The Five-Spot: A "Big Beautiful Bill," ICE in the 805, and Research Grants Restored

Recent news and Trump's current impact on Santa Barbara County. Plus a comparison of our reality to themes in George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984."

(Editor’s note: Mega-kudos to Newsmakers intern Shelby Appice, who graduated from UCSB this month with a major in Communication and minor in Professional Writing, and is tracking the local effects of the Trump Administration in her “Five Spot” column).

By Shelby Appice

Five ways that Santa Barbara is plagued by Trump policies, right now:

1. The “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act…

   Alas, it actually is called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. And Trump has called it the “largest tax cut in the history of this country.” The bill includes a plethora of critical features, and a new provision would allow the federal government to sell off up to three million acres of public lands for private development across 11 Western states. California is included, with 180,000 acres of federal public land across Santa Barbara, Kern, Ventura, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo counties.

   National parks, monuments and wilderness areas would be excluded, therefore the Los Padres National Forest appears to be safe. Still, lots of Bureau of Land Management land is threatened, including areas near the Carrizo Plain in San Luis Obispo County,one of California’s last remaining native grassland and biodiversity hotspots.

   Land could be sold without public input or environmental review, and while supporters argue more land available means more housing development and lower housing costs, conservationists warn that the proposal’s vague language leaves the door open for land to be purchased for other motives like oil extraction or “luxury development.”

   Additionally, on June 23, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins rolled back on the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. This key federal safeguard has long protected remote forest areas from development, barring road construction and logging on over 50 million acres of national forest land. The change could green-light commercial logging and new roads in fragile areas, increasing wildfire risk and threatening ecosystems just miles from our community.

   The Big Beautiful Bill faces hurdles in Congress, but Trump has pushed for it to reach his desk by July 4.

2. ICE in Santa Barbara County

   Federal immigration enforcement activity has intensified under the Trump administration. Recently, Ventura and Santa Barbara County have seen U.S.. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detaining individuals in public spaces, including outside laundromats, in parks, and on local streets, sparking concern and alarm among immigrant communities and raising concerns about due process and legal protections.

   On June 14, more than 10,000 people gathered to protest against Trump and his recent actions, including attacks on immigrants. But over this past week, ICE agents conducted a series of unannounced raids in Santa Barbara, Goleta and Santa Maria, apprehending individuals on their way to work, while running errands or going about their daily life.

   Videos posted by residents and verified by the 805 Immigrant Coalition show agents in unmarked SUVs, often unidentifiable, wearing tactical gear and masks. Advocates say these operations are embedding fear in neighborhoods with high populations of undocumented or mixed-status families, discouraging residents from leaving their homes, accessing services, or attending school or work.

   A “community defense training” took place on Monday, June 23 at the Downtown Club in Santa Barbara to help residents understand their rights and to share tips on how to support those impacted by ICE. The 805 Immigrant Coalition urges community members to remain vigilant and report immigration enforcement activity to the 24/7 Rapid Response Hotline at (805) 870-8855.

3. Emergency Funding to Support Mental Health for Immigrants

   In direct response to the recent wave of immigration enforcement across the Central Coast, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has approved $240,000 in emergency funding to expand mental health services at the Immigrant Legal Defense Center for immigrants and asylum seekers in the region.

   The funding, drawn from cannabis tax revenue, will support the Immigrant Legal Defense Center, a Santa Barbara-based nonprofit that has seen a dramatic increase in demand for both legal representation and emotional support under the Trump administration.

   As immigration raids continue throughout the 805, local leaders are looking for ways to provide safety nets that go beyond legal aid acknowledging that trauma, fear and family separation have long-term consequences on an individual and a community.

   According to Julissa Peña, executive director of the Immigrant Legal Defense Center, the organization currently serves over 500 clients, with another 120 people on a waitlist that continues to grow as the county has been affected by recent ICE activity. The funding will allow the center to hire two additional mental health professionals, with the Board planning to review the program’s effectiveness in six months.

   Laura Capps leads the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors and introduced the measure, framing the investment as an urgent response to the immigration crisis and describing the move as a choice “to help humanity against forces that are really about power and fear.”

4. Research Grants Restored

   In the past month, six UC scholars filed a class action lawsuit after their grants were terminated without explanation. Though the Trump administration attempted to eliminate science funding tied to diversity, equity, and public health, a federal judge in Massachusetts has ordered the restoration of hundreds of canceled federal research grants, many of which directly impact University of California (UC) schools. A ruling in California also reinstated multiple grants for research projects which were flagged by the Trump administration as violating federal bans on DEI funding.

   The rulings come after the Trump administration terminated over 800 science research grants, including over 400 in California, targeting projects that focused on racial health disparities, women’s health, LGBTQ+ health and environmental justice. In many cases, these grants support research scientists, graduate students, early-career scientists, and community-driven research, including wildfire smoke exposure in low-income neighborhoods and dementia studies at UC campuses.

   Judge William Young, a Reagan appointee, explained how the case concerns “health research already bought and paid for by the Congress of the United States through funds appropriated for expenditure and properly allocated during this fiscal year.”

   Grants are crucial for public universities, and the UC system received over $4 billion in federal research awards in the 2024 fiscal year. On top of this, the National Institutes of Health funding brought in $2.6 billion last year to the UCs, fueling critical research and supporting educational and professional pipelines for students and scientists.

5. “1984” and Trump

   This month George Orwell’s “1984” turned 76. The dystopian novel remains a top read and is a chilling vision of authoritarian control through surveillance, censorship and manipulation of the truth. It serves as a reminder that authoritarianism often advances not through force alone, but through language, division and erosion of truth. While the United States remains far from the dystopia Orwell envisioned, recent events and rhetoric led me to compare our reality with the fictitious story and its themes.

   Newspeak: In “1984”, the Party controls truth to maintain power. The Party controls language through “newspeak,” simplifying and altering language to limit the capacity for critical thought and dissent. Not quite the same, but in comparison, the Trump administration often uses language to shape perception by calling mainstream media “the enemy of the people,” using terms like “fake news” and “alternative facts,” or name-calling, part of an effort to delegitimize journalism and obscure truth.

   Doublethink: In “1984”, citizens are manipulated and forced to believe two opposing truths simultaneously, they are expected to accept two contradictory beliefs at once (doublethink). For example, the Ministry of Truth actually lies and the Party slogan is “War is Peace.” Trump often says contradictory statements or introduces contradictory policies. Is the Big Beautiful Bill really a big beautiful bill? Meh.

   Control Over Information and Dispute Over the Truth: In “1984”, The Ministry of Truth rewrites history to align with the Party’s current narrative. In a Trump-Era Comparison, the frequent dismissal of factual reports, the reshaping of narratives (like a stolen election), and attempts to discredit institutions (like the FBI or CDC) undermine truth. Baseless claims of election fraud, selective editing of intelligence briefings, and public contradiction of scientific agencies reflect a tendency to reshape facts to align with political goals. The White House website is not a transparent source.

   Big Brother: Big Brother is a ubiquitous, possibly fictional leader who is revered and feared. The regime demands total loyalty to him. In our reality, Trump’s personal branding, mass rallies for MAGA supporters, and the loyalty demanded from political allies may be seen as fostering a kind of cult. Rather than just policies, his image and name have become central to his political identity and actions.

   Surveillance: The government uses pervasive surveillance to monitor and control citizens in “1984”. Thankfully, the United States does not (yet) partake in mass citizen surveillance. However, concerns were raised about authoritarian tendencies, such as using federal forces against protestors, expanding executive power, or suggesting military force for domestic control. Ironically, Trump often appears to fear being watched himself. His distrust of intelligence agencies dates back to the 2016 campaign and deepened during the Russia investigation and subsequent impeachment inquiries.

   Use of Fear and Division: Orwell’s Party sustains power through fear, war and scapegoating. Trump often leans on divisive rhetoric, and Trump has used fear to unite his base and vilify opponents. Frequent rhetoric against specific groups and minorities can be interpreted as a form of scapegoating.

   Important Distinctions/Notes: The United States remains a democracy with free elections and a free press. Trump faces real scrutiny and opponents. Criticism of Trump is not silenced.

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Five-Spot: In Other News…

1. The Great Quake Centennial Street Festival
   At 6:42 a.m. on June 29, 1925, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck Santa Barbara, claiming 11 lives and reshaping the city’s future. In the years that followed, Santa Barbara rebuilt with a bold vision, embracing Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and community-wide resilience.

   It marks a century since Santa Barbara’s devastating 1925 earthquake. Last Saturday, June 28, EQ25 hosted The Great Quake & Day of Remembrance at the 1100 Block of State St. The free and family-friendly festival focused on remembrance, education and earthquake preparedness.

2. Free Summer Lunches for Kids & Teens

   From now through August 8, children and teens (ages 0–18) can enjoy free lunches at the Central Library, 40 E. Anapamu Street. Aside from holidays, meals will be served every weekday from 12-1:00 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis, with no registration, sign-ups or income requirements necessary.

   The Lunch at the Library program is a partnership between the Santa Barbara Unified School District, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program, and the California Department of Education.

3. Fourth of July Drone Light Show

   Celebrate Independence Day with a modern twist at the Fourth of July Drone Light Show in Goleta. Replacing traditional fireworks with a spectacular, environmentally friendly display, 150 synchronized drones will light up the night sky around 8:30 p.m. The event is free and gates open a 6 p.m. at Dos Pueblos High School.

   A free shuttle service will run 5:30-7:45 p.m. from Costco at Camino Real Marketplace. Bleacher seating and field access seating (blankets and beach chairs only) are available. Attendees can also expect food trucks, live music, line dancing, family activities and a photo booth.

4. UCSB Men’s Basketball Alum Now NBA Champion

   In his rookie season, Ajay Mitchell, former UCSB Men’s Basketball star and standout point guard, has officially reached the pinnacle of professional basketball: winning an NBA Championship.

   As a Gaucho, Mitchell quickly rose through the ranks thanks to his court vision, poise under pressure and elite scoring ability. Drafted in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft to the New York Knicks, Mitchell immediately got traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder and played significantly throughout the regular season. During the Thunder’s playoff run, he contributed and got to play valuable minutes.

   Mitchell becomes the first UCSB men’s basketball player to win an NBA title, marking a historic milestone for himself and the Gauchos program.

5. Shark Sighting off Gaviota Beach

   Beachgoers at Gaviota State Beach are being urged to use caution after a 14-foot great white shark was spotted just offshore on Monday, June 23 by a kayaker, according to local lifeguards. The sighting has prompted a 24-hour shark advisory, with warning signs posted throughout the area.

   This marks the second confirmed shark sighting since May 31, when another large great white was seen near the same location. While no injuries or incidents have been reported, lifeguards are reminding swimmers, surfers and kayakers to be extra vigilant and to stay in groups, avoid wearing shiny jewelry, and exit the water if wildlife is behaving unusually.

   Increase in shark sightings can be due to a combination of factors including climate change. Warming ocean temperatures are influencing shark migration patterns and shifts in ocean currents and changes in fish populations (often driven by the climate crisis or overfishing) can bring sharks closer to shore in search of prey.

   Officials are monitoring the area and will update warnings as needed. For now, the beach remains open, but beachgoers are urged to stay alert and aware.