Author: Erik Torkells

August 29, 2019

More on Insurance Companies’ Retreat from the Area

In other recent news: A visit to the new-ish SeaVees store in the Funk Zone; questioning the appropriateness of palm trees (and another discussion about the Olive Mill roundabout); how Montecito streets got their names.

This Old House Has Been Given a New Life

The grandes dames of the Upper East rarely come available, and certainly not ones with this caliber of workmanship.

August 28, 2019

A Disappointing New Roof Near Miramar Beach

Plus: The sweet old days of Summerland; former hostel site is on the market; accommodating an oak tree in style; Toro Canyon house sells for a million off the listing price.

August 27, 2019

A “Master Flipper” Is Ready to Move On

After buying this 1950s Cielito house in early 2018 for $3.5 million, Xorin Balbes embarked on a thorough renovation and redecoration—but without changing the footprint. Now he has listed it for just under $9 million. The house is certainly something to see....

August 26, 2019

The Revised Debris Flow Risk Map Could Now Come as Late as Mid-November

In other recent news: Restaurateur James Sly has died; Laura Capps will run against Das Williams for county supervisor; Southern California Edison's fire mitigation efforts; Carpinteria moves to acquire the Rincon Bluffs Preserve.

Is This the Grooviest House in Greater Santa Barbara?

The Castle in the Sky has personality to burn—along with a swimming pool moat, hot tub grotto, circular platform bed, and helipad, complete with hangar.

August 24, 2019

The Little Door Is Said to Have Closed

Plus: The French Press has officially changed its name; Giovanni's Pizza is down to just one location; Viva to become Eleven 14; Mosto Crudo has rebranded; Sama Sama Kitchen is partnering on an endeavor in Los Alamos.

August 23, 2019

A Stylish New Café That’s Serious About Coffee

"We're vibing off of In-N-Out," says Low Pigeon co-founder Dennis Medina, explaining the menu's tight focus. "We want you to know that the is coffee always on point." 3

August 22, 2019

Santa Barbara’s First Cannabis Store Opens This Saturday

And in other local news: Updated debris flow risk map should be out in October; the growing problem of homeowners unable to get insurance; strip mall to be redone before Sprouts's arrival; bike paths, crosswalks, and roundabouts planned for Cliff Drive; new closing time for city parks; parking in Montecito; missile testing from San Nicolas Island.

Rob Lowe’s Extremely Gracious Mansion Is Back on the Market

It has all the amenities of a small hotel, including a screening room, bar, gym, tennis court, and 11 fireplaces, not to mention one of the most decadent lawns this side of Oprah Winfrey's compound.