Reporter Christina McDermott joins The Santa Barbara Independent’s news team as a Mickey Flack Fellow, focusing on housing equity. Christina comes from the world of public radio, having interned and freelanced for KCBX in San Luis Obispo and worked as the region’s reporter at KDLG Radio in Dillingham, Alaska. Now returned to sunny Santa Barbara, Christina is excited to incorporate audio components into her stories for The Independent.
Recent Stories
UC Santa Barbara’s 1,688-Bed Student Housing Project Advances to Coastal Commission
The East Campus Student Housing Project would replace Santa Rosa Residence Hall and add three apartment buildings.
Santa Barbara Rep. Salud Carbajal Condemns President’s Violent Rhetoric After Six Democrats’ Viral Video on Illegal Orders
Several veterans in Congress posted a video last week directing service members to refuse illegal orders; Trump called the move “punishable by death.”
Case Dismissed Against Mother of Missing Child Melodee Buzzard
Judge rules evidence insufficient for felony charge of false imprisonment against Ashlee Buzzard.
‘Reminiscent of “Footloose”’: Isla Vista Community Talks Best Ways to Balance Safety and Fun with Deltopia
About 400 people attend a town hall to discuss a proposed 72-hour ban on amplified music during the college town’s biggest party weekend.
Buellton City Council Punts Again on Motel Ordinance
The ordinance would require motels on Avenue of Flags that act as month-to-month rentals to convert back to short-term stays.
Young Man Falls from Cliff in Isla Vista Early Saturday Morning
The victim sustained moderate injuries and is being treated at Cottage Hospital.
SNAP Is Back Following Government Shutdown, Putting a Pause on Back-and-Forth Legal Battles
As part of the agreed-upon budget, food stamps are funded through September 2026, but Agriculture Secretary Rollins says people may have to reapply.
Melodee Buzzard’s Mother Released from Custody with GPS Monitor
Ashlee Buzzard is scheduled to appear in court next week after pleading not guilty to a false imprisonment charge unrelated to her 9-year-old daughter’s disappearance last month.
Bill That Will End Federal Shutdown Will Cause Healthcare Costs to Jump for Tens of Thousands on Central Coast
Santa Barbara Congressmember Salud Carbajal calls the bill “ridiculous” and says he will not vote for it.
