As critical Covid data markers sustained their downward trend this week, Ukraine replaced the
pandemic as Global Topic A in Santa Barbara.
On a new edition of "Newsmakers TV," we look at the local angle of the frightening situation that has gripped the world, with a behind-the-scenes look at the outpouring of public support that's followed Russia's savage and barbaric Ukraine invasion, as the Indy's Nick Welsh and Noozhawk's Josh Molina talk about their behind-the-scenes reporting on the politics and personalities resulted in hundreds turning out for a series of rallies since the conflict began.
Gwyn Lurie, EIC of the Montecito Journal, returns to discuss her interview with Hilda Maldonado, superintendent of the Santa Barbara Unified School District, and the panel of experts on anti-racism policies she convened, part of a meaty package the paper presented to follow up the dreadful "n-word" story at SB Junior High, where several students reenacted the George Floyd murder.
Community hero Melinda Burns breaks down the Board of Supervisors' approval of yet another indulgence for the cannabis industry, as the county's elected Pot Patrons lifted the ceiling on acreage cultivation caps (after previously promising they were sacred), in order to provide permits for growers who want to erect new processing plants - a display of kabuki theater accompanied by the sideshow of Chief Weed Industry Influencer and Supervisor Das Williams, pivoting to Trump-like tactics to assail industry critics among his constituents for pushing a "false narrative." As if.
The gang and the Genial Host also limber up for some serious punditry, as they examine the surprise decision of longtime District Attorney Joyce Dudley not to seek re-election -- addressing the key question, "Who is John Savrnoch?" -- then speculate about the impact soon-to-be-supervisor Laura Capps may have on county business, and have some fun kicking around the city's intractable problem of what to do about traffic jams at Chik-fil-A.
It's all here, right now on Newsmakers TV. Check out the show via YouTube below or by clicking through this link. The podcast version is here.
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