Author: Erik Torkells

February 27, 2026

Jeff Shelton’s Pistachio House in Downtown Santa Barbara

Noteworthy new listings also include a glamorous courtyard in Birnam Wood; split-level walkable to Montecito Union School; for sale by owner near the Olive Mill roundabout; and a 1985 ranch house with stylish moments in Los Alamos. 4

February 26, 2026

The Threat of New Offshore Drilling

Other recent news: Unedited video of last week's ICE altercation; more on Santa Barbara Airport's flooding problems; insinuations about a former Montecito resident who knew Jeffrey Epstein; portion of Maria Ygnacio Bike Path closed for repairs; the tree of the month. 1

February 25, 2026

La Ligne Is Opening at the Montecito Country Mart

Plus: The return of Habitat for Humanity's ReStore; four more Santa Barbara Bowl shows; Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn appears to be getting reflagged; answers to the "Where in Santa Barbara…?" roundup of restaurant restrooms; two new exhibits at Sullivan Goss; opening date for Highway 217/Hollister Avenue roundabouts. 4

Newsletter: February 25

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February 24, 2026

Merci Is Entering Its Dinner Era

After nearly seven years, Elizabeth Colling and Nick Barainca are ready to take on dinner—but with a totally different experience than during the day. "It's a mixtape of the greatest hits from places in Paris where we thought, 'We have to do this,'" says Barainca. 6

February 23, 2026

Handsome Hope Ranch Renovation Sells for $8.83 Million

Last week's sales also include a Campanil fixer; the cruciform one on Hidden Valley Lane; spec reno above N. Patterson Avenue; Old California between Mission Canyon and Cielito; Rancho Guacamole; and more. 3

February 22, 2026

Yetz’s Bagels Opens in Goleta Tomorrow

More food news: An update on Renaud's Bistro on upper State Street; Mesa frozen-yogurt shop will apparently reopen; Santa Ynez's Lucky Hen Larder will close next month; Queen Cup Coffee is now focusing on Los Olivos; Bite Club profile; Corazón outpost could be coming to the harbor. 2

Newsletter: February 22

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Where in Santa Barbara…?

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

February 20, 2026

Chic New Construction Off Picacho Lane

Noteworthy new listings also include the 1,000-acre Naples section of the Gaviota Coast; handsome finishes behind Pepper Hill; generous proportions in Birnam Wood; "European country manor" in Hope Ranch; Montecito farmhouse likely to get snapped up; San Roque stunner; Alameda Padre Serra floops; and more.