Author: Erik Torkells

May 14, 2026

Two Former Department Stores Might Get Repurposed

Other recent news: The Biltmore appears to have been pushed back again; possible names for Calle Cesar Chavez; new housing at Santa Barbara Zoo could thwart Highway 101 pedestrian bridge; Modoc Multi-Use Path opened; county moves forward with workforce housing on Carrillo Street; speed-limit reductions on Santa Claus Lane and San Antonio Creek Road; Target launched next-day delivery in Santa Barbara; Ojai tastemaker's art and antiques recommendations. 4

May 13, 2026

De La Vina Street to Get Two Pocket Parks

Plus: Free People is opening a second store on State Street; Palm Tree Music Festival doubles down on the area; Chapala Street gym moving; Ingrid Michaelson to play the Lobero Theatre; two more Santa Barbara Bowl shows; San Ysidro Debris Basin signage. 5

Newsletter: May 13

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May 12, 2026

L.A’s Exciting New Landmark

The spectacular David Geffen Galleries building at LACMA aims to reinvent the museum-going experience, which it does with varying success.

May 11, 2026

Private Lower Riviera House Sells for $4.79 Million

Last week's sales also include Christopher Lloyd's compound on W. Mountain Drive; off-market floops of an Ennisbrook casita; 1977 three-bedroom near Montecito Union School; upside-down layout in the Lower Village; fire-damaged property above Cathedral Oaks Road; stylish San Roque; and more. 1

May 10, 2026

Lotusland Wants to Add a Bunch of Buildings

Plus: Yoga studio opened on the Mesa; two new retail tenants on State Street; Muna to play the Santa Barbara Bowl; Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore has begun accepting donations; Hunt Slonem show; beige new buildings. 6

Newsletter: May 10

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!) 1

May 8, 2026

Sprawling 1919 Villa in Mission Canyon

Noteworthy new listings also include big views from up by the Botanic Garden; Hidden Valley Lane farmhouse; equestrian property just outside Hope Ranch; tasteful 1920s bungalow; Riviera floops; contemporary makeover in Samarkand; Dolly Parton's former Solvang house; and more.

May 7, 2026

Will You Explain the Plan to Adapt the Waterfront for Climate Change?

"The city has just released a long-term (30-year) plan for the waterfront, including Leadbetter Beach, the harbor, and East Beach. Due to an anticipated rise in sea level of up to several feet, plans are now afoot to, among other things, add new breakwaters, move parking to a structure, and add new facilities at the harbor." 9