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
Julia Torres

Julia Torres, A & E Editor

Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024

All content by Julia Torres

At 65 years old, student Karl Vance rewrites the soundtrack to his life

Julia Torres, Arts & Entertainment Editor
May 11, 2024
The City College nursing faculty assess a training manikin on May 2 at the Nursing Lab at City College in Santa Barbara, Calif. In fall 2023, every student who graduated with an associate degree in nursing at City College passed the state board exams and are officially registered nurses.

All 35 students in the SBCC Nursing program passed the NCLEX-RN test

Julia Torres, Associate Writer
May 10, 2024
Mariam Martinez Gama teases her hair, reflective of one of her inspirations Gloria Trevi, a Mexican singer on May 2 at Ortega Park in Santa Barbara, Calif. "She wrote a song called Pelo Suelto," Martinez Gama said, reflecting on Trevi's influence on her. "It's about not conforming to what men want, but being you."

Mariam Martinez Gama’s journey of channeling adversity into advocacy

Julia Torres, Associate Editor
May 3, 2024
The Channels Spring 2024 editors bunch up on April 24 at City College in Santa Barbara, Calif. For the first time since the coronavirus, The Channels is comprised of a full editorial staff, comprised of eight editors.

Editors’ List: What do you wish you knew before attending college?

Julia Torres, Cebelli Pfeifer, Sylvia Stewart, Sofia Stavins, Ruby Cobourn, Angel Corzo, Claire Geriak, and Anthony Zell
April 26, 2024
From left, Maura Valdivia and DJ Whip mix tracks during the Music Now! event at the Garvin Theater in Santa Barbara, Calif. The duo are in the sound and recording class offered at City College where the students learn how to use digital recording equipment and practices.

REVIEW: Music Now! gives platform for unconventional performances

Julia Torres, Arts & Entertainment Editor
April 22, 2024
Collage of stills from video interviews The Channels conducted for a project revolving around the upcoming presidential election.

The Channels asked the community for their thoughts on the upcoming presidental election

Angel Corzo, Sofia Stavins, Claire Geriak, Ruby Cobourn, Cebelli Pfeifer, Sylvia Stewart, Julia Torres, Taajvi Singh, Anneli Larson, and Jack Connell
April 19, 2024
From left, Henry Thielker, Alex Iles and instructor Stephen Hughes practice “Devil’s Waltz” during the class portion of the SBCC Trombone Ensembles "Slide Show" Master Class & Concert on April 6 at the BC Forum at City College in Santa Barbara, Calif. Thielker is a student at City College with a major in music, performing as a bass trombone soloist and Iles is the featured special guest.

SBCC Trombone Choir encourages musical curiosity and education

Julia Torres, Arts & Entertainment Editor
April 12, 2024
Nathalie Quintero beams next to the snack cart in the Raíces in the West Campus Center on March 15 at City College in Santa Barbara, Calif. Quintero is the newest addition to the “Raíces: First Year and Beyond” family, working as a program advisor.

New Raices program advisor strives to meet students where they are at

Julia Torres, Associate Editor
March 22, 2024
With updated policies and steps, The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, academic councilors have been providing support as the application deadline crawls closer. Illustration created on Canva.

Financial aid modifications create struggle for dependent applicants

Julia Torres, Associate Editor
March 18, 2024
Shannon Saleh, Emiliana Jasper, Brian Harwell and Nestor Manzanares in The Theatre Group at SBCC’s production of TREASURE ISLAND by Robert Louis Stevenson, adapted by Bryony Lavery, directed by Michael Bernard, February 28-March 16, 2024, Garvin Theatre. 805-965-5935 or www.theatregroupsbcc.com for tickets.

SBCC’s ‘Treasure Island’ production sets sail with sensational adventure

Julia Torres, Arts & Entertainment Editor
March 2, 2024
Since SBCC's recognition of becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution, many different programs have come out of this new title, including Raíces and the TAP program, helping students with their educational goals. Illustration created on Canva.

Raíces program assists SBCC’s increasing Hispanic population

Julia Torres, Associate Editor
February 17, 2024
As a puzzle, the Chinese and Asian Student Unions had visitors of the Lunar New Year celebration try to copy Chinese characters on Feb. 15 in Santa Barbara, Calif. With support from the ASU and CSU, the prize for the puzzle was a red envelope with stickers, candy, and other items inside.

Lunar New Year celebration lights up SBCC with vibrant cultural traditions

Julia Torres, Associate Editor
February 16, 2024
From Left, Roger Durling, Joel Kachi Benson, and Matthew Ogens gleam together on Feb. 7 on the red carpet for the premire of Madu at the Arlington Theater in Santa Barbara, Calif. Santa Barbara has hosted the International Film Festival for 39 straight years, begining in 1986.

Directors of “MADU” inspire youth at Santa Barbara Film Festival opening

Julia Torres, Arts & Entertainment Editor
February 9, 2024
From left, "Dr1p" by Gabriela Ruiz and "Muley Point 11, Bears Ears National Monument, Utah" by David Benjamin Sherry stand side by side at the Atkinson Gallery, displaying the many different artistic mediums that are showcased on Feb. 8 in Santa Barbara, Calif. Ruiz's used a melody from spray paint to mirrors to insulation foam to create a three-dimensional piece, while Sherry chose a chromogenic print, creating a violet tint.

Atkinson Gallery showcases the “land, sea or sky” in latest exhibit

Julia Torres, Arts & Entertainment Editor
February 9, 2024
The Anna Casper Quartet played one song during their set on Saturday, Nov. 1, performing at the Fall Chamber Jazz Concert in the City College Fé Bland Forum. Vocalist Anna Casper sings “Desafinado” while Sebastian Martinez accompanies her on the bass.

SBCC Chamber Music will feature artists from throughout community

Julia Torres, Staff Writer
December 8, 2023
Food venders can be found all across Santa Barbara County, but recently tensions have risen between locals and authorities, causing distress and fear in the elotero community. Created on Canva.

Selling food out of an elotero cart can lead to being targeted by cops

Julia Torres, Staff Writer
December 8, 2023

Voices: “How have you been affected by the housing shortage in Santa Barbara?”

Delaney Newhouse, Cebelli Pfeifer, and Julia Torres
December 4, 2023
Jordan Killebrew works in the window light in his office on City College East Campus in Santa Barbara on Nov 29, 2023. Killebrew says "I want to bring trust, I want to bring stability and I know we can get there."

Director of Communications Jordan Killebrew blossoms after obstacles

Julia Torres, Staff Writer
December 1, 2023
Freddy Janka, 41, observes an outdoor installation at the Atkinson Gallery on Nov. 1. Janka was attending the "New Landscapes Part I" exhibit opening at the gallery patio.

Creative mixed media pieces steal the show at latest Atkinson exhibit

Julia Torres, Staff Writer
November 10, 2023
Hats, tops, pants, and more being sold in boxes at the flea market at the Santa Barbara High School on Saturday, Oct. 28 in Santa Barbara, Calif. Customers can pay as little as one dollar for clothing items.

SBHS flea market brings community together while fundraising for school

Julia Torres, Staff Writer
November 5, 2023
The Center for Equity & Social Justice and the Dream Center host many undocumented City College students and give them guidance with their education. The CESJ is also big hub for students, located in the campus center on Oct. 30 in Santa Barbara, Calif.

Undocumented Student Action Week emphasizes importance of resources

Julia Torres, Staff Writer
November 1, 2023
This photo was taken on Sept 26, 2006 in Clearwater, Florida. Banned books sit on display in a library. Courtesy of wanderisgone.

The negative effects that banning books will have on our community

Julia Torres, Staff Writer
October 27, 2023
Anikka Abbott, Lexie Brent, Grace Wilson and Clayton Barry in The Theatre Group at SBCC’s production of "Emma" by Kate Hamill, based on the novel by Jane Austen. October 11-28, 2023, Garvin Theatre.

The Theatre Group at SBCC presents the charming, romantic play ‘Emma’

Julia Torres, Staff Writer
October 13, 2023
Besty Green, Author of "Behind the Scenes at the Flying A." smiles as she thanks the attendees for supporting her newst book. Green shares photos and stories for her book on Sept. 27 at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum in Santa Barbara, Calif.

Betsy J. Green takes Santa Barbara locals back in time with her novels

Julia Torres, Staff Writer
September 29, 2023
The Garden and Micheltorena street signs glow posted across from the Alameda Park on Sept. 24 in Santa Barbara, Calif. Just a week before, a rally was held outside of a former USCB professors apartment complex, after a video was released of the professor saying racist remarks.

Racist remarks causes distress within Santa Barbara community

Julia Torres, Staff Writer
September 25, 2023
Community members pair off to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a fun salsa dance lesson on Tuesday Septemper 19, 2023. The dance class was held in Memorial Plaza on east campus of City College in Santa Barbara, Calif.

How to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at SBCC: 4 essential activities

Julia Torres, Staff Writer
September 22, 2023
AG Gonzalez steps up to the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District line 19X bus as it makes its stop heading east on Cliff Drive on Sept. 7 in Santa Barbara, Calif. The 19X is the MTD's newest edition to their lines going from Carpinteria to Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara MTD expands service to commuting Carpinteria students

Julia Torres, Staff Writer
September 12, 2023
The Torres sisters, Julia and Gabriela smile together with their dog, Candy, on the road on a sunny day on Oct. 26.

I reminisce about my childhood growing up with my baby sister

Julia Torres, Staff Writer
May 12, 2023
Jordyn Anderson serves the ball in a game against Ventura College in Fall of 2021 at the Sports Pavillion in Santa Barbara, Calif. Anderson to transfer to San Diego State University to study kinesiology and sports medicine. Courtesy of Catherine Anderson.

Jordyn Anderson leaves it all on the sand to end volleyball career

Julia Torres, Staff Writer
May 5, 2023
The recipients of the Outstanding Performance grants and scholarships shine during the 2023 Student Exhibition on Thursday, April 20 at Atkinson Gallery in Santa Barbara, Calif. The recipients received grants from $250 to $5,000.

Students win scholarship money from their art displayed at SBCC

Julia Torres, Staff Writer
April 28, 2023
Picture courtesy of City staff person Jasime Showers. Full Cachuma Lake after the storms at the start of 2023.

Local water reservoir sits at max capacity after the winter storms

Julia Torres, Staff Writer
April 14, 2023
19-year-old Kiera Oakeson sitting at the bus stop across from City College on Wednesday. April 5. Oakeson is a student at City College who takes the bus nearly every day, she says she has spent an estimate of $50 on Ubers she’s had to call because the bus never showed.

Lack of public transport impacts students’ commutes to campus

Julia Torres, Staff Writer
April 7, 2023
Professional trombone player Alex Iles fronts the City College Lunch Break Big Band at the Dos Pueblos Jazz Festival on March 3 in Santa Barbara, Calif. The band also had the opportunity to rehearse with Iles before the festival.

Local high school’s Instrumental Program jazzes it up with bands

Julia Torres, Staff Writer
March 24, 2023
Illustration by Alloy Zarate, 2020

Cross Currents: Is a college education essential?

Angel Corzo and Julia Torres
March 6, 2023
Sally Chuah, the Library Chair, smiles while holding up a peace sign on March 2 at her desk in The Luria Library in Santa Barbara, Calif. Chuah wants to break stereotypical views of librarians by being welcoming, and creating an engaging space for students.

Chair librarian offers extensive resources for scholars at SBCC

Julia Torres, Staff Writer
March 3, 2023
Julia Torres (far left), Alexis Chavez (center), and Sunny Silverstein (far right) sit in a field of lavender in Santa Barbara, Calif. All three young women write for the Channels.

The Channels staff talk dating in college: is it worth the hardship?

Sunny Silverstein, Julia Torres, and Alexis Chavez
February 27, 2023
The corner of Trigo and El Embarcadero st. in Isla

Antisemitic flyers littering Isla Vista streets prompts distress

Julia Torres, Staff Writer
February 13, 2023
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