Author: Erik Torkells

January 6, 2022

Inside the New Australian Walkabout at the Santa Barbara Zoo

Plus: A forthcoming book about Lotusland; Billy Strings is playing two nights at the Santa Barbara Bowl; MarBorg's recycling centers are temporarily closed due to staffing shortages; Bella Vista Drive is now closed till June; anyone know a good vacation rental in Big Sur? 3

January 5, 2022

Broad Street Oyster Company Is Taking Over the Cubaneo Space

More food news: Mangione's Italian Ice is finally getting ready to open; Montecito Wine Bistro's return has been pushed back; Handlebar's Canon Perdido annex has opened; Old Town Coffee's tipping policy; Choppa Poke's downtown outpost closed; the Hotel Californian's Foley Food & Wine Society will coexist next to Blackbird; Petit Valentien's long vacation. 7

Newsletter: January 5

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.

January 4, 2022

Cottage Hospital Has Stopped Allowing Visitors Again

Other recent news: Mask mandate extended another month; Covid tests are in short supply; the Santa Barbara Arts shop in La Arcada Plaza is closing after 18 years; a profile of AutoCamp, the Santa Barbara–based chain of Airstream hotels; six people recently robbed Macy's; East Valley Road water main construction; the buyers of a Bali-inspired house in Montecito; a new 112-square-mile nature preserve.

Ortega Ridge Farmhouse Sells for $16 Million

Last week's sales also include a 1950s adobe walkable to Hammonds Beach; a 2016 San Roque house that went for well over the initial ask; a six-bedroom house in a Goleta gated community; an unbuilt house in the Boulders; and more.

January 3, 2022

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern Has Begun Taking Reservations

Plus: Kismet lingerie-and-jewelry boutique is already expanding; Isla boutique in the Hotel Californian has closed; Maune Contemporary art gallery opens this week; more on a prominent Channel Drive property; book recommendation for people who love Santa Barbara history.

January 2, 2022

More on the Restaurant Opening in the Former Mollie’s Space

More food news: An exciting new Ojai restaurant debuts this week; JJ's Diner is no more; Padaro Beach Grill has reopened; Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant's downtown outpost has closed; more on Beans BBQ's forthcoming State Street restaurant.

Newsletter: January 2

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.

January 1, 2022

Where in Santa Barbara…?

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

December 30, 2021

The State of the Site

A look back at the year’s most popular posts—two of which involved a giant red shoe—and a reminder that feedback is genuinely welcome.