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 Oct 20, 2025 | 4:00pm

Missing Lompoc Girl Melodee Buzzard, 9, Last Seen October 7

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office says child’s mother may have driven her out-of-state.

Housing By Christina McDermott | Mon Oct 20, 2025 | 1:22pm

Buellton to Consider Relocating Long-Term Motel Residents

The City Council will vote Oct. 23 on an ordinance that would make motels currently housing low-income residents convert back to short-term stays.

Public Safety By Christina McDermott | Thu Oct 16, 2025 | 9:44am

A 9-Year-Old Lompoc Child Is Missing

Update: Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s detectives have confirmed that Melodee Buzzard was seen as recently as August 2025 and that her mother has been uncooperative with the investigation into her daughter’s disappearance.

Politics By Christina McDermott | Tue Oct 14, 2025 | 3:16pm

Rep. Carbajal Blasts Thousands of ‘Needless Federal Layoffs’

In Santa Barbara County, layoffs could impact taxpayers, folks in Section 8 housing, and more.

Housing By Christina McDermott | Tue Oct 14, 2025 | 1:21pm

Governor Signs Bill Requiring Eight-Story Development Behind Santa Barbara Mission to Undergo Environmental Review

The environmental housing bill was signed into law on Saturday, creating a new hurdle for the controversial project.

Housing By Christina McDermott | Fri Oct 10, 2025 | 4:35pm

Some Counties Allow Disaster Victims to Transfer Their Property Tax Rates Without Selling Their Home. Santa Barbara Isn’t One of Them

Architect Robert Bridges and his wife, who are looking to relocate to Santa Barbara after losing their iconic home in the Palisades Fire, are pushing for the county to adopt a state policy that would help people in their situation.