Christina McDermott, Author at The Santa Barbara Independent

Christina McDermott

Mickey Flacks Journalism Fund Fellow

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

Community By Christina McDermott | Mon Feb 02, 2026 | 12:37pm

Isla Vista’s Park District Celebrates Newly Renovated ‘Peaceful’ Pardall Gardens

The first capital improvement project in 14 years, the renovation created a space where folks can hold events and enjoy quiet moments surrounded by native plants.

Housing By Christina McDermott | Fri Jan 30, 2026 | 3:29pm

Santa Barbara County Supervisors Pass Ordinances to Streamline Permitting Process

Changes include increasing the height limit to 45 feet for residential areas with a density of 20 units per acre, creating exceptions to design reviews for some ADUs, and increasing the required open space for some projects.

Audio By Christina McDermott | Thu Jan 29, 2026 | 1:44pm

‘Welcome to Isla Vista’ Episode 4: Political I.V.

Why does I.V. have such a vast network of parks? Why isn’t I.V. a city? And decades later, how did tragedy bolster support for the Community Services District, according to its founders?

Courts & Crime By Christina McDermott | Fri Jan 23, 2026 | 12:49pm

Ashlee Buzzard, Accused of Murdering Daughter Melodee, Appears in Lompoc Court Again

Judge Stephen Dunkle extends a gag order that bars law enforcement from talking about the case for the duration of the trial.

By Christina McDermott | Thu Jan 22, 2026 | 6:05am

‘Welcome to Isla Vista’ Episode 3: The Near-Then and Now

What has I.V. become post-COVID for student residents? What do landlords say? And what, exactly, does a property management company do?

Labor By Christina McDermott | Tue Jan 20, 2026 | 10:49am

KEYT Workers Accuse Parent Company of Stonewalling During Contract Negotiations

At a press conference on the steps of Santa Barbara City Hall, union members say that KEYT’s parent company, News-Press & Gazette, isn’t coming to the table to negotiate.

Audio By Christina McDermott | Thu Jan 15, 2026 | 5:50am

‘Welcome to Isla Vista’ Episode 2: Student Stories, 1954-2016

The rise and fall of I.V.’s building boom, memories of live music, and cockroaches.

Public Safety By Christina McDermott | Wed Jan 14, 2026 | 9:05am

Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors Approve 72-Hour Festival Ban over Deltopia Weekend

The ordinance would still allow a sanctioned event through a government organization, like the IVCSD.

Welcome to Isla Vista By Christina McDermott | Thu Jan 08, 2026 | 6:00am

‘Welcome to Isla Vista’ Episode 1: Welcome to Del Playa Drive

Welcome to Isla Vista, a hodge-podge of lecture notes and red solo cups and home to thousands of UC Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara City College students.

Cover Story By Christina McDermott | Wed Jan 07, 2026 | 8:00pm

Welcome to ‘Welcome to Isla Vista’

The ‘Santa Barbara Independent’ presents a new podcast on I.V., then and now.

Christina McDermott

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