Ryan P. Cruz, Author at The Santa Barbara Independent

Year in Review By Ryan P. Cruz | Fri Dec 26, 2025 | 10:16am

Ryan P. Cruz’s 2025 in Review

The reporter-about-town’s favorite stories.

Photo By Ryan P. Cruz | Wed Dec 24, 2025 | 5:17pm

Flooding was reported on surface streets, though shoppers still visited downtown Santa Barbara on December 24, 2025.

Public Safety By Ryan P. Cruz | Wed Dec 24, 2025 | 8:44am

Heavy rains are expected to last through Christmas Day; evacuation warnings remain in place for Lake Fire burn scar area.

Immigration By Ryan P. Cruz | Mon Dec 22, 2025 | 4:47pm

Immigrant rights advocates and organizers blast SBCC’s Board of Trustees for the college’s lack of response to recent ICE incidents.

Community By Ryan P. Cruz | Mon Dec 22, 2025 | 3:06pm

Members Only Barber Shop continues the tradition of big and bright holiday storefront displays for its 30th year.

Sports By Ryan P. Cruz | Thu Dec 18, 2025 | 10:48am

A dedicated youth sports facility and indoor gym is slated to be built on Hollister Avenue in 2027.

Housing By Ryan P. Cruz | Wed Dec 17, 2025 | 9:31am

City council outlined a plan for a citywide rent cap, including a potential rent increase moratorium.

Public Safety By Ryan P. Cruz | Tue Dec 16, 2025 | 12:13pm

Police Chief Kelly Gordon assures the public that data is not being used for immigration enforcement purposes.

Community By Ryan P. Cruz | Mon Dec 15, 2025 | 2:15pm

Santa Barbara City Planning Commissioners ask the Bellosguardo Foundation to allow discounted or free access to low-income visitors.

Immigration By Ryan P. Cruz | Thu Dec 11, 2025 | 9:37pm

Federal immigration enforcement sets up in a campus parking lot prior to making several arrests in the Westside neighborhood.