Author: Erik Torkells

January 4, 2026

Municipal Winemakers Is Leaving the Funk Zone

More food news: Funk Zone cocktail bar not happening; Merci is getting close to introducing dinner service; paper menus at Aperitivo; Happy Cat Eats looks to expand its outdoor seating; Que profile; nightclub on lower State Street; Cantwell's new operator; update on Lucky Penny's outpost in Los Olivos. 8

Newsletter: January 4

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!) 2

January 2, 2026

The Original Sim City

In order to visit Michael Heizer’s mammoth art project in the Nevada desert, my husband and I needed to spend a couple of nights in Las Vegas—so we dragged along his mom on a quest for age-appropriate thrills. 8

December 31, 2025

The State of the Site

Siteline continues to grow, thanks to everyone who reads it and advertises. But where does it go from here? 63

Newsletter: December 31

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 30, 2025

The Most-Read Posts of 2025

Celebrity real estate, new restaurants, Italian cities, King Kong.... Here are Siteline's most-read posts in 2025, along with some comments and updates. 11

December 29, 2025

39-Acre Noleta Farm Sells for $6 Million

Last week's sales also include half a duplex inside the Loma Alicia gated community; architecturally funky properties on Via Alicia and in Mission Canyon; and a one-acre vacant lot on E. Mountain Drive. 1

December 28, 2025

Casa Agria’s State Street Taproom Is Closing

More food news: Bluewater Grill is looking for a buyer; Aegean and Secret Bao are taking a break; chicken-finger chain opening in Goleta; Oat Bakery's cinnamon-raisin special; compilers of happy-hour deals; Chase Restaurant reopening date; where's the best coffee cake in town? 12

Newsletter: December 28

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.