Ryan P. Cruz, Author at The Santa Barbara Independent

Sports By Ryan P. Cruz | Tue Jan 20, 2026 | 2:48pm

Goleta to Serve as Host City for World Cup Team in Summer 2026

The team will stay at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara and practice at UC Santa Barbara’s Harder Stadium

Cover Story By Ryan P. Cruz | Wed Jan 14, 2026 | 8:00pm

Jupiter Castillo, a UC Santa Barbara graduate and healthcare worker, shares his experience of detention and deportation.

Housing By Ryan P. Cruz | Wed Jan 14, 2026 | 8:53am

Council will adopt a moratorium on rent increases while the city drafts a permanent rent cap.

Election 2026 By Ryan P. Cruz | Mon Jan 12, 2026 | 2:38pm

Sneddon was selected out of a crowded field of Democrat candidates in the race for Santa Barbara mayor.

Photo By Ryan P. Cruz | Thu Jan 08, 2026 | 9:34am

Residents and organizers speak out against the escalating federal immigration enforcement across the country.

Immigration By Ryan P. Cruz | Mon Jan 05, 2026 | 3:24pm

Santa Barbara County was hit with consistent federal immigration enforcement during the final week of 2025.

Immigration By Ryan P. Cruz | Mon Dec 29, 2025 | 6:38pm

The 805 UndocuFund reported more than 50 arrests over two days in Santa Barbara County.

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

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.