Author: Erik Torkells

August 17, 2025

Two New Cafés Debut This Week

More food news: A chance to taste the cooking of the folks behind The Palms; El Roblar's daytime restaurant now welcomes non-guests; Santa Barbara Hives profile; Happy Canyon Vineyard appears to be leaving El Paseo; recipes from Na Na Thai and Priedite Barbecue; restaurant advice between here and Death Valley. 12

Newsletter: August 17

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Where in Santa Barbara…?

Know where this was shot? Prove it in the comments. (Update: We have a winner!) 1

August 15, 2025

Playdate Paradise Off Picacho Lane

Noteworthy new listings also include 1990s energy on a premiere Hope Ranch street; spec reno of a 1955 Paul Greene in San Roque; another Loma Alicia condo with an impressive view; Santa Ynez Valley hacienda; the cute Victorian across from Ortega Park; and more.

August 14, 2025

City Council Approves 90-Unit Apartment Complex on Milpas Street

Other recent news: Library plaza picnic tables nixed; Gifford Fire update (and why the smoke hasn't been a problem here); developer slams city council; 24/7 cannabis operation denied; single-seat ultralight aircraft demo in Carpinteria. 8

August 13, 2025

Sama Sama Kitchen to Share Its Space With a Tasting Room

More food news: The chicken parm sandwich at Tina's; weekend breakfast at The Win-Dow; the Santa Barbara Greek Festival is this weekend; Ospi's short dining window; Ventura's Limon y Sal has closed after 10 years; the Museum of Natural History’s annual Mission Creek Beer Festival. 4

Newsletter: August 13

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August 12, 2025

Eucalyptus Hill Brutalist Sells for $3.9 Million

Last week's sales also include a contemporary two-bedroom on the Hedgerow's northern edge; Butterfly Beach compound; hot potato west of Hot Springs; Mediterranean floops on Foothill Lane; 1898 Lower Riviera house with barn; three-bedroom across from Hendry’s Beach; and more.

August 11, 2025

Why Do Rocket Launches Look the Way They Do?

"A couple of weeks ago, we watched as the first stage of a rocket launch descended back toward Earth, and it was spectacular. I'd love to know more about what exactly I'm seeing, though. Why is it that shape? Why is the tail those colors?" 3

August 10, 2025

New Boutiques in the Funk Zone and on Coast Village Road

Plus: Carpinteria cannabis plant seeks approval to operate 24-7; Planned Parenthood's annual book sale; documentary in the works about the MV Conception fire; update on the San Ysidro Ranch‘s botanical garden; should police departments be identifying suspects? 1