Author: Erik Torkells

May 12, 2025

What Are Those Old Pilings in Arroyo Burro Creek?

"There are old wooden pilings in Arroyo Burro Creek, just up from Hendry's Beach where it parallels the parking lot. They look like they could have supported a road bridge or some kind of pier. Any idea what they were for? I've been wondering forever!"

May 11, 2025

Opening Date for the Linden Square Complex in Carpinteria

Plus: A winning makeover on Garden Street; changes to a busy block downtown; Mācher's Santa Ynez shop opens this week; Mad Dogs & Englishmen is returning to Montecito; another outpost of the Well; upper De La Vina Street to be one-way during bridge replacement; "special parties" in the works at the Magic Castle Cabaret; a better look at the Hilton Santa Barbara's proposed expansion. 22

Newsletter: May 11

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Where in Santa Barbara…?

Know where this was shot? Prove it in the comments. (Update: We have a winner!) 2

May 10, 2025

BEYOND LIGHT: Photographing the Unseen – a VADATalks Event

Join the Friends of VADA for a special viewing and fascinating discussion by two local and nationally renowned artists who make the unknown known, capturing beauty in distant stars and microscopic quantum processors alike.

May 9, 2025

This Hope Ranch Villa Keeps Getting Better

Noteworthy new listings also include new construction in the Montecito Ranch Estates for $29.5 million; contemporary gem on the Riviera; 1927 stone house by George Washington Smith; family-friendliness in Montecito Oaks; Mediterranean villa on the Eastside's edge; spiffy style on the Mesa and in San Roque; charming 1920s European architecture; Ojai ranch with a hilltop labyrinth; and more.

May 8, 2025

The Santa Ynez Chumash Museum Opens Next Week

Other recent news: Downtown homeless center has become a nuisance; Santa Barbara school district rescinded all those pink slips; the Isla Vista Food Co-Op is on the ropes; Broadway in Santa Barbara's 2025-26 lineup; will Los Patos Way end with a whimper? 3

May 7, 2025

Opening Date for Tina’s Pizza, the Bettina Spinoff in Carpinteria

More food news: Rozzi Pizza soft-opens this week in West Beach; Blaze Pizza has closed; profile of Marley Confections; the Starbucks on Milpas has opened; the forecast changed for Little Mountain; update on Hotel El Roblar and new restaurants coming to Ojai. 15

Newsletter: May 7

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May 6, 2025

French-Style Hedgerow House Sells for $6.87 Million

Last week's sales also include an 1890 five-bedroom a block off Miramar Beach; Birnam Wood for a loss; Hope Ranch fixer; 1980s Tudor on Eucalyptus Hill; 1925 Spanish Colonial Revival on the Lower Riviera; Mission Canyon Craftsman; turnkey San Roque for 20 percent over ask; Alta Mesa cutie; and more.