Ready to retire – The Santa Barbara Independent

Our accounting administrator, Tobi Feldman, has always handled payroll and billing, keeping our newspaper running on the other side. And before joining us, she worked in international real estate brokerage, management, sales and marketing. This week we bid her farewell and send her wishes for happiness and relaxation as she retires and moves on to the next chapter of her life.

How long have you worked at The Independent? How has it changed and grown during your time here?

I have been here for seven years. THE India is now the only (and best) newspaper in town.

What are your best memories here? What will you miss?

I really enjoyed the Thanksgiving potlucks. I’ll probably be missing tickets to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and Gauchos basketball games. I’ve made some good friends who I’m sure will stay in touch.

What do you hope to do in retirement? Projects already planned?

My goals are to travel, improve my physical fitness. I renewed my YMCA gym membership and plan to attend classes regularly. Also, I just found out that there are free classes at the SBCC School of Extended Learning if you are over 55. I love sport. My husband and I are planning to go to some college games with friends. So far, Penn State vs. USC and Stanford vs. Cal, both in the fall.

Your daughter also recently celebrated her university graduation, how was that for you? What are his next steps that excite you?

Jaiden’s graduation was a much-celebrated milestone for her and all the students who persevered in their studies during the pandemic. She is interning at a non-profit clinic in Oakland that serves and supports the community in all aspects. She plans to get a master’s degree in psychology.

How long have you been in Santa Barbara? Have you already planned any outings?

I have lived in Santa Barbara since 1994. I married and raised two children here. My plan is to travel. I have three trips planned right now, all in California, but I plan to travel more internationally. My short list is Japan, Australia and eventually Israel.

What have been your favorite activities outside of work? Do you have any new hobbies you are considering taking up?

I have been a member of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art Women’s Board of Trustees since September 2023. Additionally, I have learned to play golf, which has been extremely rewarding yet challenging. A group of us just formed a women’s golf group so we could practice and play together.