Ryan P. Cruz, Author at The Santa Barbara Independent

Housing By Ryan P. Cruz | Tue Mar 10, 2026 | 3:17pm

Santa Barbara’s Short-Term Rental Program Inches Forward Despite Concerns

The Planning Commission voted 4-2 to advance the ordinance to the Ordinance Committee with a long list of suggestions.

Housing By Ryan P. Cruz | Fri Mar 06, 2026 | 4:48pm

Tenants battle uncertainty over rent hikes after temporary pause on rent increases went into effect on February 26.

Cover Story By Ryan P. Cruz | Wed Mar 04, 2026 | 8:00pm

How Rapid Response Network volunteers work to protect their neighbors and stand up for immigrants.

Courts & Crime By Ryan P. Cruz | Wed Mar 04, 2026 | 9:36am

The property owners group contends that the city moratorium on rent increases is illegal.

Election 2026 By Ryan P. Cruz | Wed Mar 04, 2026 | 9:18am

With an upcoming budget deficit, the city is looking to increase revenues with potential taxes on tourism or property sales.

Immigration By Ryan P. Cruz | Thu Feb 26, 2026 | 10:36am

Desmadre Media is hosting a February 28 fundraiser featuring music, printmaking, tattoos, and tacos.

Cannabis By Ryan P. Cruz | Wed Feb 25, 2026 | 2:10pm

The committee raised concerns over the impact of the tax before sending it forward for full City Council discussion.

Immigration By Ryan P. Cruz | Tue Feb 24, 2026 | 3:13pm

Investigative journalist Caitlin Dickerson will speak about reporting on the impacts of immigration policies at UC Santa Barbara on March 5.

Education By Ryan P. Cruz | Mon Feb 23, 2026 | 3:44pm

Media students at Dos Pueblos High School spent extra hours honing their skills for an upcoming video competition.

Infrastructure By Ryan P. Cruz | Tue Feb 17, 2026 | 10:05am

How Southern California Edison used helicopters to install fire-resistant poles and cables in the hills of Santa Barbara.