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

Courts & Crime By Christina McDermott | Tue Dec 23, 2025 | 4:40pm

Santa Barbara Law Enforcement Arrests Ashlee Buzzard For First Degree Murder in Daughter Melodee’s Death

Bullet and DNA evidence lead to arrest of Vandenberg Village mother in missing girl’s killing.

Housing By Christina McDermott | Tue Dec 23, 2025 | 3:45pm

Goleta to Consider Ordinance to Protect Senior Mobile Home Park

The new management at University Mobile Home Park, Harmony Communities, wants to open up the park to all ages.

Courts & Crime By Christina McDermott | Tue Dec 23, 2025 | 12:23pm

Body of Missing Vandenberg Village Girl Melodee Buzzard, 9, Recovered and Mother Arrested

The girl’s body was reportedly found in Utah in early December following her October disappearance.

Housing By Christina McDermott | Mon Dec 15, 2025 | 4:38pm

Isla Vista Rental Inspection Program Hits Halfway Point

Santa Barbara County’s Planning Department reports progress and roadblocks, with tenants refusing inspection.

Housing By Christina McDermott | Wed Dec 10, 2025 | 4:08pm

Santa Barbara Supervisors Approve Isla Vista Housing Project After Dinner-Hour Revisions

Developers Ed St. George and Mission Isla Vista revise the controversial Sueno Road project to address parking concerns.

Courts & Crime By Christina McDermott | Wed Dec 10, 2025 | 12:11pm

UCPD Investigates Attempted Sexual Assault and Robbery Near Red Barn in Isla Vista

The university police said the suspect wore a white bandana over his face and struck the victim with a metal water bottle.

History By Christina McDermott | Tue Dec 09, 2025 | 4:09pm

Speaking With a Santa Barbara Resident Who Witnessed the Bombing of Pearl Harbor

Shyama Osborne was just five years old when she watched the December 1941 attack that launched the country into WWII.

Public Safety By Christina McDermott | Tue Dec 09, 2025 | 11:47am

UCPD Rules UC Santa Barbara Student’s Death an Accident but Family Still Has Questions

Elizabeth Hamel, 18, fell two or three stories at San Rafael Residence Hall in February after leaving an Isla Vista restaurant with a young man. Her family’s private investigator and attorney say “key inconsistencies” in the case remain unaddressed.

Public Safety By Christina McDermott | Wed Dec 03, 2025 | 3:29pm

Bystanders Help Man Lying in Center of Hollister Avenue in Old Town Goleta

People left their cars to call 9-1-1 after an injured man was unable to move from the busy road on Wednesday morning.

Politics By Christina McDermott | Wed Dec 03, 2025 | 11:28am

Santa Barbara’s Rep. Carbajal Responds to Hegseth’s Alleged Illegal Order to ‘Kill Everyone’ in Caribbean Strike

Congressmember Carbajal says if the allegations are true, the order is murder.

Flash Flood Warning Issued for South Santa Barbara County on Christmas Eve