Author: Erik Torkells

December 3, 2025

Inside the New, Mostly Vegan Corner Market Downtown

More food news: A free drink for local nonprofit employees; the menu at Noe's Cafe, now open across from the courthouse; the story of Lucky Penny's facade; anyone know the Chick-fil-A franchisee?; Funk Zone development will now have six food-and-beverage outlets; Bistro Amasa's recipe for roasted carrots; White Caps in Summerland plans to start over from the ground up; State Street Asian restaurant rebrands. 9

Newsletter: December 3

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December 2, 2025

The 2025 Shop-Local Gift Guide, Part 2

Shopping online is boring! Shopping in person is fun! Go find great things for the people you care about at our many terrific independent stores. In this edition: Diani, Folly, Lighthouse Skate Shop, Field Trip, and The Crafter's Library.

December 1, 2025

Santa Barbara Might Tighten Restrictions on Single-Use Plastics

The City Council will weigh new rules regarding plastic carry-out bags at grocery stores, Mylar balloons, plastic and Mylar confetti, and small "disposable" water bottles. Moreover, restaurants would have to use reusable foodware for food and beverages consumed on site. 13

November 30, 2025

Butterfly Lane Tuscan Sells for $2.3 Million Off the Initial Asking Price

Last week's sales also include a Spanish hacienda on 10 acres in the Santa Ynez Valley; the 1926 Spanish Colonial in San Roque with a double-decker shed; Summerland three-bedroom on a double-wide lot; and Conejo Road contemporary for a $300,000 loss.

New Jeff Shelton Building Proposed Downtown

Plus: Summerland boutique to close; new European eyewear/apparel shop on State Street; Folly has expanded; Maker House's handsome pop-up; Armando Ramos art exhibit. 4

Newsletter: November 30

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: The house wins!) 13

November 29, 2025

The 2025 Shop-Local Gift Guide, Part 1

This holiday season, let's make an effort to spend our money here—because if we want wonderful independent shops, we need to support them. Besides, it's fun! In this edition: Domecíl, The Daisy, Chicken Little, Italian Pottery Outlet, and Art Essentials.

November 28, 2025

The Argument Against the Paseo Nuevo Deal

Other recent news: The land under the former Nordstrom store is now excluded from the proposal; SBIFF's downtown multiplex got named; Zoe Bikini to close; new fees and requirements possible for Santa Barbara massage therapists; adaptive reuse of an old airport hangar and two Quonset huts; an update from Edhat. 6