Ryan P. Cruz, Author at The Santa Barbara Independent

Immigration By Ryan P. Cruz | Wed Jun 24, 2026 | 9:40am

Santa Barbara Sheriff Under Fire over ICE Arrests at County Jails

Sheriff Bill Brown faces scrutiny over cooperation with ICE during the annual TRUTH Act forum.

Business By Ryan P. Cruz | Tue Jun 23, 2026 | 4:58pm

Councilmembers ironed out the final details of a “precariously balanced” budget during a special hearing on June 23.

News By Ryan P. Cruz | Wed Jun 17, 2026 | 10:32am

The City Council called for a special emergency hearing on June 23 to allow for final budget deliberations.

Community By Ryan P. Cruz | Wed Jun 17, 2026 | 8:32am

Yardi Systems will move its corporate headquarters downtown, while the former Nordstrom building will be converted to 80-plus residential units.

Housing By Ryan P. Cruz | Wed Jun 10, 2026 | 9:40am

The city opened up a 30-day public review period, with plans to finalize the ordinance by July 28.

Business By Ryan P. Cruz | Wed Jun 03, 2026 | 9:23am

The City Council unanimously supported the newest plan for the long-vacant Macy’s and Nordstrom buildings in the heart of downtown.

Immigration By Ryan P. Cruz | Mon Jun 01, 2026 | 3:28pm

Immigrant rights organizations reported a shift in enforcement tactics and a surge of arrests in the tri-county area over the past six months.

Courts & Crime By Ryan P. Cruz | Wed May 27, 2026 | 2:49pm

The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office joined in the legal battle against the Florida-based real estate company MV Realty.

Cover Story By Ryan P. Cruz | Wed May 20, 2026 | 8:00pm

Gauchos ace Jackson Flora keeps up the legacy of big-league hurlers coming through Santa Barbara.

Housing By Ryan P. Cruz | Wed May 20, 2026 | 9:13am

Councilmembers weighed in as the city moves forward with plans for a finalized draft in June.