Author: Erik Torkells

December 6, 2021

One of the World’s Wealthiest People Bought the Hotel Santa Barbara

Plus: Rumor kiboshed about Montecito's Upper Village; former White House photographer Pete Souza and comedian Paula Poundstone will be at the Lobero; raft of thefts from car trunks; streetwear shop CRSVR is returning to State Street; a Coast Village Road gallery has closed. 1

December 5, 2021

Why Is the Hermosillo Exit on the 101 Closed?

"I was surprised to see the Hermosillo Road exit on the northbound 101 closed, since I didn't think work on that part of the freeway was starting yet. What's going on? It's not being removed permanently, is it?" —A.

Newsletter: December 5

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December 4, 2021

Roller Skating and Laser Tag Are Coming to the Old Macy’s Store

Other recent news: Carpinteria city council approved the Surfliner Inn; Santa Barbara County extended its indoor mask mandate; false alarm about local Omicron cases; elected officials are said to be considering a vacancy tax; redistricting narrowed down to three maps; an interview with Jeff Shelton; eight former University of California architects call the proposed Munger Hall a "disaster in the making."

Where in Santa Barbara…?

Know where this was shot? Prove it in the comments. (Update: We have a winner!) 1

December 3, 2021

A Sweet Little House in the Hedgerow

Noteworthy new listings also include postmodern pizzazz in Summerland; a $5.95 million Hope Ranch teardown; a 1928 Spanish bungalow just off upper Milpas; a pair of structures way up Mission Canyon; and a San Roque house with a "classy carport." 1

December 2, 2021

First Impressions of Reunion Kitchen + Drink

More food news: Checking on Sushi Bar Montecito now that the chef has moved on; XO Burger looks like it's going to be a permanent addition to the Funk Zone; Jimboz Lounge is getting renamed; new outposts of Finney's Crafthouse and On the Alley are in the works; taqueria rumored for upper State Street; opening forecasts for Dune's second Goleta café and Rory's Place in Ojai. 8

December 1, 2021

A Production Designer Has Opened a Stylish Shop

Plus: Lots of great vendors at the Victoria Court holiday market; the Goo Goo Dolls play the Bowl next fall; what's happening at Summerland's gas station; pop-up gallery on De La Guerra Plaza from Oat Bakery's Louise Ulrich; Slingshot/Alpha Art Studio is moving; three new local books for your gift list. 1

Newsletter: December 1

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November 30, 2021

Former Mount Calvary Monastery Sells for Half Off the Original Ask

Last week's notable sales also include an impressive price on the Mesa; Spanish Colonial Revival on Palomino Road; recent remodel in Hope Ranch; and a relative bargain on the back of Eucalyptus Hill.