The Five-Spot: Military Parades, SpaceX Expansion, Pell Grant Cuts, Wildfire Worries, and a Gloomy Job Market

From the streets to the skies to students' wallets, Trump's actions feed into an uncertain future and leave a mark on everything.

(Editor’s note: Newsmakers intern Shelby Appice, who will graduate from UCSB in June with a major in Communication and minor in Professional Writing, 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. Trump’s Military Parade Sparks Backlash
   Trump’s 79th birthday falls on the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. A random coincidence that gives the president a reason to celebrate what he loves most: himself (and America too, maybe?). As he prepares for his birthday bash on Saturday, June 14 with a massive $100 million military parade complete with tanks, flyovers, celebrity cameos, and around 7,000 soldiers, communities across the country are organizing counter-demonstrations.

   Indivisible Santa Barbara is leading a “No Kings” protest on the morning of the parade, beginning at 10:30 a.m. by forming a human chain along Cabrillo Boulevard in peaceful defiance of what organizers are calling an authoritarian-style display of power.

   Critics say the decision to spend $100 million in taxpayer dollars while heightening immigration surveillance and slashing funding for essential services and federal programs makes it clear where the administration’s priorities lie.

   Organizers say the protest isn’t just about resisting a single parade but is about resisting a larger erosion of democratic norms. Expected to join the community are local leaders, assembly- and congress-members like Oscar Gutierrez, Gregg Hart, and Rep. Salud Carbajal. (Editor’s note: Newsmakers TV will interview Indivisible SB leaders on Wednesday about the protest and the political situation).

2. SpaceX Launches Raise Environmental Concerns
   As SpaceX ramps up its operations at Vandenberg Space Force Base, locals are being asked to weigh in on the environmental trade-offs. The U.S. Air Force has released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) evaluating the effects of expanding Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch operations, including a proposed doubling of launch activity and modifications to existing infrastructure to support heavier rockets.

   While the expansion is said to support national security goals and economic growth through space tech, residents of Santa Barbara County and the Central Coast face growing concerns about noise, air quality, marine life and habitat impacts.

   SpaceX plays a big role in U.S. space policy, and the public feud between President Trump and Elon Musk has raised concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals.

   Aiming to expand from 50 to 100 rocket launches per year, environmental watchdogs and nearby communities are urging caution and transparency from SpaceX. Local leaders and residents are encouraged to attend meetings or submit comments before the July 7 deadline, ensuring Central Coast voices are heard as activity intensifies just miles from home. Public meetings will be held on June 11 and June 12, giving locals a rare chance to speak directly to decision-makers:

   • June 11: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara

   • June 12: Hilton Garden Inn, 1201 North H Street, Lompoc

3. Pell Grant Cuts Threaten Vulnerable Students
   Thousands of students in Santa Barbara County including those at Santa Barbara City College, UC Santa Barbara and Westmont rely on Pell Grants and work-study jobs to afford tuition, rent and basic living expenses like groceries and utilities.

   The Trump administration’s 2026 budget proposal includes steep cuts to Pell Grants which are a type of federal aid crucial for low-income college students across the United States. Reducing the maximum award from $7,396 to $5,710, the proposal also scales back work-study funding which would drastically affect students’ ability to afford college, and could ultimately drive up debt or result in drop-outs. Fewer financial aid dollars could mean education is not accessible to all.

   In March 2025, the University of California released a report aiming to “Double the Pell” and highlighted the importance of the grant, noting how 35% of all undergraduates qualify for Pell Grants.

   The report also reveals how nearly 7 million of our nation’s students rely on federal Pell Grants to help them access and attain a higher education. And nearly 90% of Pell Grant dollars go to students from families earning less than $50,000 per year.

   The UCs explicitly state that the current maximum Pell Grant award “does not meet students’ needs” and forces them to “close financial aid funding gaps by taking out student loans for their remaining expenses.”

   Fewer students earning degrees and more dropping out due to cost harms both the individuals and the economy.

4. Graduates Face Tough Job Market
   As UCSB’s Class of 2025 tosses their caps into the air this weekend, many will do so with pride, but also with real anxiety. While the sun may shine over Isla Vista, the economic outlook for these new grads may not be as bright.

   Nationally, this is shaping up to be the worst job market for college graduates since the height of the pandemic. Even as the broader U.S. economy continues to add jobs, recent grads are being left behind. The unemployment rate for degree-holders aged 22–27 is now consistently higher than the national average. Entry-level hiring has plunged 23% since 2020, and many companies are treading water in a “no hire, no fire” phase.

   Locally, Santa Barbara’s graduates aren’t immune as many face months of job hunting, student loan payments, and a sense of limbo post-grad.

   Tech leaders warn that white-collar entry-level roles are already being quietly erased by AI and automation.

   Career counselors are urging students to pivot toward growth fields where demand is strong like healthcare, education, and environmental studies. Uncertainty looms as these sectors tend to be threatened under Trump’s presidency.

5. Wildfire Season Prompts Preparation

   Peak wildfire season is around the corner forcing California communities to remain vigilant and prepared. Climate change has only exacerbated the issue fueling hotter temperatures, drier seasons and more extreme weather conditions causing wildfires to be more intense and less predictable across the state.

   On Friday, June 6, the California Fire Foundation (CFF) and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) officially launched the 2025 Wildfire Safety and Preparedness Program (WSPP) at San Luis Obispo Fire Department Station One. The program offers $1.65 million in grant funding, more than double last year’s total, to fire departments, nonprofits, and community groups looking to strengthen their wildfire defenses.

   Eligible projects include vegetation clearance, emergency equipment upgrades, fire education campaigns, and evacuation readiness programs — things the federal government should be funding, but is not. The money does not come from Washington and instead is from a public-private partnership between CFF, PG&E, and the PG&E Corporation Foundation.

   Fire season is now practically year-round, and the resources to fight it are stretched thin. Though in Washington, the federal government has continued to downplay or outright deny the climate emergency and correlating natural disasters. Since returning to office, Trump has halted nearly every federal initiative aimed at reducing emissions, gutted funding for clean energy and dismantled environmental protections. He has pulled the U.S. further away from climate research and climate agreements and has undone much of the progress made in clean energy.

   The grant program promotes wildfire readiness and is explained as a way communities can take wildfire preparedness into their own hands. Grant applications can be found on the California Fire Foundation’s website and are open now and close June 30, 2025.

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Five-Spot: In Other News…

1. Vision Zero State Street Undercrossing Project Complete
   The City of Santa Barbara marked a major infrastructure milestone as the construction of the Vision Zero State Street Undercrossing Project was finished early last month. On Wednesday, June 4, the city celebrated the completion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

   According to the city, the new undercrossing improves safety for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists on State Street between Yanonali and Gutierrez Streets, offering a more accessible connection between State Street and the Waterfront and Funk Zone.

   Key improvements include widened and elevated sidewalks, widened and new buffered bike lanes, enhanced lighting, and decorative upgrades like tiled bridge columns and artistic railings.

   In a press release, Mayor Randy Rowse noted that the project directly addresses previous safety concerns and rebalances the space for all modes of transportation. He says the project addresses the “collision pattern history” in the area by “providing wider, more comfortable sidewalks and protected bike lanes” that will make it safer for all road users in these very “transportation-oriented neighborhoods.”

2. Gaucho Alum Plays in the NBA Finals
   The NBA Finals are in full swing, starting with game one on Thursday, June 5. The Oklahoma City Thunder began with home-court advantage, hosting the Indiana Pacers for game one and two.

   While the teams may seem irrelevant and distant to our SoCal community, the UC Santa Barbara Men’s Basketball team is represented on the big stage, giving us a reason to cheer.

   Ajay Mitchell spent three years at UCSB before entering the NBA Draft where he was selected as the 38th pick in the second round. The 22-year-old Gaucho alum now plays as shooting guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder. As a rookie, he has earned himself substantial playing time (averaging 16 minutes per game) and appeared in all of the Thunder’s first 34 games.

   His team finished the NBA season best overall with a 68-14 record and continued to dominate in the playoffs. So far, Mitchell has played in over half of the team’s playoff games.

   During his time at Santa Barbara, Mitchell earned accolades including Big West Freshman of the Year, Big West Player of the Year, Big West Championships MVP, and was a three-time All-Big West selection.

3. City Welcomes New Burger Spot
   Los Angeles-based burger joint, The Win~Dow, opened its doors to Santa Barbara on Thursday, June 5 and has seen significant turnout. Known for their smashburgers, fried-chicken sandwiches and simple menu, the restaurant has five other locations and found a new home across from the Paseo Nuevo Mall, off Chapala Street.

   On opening day, a line grew outside the literal window of the restaurant where customers place their orders. To celebrate, the shop gave away free double cheeseburgers with all purchases, and the week continued with freebies and promotions including half-price fries, discounted breakfast burritos, buy one get one free shakes, and half off salads and grain bowls.

4. Habitat Santa Barbara Celebrates 25 Years
   Last month, Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County (Habitat Santa Barbara) held their annual Denim & Diamonds Gala to fundraise and highlight the work and efforts of the organization. $258,000 was raised to support their efforts across the South Coast.

   Habitat Santa Barbara celebrates 25 years as an organization whose mission is focused on building affordable housing and providing hope to local families. They have made a notable impact, building 22 affordable homes and completing 220 home repairs for low-income families. The fifth affordable housing development is now in progress.

   Saying it can feel “out of reach,” Jessica de L'Arbre, Habitat Santa Barbara CEO understands the struggle to own a home or find affordable housing in today’s market, and remains driven to help the community.

5. Rancho San Marcos Golf Course Reopens
   After five years of construction, the front nine holes at Rancho San Marcos Golf Course are officially back open. Nestled between Santa Barbara and Solvang, just off Highway 154 near Lake Cachuma, the 298-acre course reopened to the public in April and is now accepting tee times from Thursday through Sunday.

   Originally opened in 1988, Rancho San Marcos has been a favorite for both casual golfers and tournament events, thanks to its scenic, country setting and challenging layout. According to General Manager Steven Battaglia, the renovation focused on restoring the course to its original charm, telling Noozhawk, “It has always been an outstanding golf course in a beautiful country setting, so we just got it back in shape and ready for golfers to come out and enjoy it with us.”

   Just in time for Father’s Day, a tee time at Rancho San Marcos could hit the sweet spot; whether playing a full game or just soaking in the serene landscape, it could be a great way to spend quality time with dad.