Ryan P. Cruz, Author at The Santa Barbara Independent

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

Santa Barbara City Budget Back on Track for June 30 Adoption

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.

Business By Ryan P. Cruz | Tue May 19, 2026 | 12:09pm

The move could bring hundreds of employees downtown, and is being considered alongside a housing proposal for the former Nordstrom building.