Author: Erik Torkells

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

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.

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

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 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.

February 19, 2026

ICE Agents Caught Lying to Oxnard Police

Other recent news: 72-room hotel approved in Carpinteria; Open Air Bicycles update; half of Carpinteria cannabis farms miss the scrubber deadline; the widening of Mission Creek; Cottage Health's partnership with a local high school; downtown building nominated for the National Register of Historic Places. 4

February 18, 2026

The Manifold Splendors of Mid-State

If no specific visual pops up when you think of the area, it's probably because you're more likely to drive there rather than walk. Your loss. 7