Author: Erik Torkells

March 5, 2026

The City That Never Spits

We bookended a three-week trip to Southeast Asia with stops in the city-state of Singapore. Despite its reputation for being rigid and sterile, it's remarkably interesting and a breeze to explore—as long as you obey the rules. 5

March 4, 2026

Is Cabrillo Boulevard Going to Be Widened Under Highway 101?

"Will the railroad underpass be widened as part of the reconstruction of the Cabrillo/101 interchange? If so, I'll be curious to learn how they're going to engineer the widening—by installing a temporary railroad bridge alongside the current one?" 4

Newsletter: March 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.

March 3, 2026

Huge New Building Proposed Between the Funk Zone and East Beach

Plus: Let's help get Old Romero Road trail reopened; tour of six Jeff Shelton buildings and his office; Santa Barbara Literary Festival tickets; Chet Taylor show at Separate Reality; pianist Hershey Felder's change of plans; impressive new artwork in the Funk Zone; another Santa Barbara Bowl show announced. 2

March 2, 2026

Hope Ranch Spec Reno Sells for $4.5 Million Off the Asking Price

Last week's sales also include a 1925 Spanish Colonial on Alameda Padre Serra; 1970s architecture in Campanil; breaking the $4 million barrier in San Roque; 1911 cottage near East Beach; fixer-teardown east of the Hedgerow; and more.

March 1, 2026

Rincon Brewery’s Funk Zone Outpost Is Closing

More food news: Validation Ale looks to expand its outdoor space; Bluewater Grill update; profile of non-alcoholic beverage maker Glasrose; Jamaican food on lower State Street; Westside food market in the works; Montesano Group said to be opening a restaurant in the Santa Ynez Valley; Buellton is getting a farmers' market; Tamar's chicken schnitzel sandwich. 27

Newsletter: March 1

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 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