William M. Macfadyen

6 days ago | noozhawk.com | William M. Macfadyen |Noozhawk Publisher

Happy Easter and a belated Happy Passover to my fellow faith-filled friends. Local journalism is Santa Barbara County’s civic lifeline. For nearly 18 years, Noozhawk has delivered unbiased, professional reporting where it matters most as an independent, locally owned news site. Our institutional knowledge and memory make the difference, providing crucial context on local issues, challenges, decisions and policies. This is our community, and you know we’re as local as you are.

1 week ago | noozhawk.com | William M. Macfadyen |Noozhawk Publisher

Local journalism is the lifeblood of Santa Barbara County’s civic health, which is why we’ve launched our 2025 spring fundraising campaign, “The Voice You Trust.”For nearly 18 years, Noozhawk has delivered professional journalism when and where it matters most. As an independent newsroom, we answer only to our readers — not to corporate owners, out-of-state institutions or distant funders unfamiliar with local concerns. Our institutional knowledge makes the difference.

2 weeks ago | noozhawk.com | William M. Macfadyen |Noozhawk Publisher

Is it just me or is winter really lingering this year? While I’ve been shivering my way through the week, anticipating the promised warmer weather next week, Noozhawk has been sizzling. According to our WordPress analytics, we had an audience of 138,492 readers this past week. What follows is my own take on the Top 5 stories you were reading over that period, as compiled by our Google Analytics. As a reminder, this is my opinion column.

3 weeks ago | noozhawk.com | William M. Macfadyen |Noozhawk Publisher

Already 3-0 after Opening Day? That’s my kind of start to the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers’ title defense. Team Noozhawk remains in midseason form with a spirited competition among our staff to make the Top 5 most-read stories over the past week. According to our WordPress analytics, we had an audience of 138,555 readers for the period. And according to our Google Analytics, this list is what you were reading.

1 month ago | noozhawk.com | William M. Macfadyen |Noozhawk Publisher

Neighborhood merchants not only give a community personality but provide services we all need that aren’t flashy or glamorous. When I find a good resource, I’ll drive across town to go there. That’s exactly why I ventured from my Summerland home over to Pop’s Shoe Repair in Santa Barbara with a pair of too-tight boots I hoped could be saved.