Author: Erik Torkells

February 12, 2026

Santa Barbara Bans Single-Use Plastic Foodware at Restaurants

Other recent news: The accidental deaths of a noteworthy couple; Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum will close; residents to vote on making a Paseo Nuevo deal more palatable to the developer; action on overtime abuse at the county sheriff's office; the Frog Wall's owner on the recent changes there; Carpinteria is shutting down an elementary school; public input on Gaviota state parks. 3

February 11, 2026

Where in Santa Barbara…?

Can you identify which restaurant is home to each of these restrooms? Prove it in the comments. (Update: All eight have been identified.) 9

Newsletter: February 11

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February 10, 2026

Moss-and-More Store Set to Open on State Street

Plus: Another national brand departs Paseo Nuevo; The Base gym is moving this spring; Sierra Ferrell to play the Santa Barbara Bowl; the Santa Barbara Airbus‘s LAX shuttle added a stop; exploring the north side of the Andrée Clark Bird Refuge. 3

February 9, 2026

Preppy Ennisbrook House Sells for $700,000 Over Asking Price

Last week's sales also include a pretty Mediterranean off-market for $14.5 million; Sycamore Canyon Road floops; two Alta Mesa houses with huge views; Montecito one-bedroom; 1925 Lower Riviera duplex; condo near Miramar Beach; and more.

February 8, 2026

Bluewater Grill Is Said to Be Closing Next Month

More food news: New café opening on State Street; easy way to get a free scoop at Rori's Artisanal Creamery; debut Italian Music and Food Festival in April; reservations for El Encanto's Cotogna collab; Lucky Penny pop-up in Los Olivos; Old Town Coffee's Isla Vista outpost has been rebranded; health warning against all mushroom foraging. 1

Newsletter: February 8

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

February 6, 2026

1969 Cliff May House in Birnam Wood

Noteworthy new listings also include a semicircle in Birnam Wood; 12-bedroom house in Hope Ranch; Eucalyptus Hill cutie; tricky floor plan on La Vista del Oceano; dual living on E. Cota; and more. 1

February 5, 2026

The Draft Plan for State Street Is Complicated

Other recent news: Could Anacapa and Chapala be made two-way?; county sales tax increase tabled; a step forward for Sandpiper Golf Club; Rincon Designs will return to Carpinteria; Naples compound approved; Austrian soccer team to train here; 6,500-acre ranch between Ventura and Ojai preserved from development; the tree of the month. 18