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 | Tue Nov 11, 2025 | 12:07pm

Legal Battle over SNAP Continues After USDA Orders States to Take Back Benefits

In Santa Barbara County, all November benefits have been distributed.

Books By Christina McDermott | Fri Nov 07, 2025 | 1:08pm

Journalist and Political Commentator Ezra Klein Packs Santa Barbara’s Arlington Theatre

As part of UCSB’s Arts and Lectures Series, Klein talked politics, place, polarization and prosperity.

Courts & Crime By Christina McDermott | Fri Nov 07, 2025 | 10:05am

Detectives Believe Mother of Missing 9-Year-Old Melodee Buzzard Used Different Wigs During Out-of-State Road Trip

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office also released video footage showing Melodee and her mother, Ashlee, at a rental car facility in Lompoc.

Community By Christina McDermott | Fri Nov 07, 2025 | 9:26am

Santa Barbara County SNAP Recipients to Receive Delayed Benefits Today

A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to release SNAP benefits on Thursday. Santa Barbara County has received the money to distribute.

Housing By Christina McDermott | Thu Nov 06, 2025 | 1:06pm

Developers of Eight-Story Building Behind Mission Sue State, City of Santa Barbara

The Mission LLC says recently passed housing law singles out its project and alleges that the City of Santa Barbara does not have a compliant housing element.

Community By Christina McDermott | Wed Nov 05, 2025 | 11:52am

More than 55,000 People in Santa Barbara County Could Be Short on Food: Here Are Some Resources Looking to Help

Local nonprofits and organizations are stepping up to fill the gap left by a lack of SNAP benefits distributed by the federal government this month.

Courts & Crime By Christina McDermott | Mon Nov 03, 2025 | 9:08pm

Law Enforcement Narrows Timeline in Search for Missing 9-Year-Old Lompoc Girl

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office says Melodee Buzzard was last seen near the Utah-Colorado Border on October 9.

Courts & Crime By Christina McDermott | Fri Oct 31, 2025 | 2:33pm

Santa Barbara Detectives, FBI Agents Serve Search Warrant on Buzzard Home

Authorities are also searching the rental car Melodee Buzzard was last seen in and a storage locker.

Housing By Christina McDermott | Wed Oct 29, 2025 | 8:41am

HUD Seeks to Ban Mixed-Status Households, Cut Funding for Emergency Housing Vouchers

The two federal proposals could mean that hundreds of Santa Barbara County families lose their homes.

Community By Christina McDermott | Tue Oct 28, 2025 | 3:43pm

Starting November 1, USDA Orders States to Withhold SNAP Benefits Due to Government Shutdown

More than 55,000 Santa Barbara County residents rely on SNAP to help pay for food.

Christina McDermott

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