Author: Erik Torkells

July 16, 2026

They Held Onto It for 40 Years—and You’ll Understand Why

Between Downtown Santa Barbara and the ocean, on almost 3/4 acre at the end of a cul-de-sac, sits something genuinely rare—a sprawling oasis with the kind of privacy that takes decades to grow into. Come take a look at this week's open houses.

The Staples Store in Goleta Is Closing

Other recent news: West Marine nautical store to shutter; new fancy car show; thumbs down for Goleta condo design; Fairview Gardens farm update; recapping the Sable Offshore saga; more housing proposed for Carpinteria bluffs; city council candidates. 3

July 15, 2026

Apna Is Opening a Sister Restaurant on State Street

More food news: Pali Wine Co.'s temporary tasting room; candy store opening downtown; Pokewaves debuted in Isla Vista; Cuso's has consolidated operations and expanded its offerings; Ojai's Ranch House getting reinvented again; Sandbar is looking sharp; Solvang listening bar has food by Revolver. 6

Newsletter: July 15

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.

July 14, 2026

Ceramics Studio Opening in Carpinteria

Plus: El Encanto wants to add a greenhouse entrance to its spa; gun store moving; new gallery on State Street; abstract paintings at Sullivan Goss; the Biltmore is discouraging lookyloos; is the pinch-to-zoom problem fixed? 1

July 13, 2026

1950s Hope Ranch Compound With Beach Access Sells for $16.45 Million

Last week's sales also include a 1994 Mediterranean on E. Mountain Drive; Arcady Estates floops; Ennisbrook spiffer-upper; 1887 Queen Anne in the Upper East; De La Guerra Terrace off-market; Lower Riviera midcentury; and more.

July 12, 2026

Why Is the Cliff Drive Overlook Closed?

"The lookout between Hendry's Beach and Hope Ranch has been blocked off with dividers. Why?" 5

Newsletter: July 12

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

July 10, 2026

How Do You Say “Riven Rock” in Italian?

Noteworthy new listings also include a clunker in a great location; funky four-building compound in Mission Canyon; the sparest house ever; a fixer at the north end of La Marina; 1920s on E. Mission Street; and more. 4