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

Politics By Christina McDermott & Ella Heydenfeldt | Tue Sep 30, 2025 | 1:24pm

Healthcare Cuts at the Center of Government Shutdown Debate

Update: Stalemate in Congress over federal budget leads to first government shutdown since 2019.

Housing By Christina McDermott | Wed Sep 24, 2025 | 1:43pm

More Affordable Housing On Track for Santa Barbara’s Westside

The City of Santa Barbara’s Housing Authority plans to replace and add affordable units to Monteria Village.

Community By Christina McDermott | Tue Sep 23, 2025 | 3:05pm

Santa Barbara Swim Club’s Narwhalathon Raises More Than $8,000

The annual fundraiser was held Saturday at Los Baños Del Mar Pool, where swimmers ages 6-18 completed laps for an hour straight to raise money for their team.

Housing By Christina McDermott | Wed Sep 17, 2025 | 9:44am

Santa Barbara Architects Talk Housing

Last week’s American Institute of Architects S.B. Chapter meeting included talk on how to fund affordable units and where to put them.

Housing By Christina McDermott | Mon Sep 15, 2025 | 4:16pm

Big Build Behind Santa Barbara Mission Slated for Environmental Review

The eight-story building proposed behind the mission would be “de-exempt” from CEQA under State Senator Monique Limón’s just-passed amendments to state law.