Ryan P. Cruz, Author at The Santa Barbara Independent

Housing By Ryan P. Cruz | Wed Jul 29, 2026 | 10:29am

Santa Barbara’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance Moves Slowly Forward

City council continues to finalize the details as the draft ordinance advances with a goal to launch the program in 2027.

Community By Ryan P. Cruz | Tue Jul 28, 2026 | 1:14pm

The Hollister Avenue location is back with new art from Hello Coyote at Foundation Press.

Housing By Ryan P. Cruz | Mon Jul 27, 2026 | 8:00pm

Councilmember Santamaria speaks about the city’s proposed rent stabilization program, and protecting tenants through policy.

Housing By Ryan P. Cruz | Wed Jul 22, 2026 | 11:05am

What’s included, who’s covered, and what’s still up for debate ahead of city council’s July 28 hearing.

Community By Ryan P. Cruz | Fri Jul 17, 2026 | 4:15pm

Donations and purchases from the July 19 event will support the seventh annual S.B. School Supply Drive on August 1.

Cover Story By Ryan P. Cruz, photos by Elaine Sanders | Wed Jul 08, 2026 | 8:00pm

Soccer fans showed up to bars, restaurants, and public places in droves to cheer on their teams in the world’s biggest sporting event.

Election 2026 By Ryan P. Cruz | Wed Jul 01, 2026 | 4:41pm

Escobedo has already earned the endorsements from outgoing District 6 Councilmember Meagan Harmon and the S.B. County Democratic Party.

Business By Ryan P. Cruz | Wed Jul 01, 2026 | 9:15am

City council officially adopted the 2027 budget and set a plan to replenish the city’s emergency reserve fund.

Infrastructure By Ryan P. Cruz | Wed Jul 01, 2026 | 9:09am

City Council votes 5-2 in favor of extending the current pedestrian-centered configuration.

Business By Ryan P. Cruz | Tue Jun 30, 2026 | 10:06pm

Yardi Systems will bring its corporate headquarters downtown in an effort to revitalize the struggling mall.