020
Load More Stories