Beth Thornton
Freelance Reporter/Contributor to Issues & IdeasBeth Thornton is a freelance reporter for KCBX, and a contributor to Issues & Ideas. She was a 2021 Data Fellow with the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism, and has contributed to KQED's statewide radio show The California Report.
Before radio, Beth worked in print and video for newspapers, corporations, and nonprofit organizations. She was the editor of Connections, a monthly e-newsletter published by the Center for Media Literacy that included research and media activities for K-12 educators. Beth received her BA from UC Santa Barbara, where she wrote for the college paper, and also has a certificate in creative writing from UCLA Extension Writers' Program. She listens to public radio at every opportunity, and enjoys cycling on the Central Coast.
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Point-in-Time counts provide a snapshot of homelessness in the region. Volunteers are needed in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. There's only a few days left to sign-up for volunteer training.
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A new battery storage facility is operating in Goleta that can hold enough power for about 30,000 households during peak hours.
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The $1 million check from the state of California brings Santa Maria closer to its goal of building a sports complex for local youth.
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The 2017 Thomas Fire created huge plumes of smoke and ash over the Santa Barbara Channel. The event spurred a local researcher to study the effects of wildfire ash on marine life.
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Western monarch butterflies are back on the Central Coast for the winter and local experts are encouraged by their numbers.
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The Santa Barbara County Fire Department will use funds from the state of California to purchase a new marine rescue boat with increased capabilities for firefighting and environmental emergencies.
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On certain days, the Santa Barbara Airport will have therapy dogs on site to help reduce the stress associated with holiday travel.
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A rare plant that grows only on Santa Cruz Island, off the coast of Santa Barbara, was on the endangered species list – but not any more. Conservation efforts were a success.
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Warming Centers are ready to open Wednesday throughout Santa Barbara County. The pop-up sites provide emergency shelter for unhoused people during cold and rainy weather.
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The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County says food insecurity is growing on the Central Coast. As the holidays approach, they are asking for the community’s support.