The Santa Barbara area has many news sources that do various things well, but none was exactly what I wanted—just the important news, along with a healthy dose of upscale lifestyle coverage (restaurants, real estate, travel, and so on). So I created Siteline.
Having grown up in Orange County and moved to New York City after college, I never thought I’d return to California. But when my husband, Adam, and I visited Santa Barbara a few years ago, I realized that the area is everything I love about the state, without all the stuff I don’t. At the start of 2019, I sold my hyperlocal website, Tribeca Citizen, and we moved here. (Before Tribeca Citizen, I was a magazine editor: Budget Travel, Fortune, Travel + Leisure, Town & Country.)
There’s no zealot like the recently converted, as the saying goes, and for a while, I’ll undoubtedly have more enthusiasm than expertise. I will get excited about things that you’ve known about for years, and I will make mistakes. Feel free to correct or contradict me; we know more collectively than any of us can on our own. If you have a vested interest in whatever you’re commenting about, however, I insist that you make the connection public.
And editorial and advertising will always be entirely separate.
Please reach out with any questions, concerns, tips, or even compliments. The best way to follow Siteline is by subscribing to the email newsletter. And if you know someone who might be interested in this site, please pass it along.
Erik Torkells
Founder
917-209-6473
[email protected]
















Recent Comments
Does Little Mountain still add on the annoying 5% charge "for whatever"? Just raise your prices instead of the shenanigans! I refuse to return there… — CAF
Right because moving the breakwater and harbor will cost less. Sea levels are rising, it's a fact, get used to it. — apzer
Sea levels are rising and the city should not plan? — Don
Had the Frosnapper today- deeeeeelicious! — Christine!
Any updates on Popup Bagels? — Mikala
It is insane that a city with only 88k people has a department filled with professionals who are paid to come up with this stuff.… — Sam Tababa
Any mention of Sterns Wharf besides a pointer marking it on your top slide? With sea level rise waves could reach the bottom of the… — Judy's Older Brother
Great list!! I have to get the patatas bravas every time I go to Little Mountain. I need to try the Pastrami sandwich. Thanks for… — Kimi JM
Agree, but the Oat morning bun is better than anyone else’s. — toasteroven
Funny u touted the Strut! I live near MC and have had sandies from them often. Had the Strut for the first time and it… — Jeff Yolles