Author: Erik Torkells

September 25, 2019

An Intimate Compound on a Street You Probably Don’t Even Know Exists

Near the end of a quiet street, with the bulk of the yard tucked behind, the 1949 house feels like a world of its own—and yet it's walkable to Coast Village Road.

Montecito’s Fancy Silver Bough Restaurant Has Temporarily Closed

Other food news: Thirteen farms in Santa Barbara County will open for the day on Saturday; beer-and-barbecue festival this weekend; apple honey challah for Rosh Hashanah.

September 24, 2019

A Much-Needed Sidewalk Extension at Butterfly Beach

Plus: The Montecito Trails Foundation's annual barbecue is this weekend; helistop hearing is tomorrow; flood-control initiatives in Montecito.

Santa Claus Lane Is Going to Get a Major Overhaul

Santa Barbara County is planning an extensive renovation of Santa Claus Lane in Carpinteria, with a new bike/pedestrian path, an official railroad crossing, increased parking (in angled spaces), a public restroom, and a roundabout where the street meets the southbound 101 on-ramp.

September 23, 2019

The Target Store in Goleta Will Open on October 20

In other recent news: Montecito roundabouts get more funding; 41 new units of low-income senior rental housing on Garden Street; neighbors oppose Olive Street duplex plan; assemblymember Monique Limón is running for state senate.

Local Wineries Are Considering a Two-Percent Surcharge on Every Bottle

And in other food news: Eater LA updated its questionable list of best Santa Barbara restaurants; chef turnover at the Four Seasons Biltmore; Café Ana has a new baker; Vicenta's in Goleta has closed.

September 21, 2019

The Supergroovy “Castle in the Sky” Is Now Well Under $2 Million

Also newly reduced: Midcentury Mesa home near the Douglas Family Preserve; Eighties-style manor on Pepper Hill; Craftsman house used as a film set; the terrific house across from the Mission.

September 20, 2019

A Clean, Contemporary “Cottage” on Miramar Beach for $8.4 Million

Five newly listed properties that don’t quite warrant posts of their own, including the largest property in Birnam Wood; a redone ranch house in Hope Ranch; a Montecito white box on a nice piece of land; and a Mesa mystery.

September 19, 2019

The Helistop Applicant Thinks Opponents Are Just Jealous of His Wealth

And in other local news: The Montecito Motor Classic is this Sunday (in Carpinteria); Ashley Road bridge should be finished in December; what various Montecito-related acronyms mean; the forthcoming renovation of the Montecito YMCA.

Please Don’t Splash the Art

Thank goodness for the interesting choices that homeowners make—without them, housepeeking would be a lot less fun.