Author: Erik Torkells

August 17, 2026

Has the Castillo Street Underpass Been Fixed?

Plus: Covet boutique is closing (and having a big sale); Sherman Oaks's Litt Concept House will pop up on Coast Village Road; The Crafter’s Library has an Isla Vista outpost; The Huntress soft-opened in the Funk Zone; Goleta's new traffic cameras; the building under construction on Santa Barbara Street; comparing Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com. 3

August 16, 2026

Vic’s Wine Bar Has Opened at The Post

More food news: Jonesy's Fried Chicken is closing; Crushcakes rolled back the changes in Goleta; the surprising theme at the Hotel Californian's new restaurant; checking in with El Encanto; a Carl's Jr. closed; another Ojai restaurant lasted less than a year; rumor about the former Rite Aid in Carpinteria; excellent sandwiches in Ventura. 13

Newsletter: August 16

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Where in Santa Barbara…?

Know where this was shot? Prove it in the comments. (Update: The house wins!)

August 14, 2026

A Head-Turner in Hope Ranch

Noteworthy new listings also include big and buffered on Harbor Hills Drive; a world of its own above E. Mountain Drive; 1970s two-bedroom near Montecito Union School; spiffer-upper near Shoreline Park; brick midcentury; charming Mountain Drive casita; and more. 3

August 13, 2026

UCSB Took Over Another New Apartment Building

Other recent news: Who's on the ballot in November; measles returns to Santa Barbara County; Santa Barbara streamlines environmental review process for housing projects; Goleta planning commission nixes Anthem Chapel.

August 12, 2026

What Are These Signs at the San Ysidro Roundabout?

"At several sections of the San Ysidro roundabout, there are small signs with markings that are hard to interpret. What are they for?" 1

Newsletter: August 12

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August 11, 2026

Midcentury One-Bedroom in the Heart of Montecito Sells for $14 Million

Last week's sales also include a Padaro Lane spec reno; three-building compound in Birnam Wood; fixer-teardown on nearly two acres near Montecito Union School; tasteful 2003 Spanish off Mission Canyon; Riviera Spanish; Montecito Shores two-bedroom for $1.8 million off the initial asking price; and more. 1

August 10, 2026

First Look at the New Design for the Former Macy’s Building Downtown

Plus: Larry David in person; opening date of Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore; series of talks about non-profits; Music Academy of the West's fall/winter slate; new book about the De La Guerra family; the water slide on Padaro Lane. 1