Author: Erik Torkells

December 15, 2021

What’s the Point of This Light Pole?

"On W. Carrillo Street at the 101, there's a standard light pole. In addition to the usual light, it has two orange lights, one red light, and one green light. I thought they might be related to the train tracks, but they appear to be too far away. I have Googled this endlessly and cannot figure out what it is. Do you know?" —G. 1

Newsletter: December 15

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December 14, 2021

Is Something Big Brewing at La Cumbre Plaza?

Other recent news: Record-breaking rainfall in Santa Barbara County; an updated storm impact consideration map was released; statewide indoor mask mandate; Santa Barbara moves toward regulating sidewalk vendors; work completed on a Summerland Beach oil well; decommissioning of Platform Holly has restarted. 5

First Look Inside Montecito’s New Vegan Market

More food news: Local restaurateurs will run a restaurant in the Mollie's space; update on the Kitchen restaurant incubator on State Street; Padaro Beach Grill has temporarily closed after a fire; Chomp on the Rocks has pressed pause; Middle Eastern restaurant debuts at La Cumbre Plaza.

December 13, 2021

A House in Sea Meadow Has Doubled in Value in Five Years

Last week's sales also include a 1917 house by Frances T. Underhill; an unbuilt four-bedroom in the Boulders enclave; a 1951 house up near Westmont; and more. 2

December 12, 2021

First Look Inside a Jeff Shelton Farmhouse

Plus: The bridge in the Casa Dorinda Open Space has been replaced; Caffe Luxxe was the victim of a smash-and-grab; renderings for a sexy Brutalist house in Carpinteria; Anacapa Architecture is moving to a State Street storefront; a new chapter for the former Avis building in the Funk Zone. 1

Newsletter: December 12

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.

December 11, 2021

Erewhon Has Santa Barbara in Its Sights

More food news: The name of the restaurant and bar coming to Coast Village Road; BevMo is morphing into a supermarket; L.A. tamale specialist popping up at Handlebar; terrific Japanese food at Full Moon Izakaya; changes to the bar at Timbers Roadhouse; big plans for the 12,000-square-foot Root 246 space in Solvang; Pinyon Ojai is open. 6

Where in Santa Barbara…?

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

December 10, 2021

A Historic Structure of Merit for Under a Million Bucks

Noteworthy new listings also include a Montecito flip attempt shooting for almost $3 million profit; widescreen views in Alta Mesa; a froufrou townhouse on Equestrian Avenue; another Whitney Avenue house in Summerland; and a groovy "Tahoe-inspired" guest house.