Ella Heydenfeldt, Author at The Santa Barbara Independent

Courts & Crime By Ella Heydenfeldt | Fri Oct 24, 2025 | 3:40pm

Santa Barbara Police Arrest Man After State Street Altercation

Christian DeCoster, 47, accused of battery and resisting officers in his latest run-in with the law.

Transportation By Ella Heydenfeldt | Fri Oct 24, 2025 | 2:03pm

Direct flights to Chicago O’Hare and San Diego International return April 2026.

Community By Ella Heydenfeldt | Thu Oct 23, 2025 | 3:44pm

The Marine veteran and endurance athlete went missing in July when his boat overturned in a sudden storm, leading to a monthslong search.

Courts & Crime By Ella Heydenfeldt | Thu Oct 23, 2025 | 12:40pm

The Sheriff’s Office shares new details on Monday’s deadly “altercation” at the Magnolia Shopping Center.

Cover Story By Ella Heydenfeldt | Wed Oct 22, 2025 | 7:22pm

Santa Barbara Museum of Art Director Amada Cruz believes art is for everyone.

Courts & Crime By Ella Heydenfeldt | Wed Oct 22, 2025 | 1:39pm

UCSB Police issued a campuswide alert after a student was reportedly attacked Sunday night by an unidentified man who remains at large.

Courts & Crime By Ella Heydenfeldt | Mon Oct 20, 2025 | 7:12pm

Suspect Kevin Benitez-Carbajal, 24, previously served time in state prison for a fatal hit-and-run.

Courts & Crime By Ella Heydenfeldt | Mon Oct 20, 2025 | 4:47pm

Police say the 18-year-old driver crashed into a tree after failing to make the sharp turn from Anapamu to Milpas street early Sunday.

Courts & Crime By Jackson Friedman & Ella Heydenfeldt | Mon Oct 20, 2025 | 3:39pm

Deputies opened fire on a suspect during an active assault; the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Public Safety By Ella Heydenfeldt | Mon Oct 20, 2025 | 12:41pm

Solo male driver sustains major injuries in Sunday afternoon crash.