FIRST LOOK
Validation Ale founders Brian and Briana Deignan have used their backgrounds in tech to create a better experience—from the menu, to ordering, to the bathrooms—at their stylish new taproom in the Funk Zone. “Whether you’re a beer nerd like me or you’ve only had Coors your whole life, you’re welcome either way,” says Brian. “We want this to be about community.”
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ODDS & ENDS
••• The best look yet inside Bellosguardo.
••• Kule pop-up at the Montecito Country Mart.
••• The closed part of Bella Vista Drive has finally reopened.
••• An official answer about the left turn on red at Anacapa and Haley.
••• More on the Chumash plan for a 31,000-square-foot office building in Santa Ynez.
••• A fantastic 1920 postcard of Summerland.
→ Read the post.
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HOT PROPERTY
With only one sale over $3 million, last week was the slowest since the pandemic boom began—but San Roque remains hot. See what sold—and for how much.
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NEWS ROUNDUP
••• Santa Barbara’s police headquarters could be done by mid-2026.
••• Living Vehicle’s new sustainable camper (above).
••• Jury to decide Birnam Wood golf dispute.
••• Grand opening of the Carpinteria Community Library.
••• The argument for a better pool complex at Ortega Park.
••• The U.S. Navy will expand weapons testing off the coast.
••• Solvang Festival Theater has reopened.
••• The tree of the month is the dragon tree.
→ Read the post.
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Recent Comments
Agreed, this building does not cohesively fit on the street. It may be bold and striking, but also completely out of place for Coast Village… — Marc
I like the addition. I believe when it's built, he should invite The Bottle Shop to open a space below. That would be the only… — Taylor Hunt
Agree 100%. Attractive in itself but not plonked down on CVR. Does not fit in at all with the local-and-cozy-but-sophisticated look of the other retail… — Dana
Where's the "it's not in Montecito" comments? For looks really good in these photos! — Don
Loving this for Montecito! Net Zero and LEED Gold (plus-plus) aside, the design is striking, well-thought-out, and a nice departure from the same-same outdated architecture… — Vince
I've provided input to the CV Road for nearly 50 years working with developers as a Designer/Broker. We do have an assortment of styles and… — Maryanne Brillhart
I am appalled to see this abomination land in our sweet little Spanish style town. Can anyone point me in the direction on how to… — Barrie Glabman
Personally I wish he would have used that money to pay the 425 workers he stiffed. I don't think he deserves to have his name… — Tracy M
Agreed - I miss the margaritas and the great chips and salsa at cava! — chelsea
Love the look. As Erik pointed out, there is a range of design along CVR so this won't "stick out" but rather add another interesting… — Curtis