Author: Erik Torkells

July 31, 2026

A Montecito Beach Compound Par Excellence

Noteworthy new listings also include contemporary architecture in Romero Canyon; 1952 fantasia with a kooky floor plan; Eucalyptus Hill Cape Cod; Ashley Road fixer; 635-square-foot cottage in El Caserio; and more. 1

July 30, 2026

The Miramar Brand Is Expanding to Thousand Oaks

Other recent news: Santa Barbara inches toward rent stabilization; more on the closure of Makeout Point; the argument for building housing on the Muni golf course; six options for public access to Hollister Ranch beaches; Sable offshore pipeline positioned as national security issue; more on Lotusland’s long-range plan to build workforce housing and other structures; the tree of the month. 3

July 29, 2026

How Come the Gaviota Rest Areas Are Closed So Often?

"It sure seems as though the Gaviota rest areas on Highway 101 are closed far more frequently than they're open. I’ve heard about water supply issues, but this has been going on since Covid, near as I can recall." 3

Newsletter: July 29

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July 28, 2026

A Hint About UCSB’s Plan for State Street

Plus: Freeway sign oopsie; those pesky Santa Barbara Airport escalators; repairs to finally start on Old Romero Road trail; new fitness studio on Chapala Street; 30-room hotel and restaurant still in the works in Los Alamos; Isla Vista senior housing organization bought on Milpas; a report from San Francisco, including the newly renovated Huntington Hotel. 8

July 27, 2026

Stylish New Construction in Montecito Sells for $16.5 Million

Last week's sales also include an insane price for the area between the Lower Village and the Hedgerow; Park Lane aerie; East Valley Road compound; Hope Ranch spiffer-upper; the super-minimalist one near Westmont; and more.

July 26, 2026

Opening Date for Sweetaly Gelato

More food news: First impressions of Pegaslice; special-needs café likely coming to State Street; changes at an outpost of Crushcakes; what dinner is like at the Hilton Garden Inn Rooftop Bistro & Bar; a visit to Drover's Doughnuts in Goleta. 5

Newsletter: July 26

The Siteline newsletter is the best way to follow the website. To subscribe, click the link at the bottom of this post. And you can unsubscribe at any time.

Where in Santa Barbara…?

Know where this was shot? Prove it in the comments. (Update: We have a winner!) 5

July 24, 2026

An Eye-Popping Price in Samarkand

Noteworthy new listings also include a grande dame with elbow room on the Lower Riviera; what might be the best property on Shepard Mesa; Toro Canyon spiffer-upper; Upper East Tudor; 1890 Victorian downtown; traditional curb appeal in Bel Air Knolls; and more.