Ryan P. Cruz, Author at The Santa Barbara Independent

Ryan P. Cruz

News Reporter

Ryan P. Cruz is a homegrown journalist, born and raised in Santa Barbara. Since joining the Santa Barbara Independent in 2021, he has covered a broad range of topics, including city government, high-profile court cases, history, culture, sports, and the arts.

Recent Stories

Courts & Crime By Ryan P. Cruz | Mon Feb 14, 2022 | 2:03pm

Sheriff’s Detectives Search for Suspect in Goleta Hotel Homicide

Authorities unravel shooting of 43-year-old Richard Andrew Cardona at Pacifica Suites in Goleta.

Community By Ryan P. Cruz | Wed Feb 09, 2022 | 10:11am

Former Army Reserve Building Sees New Life as American Indian Health Clinic

Santa Barbara City Council approves the first steps in the proposal for the clinic for underserved communities.

Visual Arts By Ryan P. Cruz | Thu Feb 03, 2022 | 8:00am

UC Santa Barbara Library Showcases Art Made Behind Bars

UCSB’s Underground Scholars collective curated the “Beyond the Wall” exhibit.

Living By Ryan P. Cruz | Wed Feb 02, 2022 | 8:20am

Santa Barbara Brothers Win Activism Award for Bicycle Documentary

“A Way Forward” explores gender, equality, and two-wheeled empowerment for schoolgirls in rural Kenya.

Sports By Ryan P. Cruz | Tue Feb 01, 2022 | 11:04am

Little Santa Barbara Fighter Prepares For Big National Bout

The 8-year-old southpaw Isaak Huerta heads to Kansas City.

Coronavirus News By Ryan P. Cruz | Mon Jan 31, 2022 | 3:56pm

Courthouse Vigil Calls for Change in Santa Barbara County Jails

The rally was sparked by the recent death of Jonathan Paul Thomas at Santa Barbara’s Main Jail.

Coronavirus News By Ryan P. Cruz | Thu Jan 27, 2022 | 11:54am

COVID Outbreak at Main Jail Reaches 249 Individuals, Conditions Spark Courthouse Vigil

League of Women Voters and Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice organize a rally on Saturday in response to the outbreak and recent death at Main Jail.