Local Heroes 2019

A great guitarist who jams in public parking lots. A chef who cooks for those in need. Two doctors, father and son, who add kindness to the art of healing. These are some of this year’s Local Heroes 2019. Their stories are tales of volunteerism, neighborliness, philanthropy, and countless selfless acts. 

The Santa Barbara Independent launched its first issue ever, three decades ago, by celebrating the Local Heroes of 1986. We’ve repeated the recognition every Thanksgiving week since. And every year since, our readers have nominated outstanding people in our community, many of whom have never received recognition.