This page is the product of a partnership between a group of Westmont College students and One Community founder, Mark Alvarado. Our goal was twofold: first, to engage in discussions of race, diversity, and culture within Santa Barbara and also to begin to build a bridge between various communities. Inspired by our own experiences as students at a college sometimes referred to as “the Westmont bubble,” we wanted to create something that would inform individuals of the history and diverse communities that make up Santa Barbara as a whole.
In a collection of blog posts, a Westmont student acknowledges problematic bahvior in Santa Babrara and with in our own institution and the necessary steps for change. Then, we gave the floor to several Santa Barbara voices ranging from business owners to historical experts. These discussions covering themes about community, race, gentrification, divides, and aspirations for the future were turned into podcast episodes for anyone to access.
We discovered that, though beautiful, Santa Barbra is more than “The American Riviera;” It is a city rich with a diverse communties that deserves the attention of those living here. To create a connected community we must take the time to understand our shortcomings and to listen to our neighbors. We hope that you might use this page to begin your own version of that journey.
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