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

Public Safety By Christina McDermott | Mon May 12, 2025 | 4:27pm

Where’s the Bear? No New Reports of Black Bear Seen Near Isla Vista Last Week

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife said the last report of the bear was Friday morning.

Books By Christina McDermott | Mon May 12, 2025 | 3:36pm

A Meeting at Joe’s, About “A Meeting in the Rain’

Author Nancy McCradie discusses ‘A Meeting in the Rain: Tales of Multigenerational Homelessness and the Struggle for Homeless Rights in America’.

Community By Christina McDermott | Fri May 09, 2025 | 12:59pm

Chumash Earth Day Celebrates, Educates, and Connects

More than 250 people and 32 vendors attended this year’s event.

Public Safety By Christina McDermott | Fri May 09, 2025 | 10:01am

Black Bear Seen Near UC Santa Barbara (Again)

Community members saw the bear wandering around the gardens near UCSB’s West Campus apartment complex and Isla Vista Elementary School on Thursday morning.

Housing By Christina McDermott | Wed May 07, 2025 | 11:51am

Rental Inspection Comes to Isla Vista

Board of Supervisors unanimously approves program.

Drink By Christina McDermott | Tue May 06, 2025 | 3:55pm

Buellton’s 12th Annual Brewfest Brings a Country Western Crowd

Thousands of people came to sip craft beers, ciders and seltzers.

Public Safety By Margaux Lovely & Christina McDermott | Mon May 05, 2025 | 11:40am

Young Man Questioned in Relation to UC Santa Barbara Student’s Death

Witnesses saw Liz Hamel, 18, and a man leave Isla Vista restaurant together about 20 minutes before a 9-1-1 call reporting her apparent fall from San Rafael dorm’s breezeway.