Matt Kettmann has been a news reporter/ staff writer at the Santa Barbara Independent since 1999, covering everything from environmental catastrophes and international adventure stories to new restaurants, local bands, and natural wonders.

Matt became the award-winning weekly newspaper's Popular Culture Editor in March 2005. Additionally, Matt is a stringer for Time Magazine and freelances for a number of publications, most notably Wine Spectator, SkyWest, Lifescapes, American Cowboy, and TimeOut!'s travel guides. He was also the managing editor of Ventura Magazine in 2004.