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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Santa Barbara City Council capped the number of cruise ships that can visit Santa Barbara at 20 per year. Other environmental recommendations were also approved.
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A large housing development proposed for Nipomo comes before County Supervisors for a vote. The Dana Reserve project has garnered support and opposition from community members.
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Velella velella are small jelly-like creatures propelled by wind and ocean currents. And now they are showing up on Central Coast beaches.
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A new study out of UC Santa Barbara looked at how to reduce the amount of water used for agriculture. It finds that farming practices have a substantial impact.
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To prepare for an unsanctioned annual party near UC Santa Barbara, volunteers distributed Narcan, a nasal spray that can prevent overdose deaths. The party called Deltopia is expected to happen in Isla Vista this weekend.
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Research published from UC Santa Barbara shows the coast of southern California was used as a dumping ground for industrial waste in the mid-1900s. Decades later, toxic chemicals and radioactive waste still exist on the ocean floor.
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A new interim housing community for individuals experiencing homelessness in the Santa Maria Valley is opening next week. The goal is to transition people into permanent housing.
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The race for 1st district supervisor in the County of Santa Barbara turned out to be much closer than expected. Challenger Roy Lee has come out ahead of incumbent Das Williams, though it won’t be officially certified for another week or so.
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The process to apply for federal student aid is nearly impossible to navigate this year according to local colleges and high schools. Central Coast Representative Salud Carbajal convened a meeting to discuss FAFSA.
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For almost two years, a harbor commission subcommittee has worked with community members, business owners, and environmentalists to understand their concerns related to cruise ships anchoring off Santa Barbara.