Author: Erik Torkells

December 13, 2024

Seven-Mile Stretch of Carpool Lane Opens Today

Plus: Construction to start on Santa Claus Lane streetscape improvements; L.L. Bean at Mate Gallery; mysterious markers on Romero Canyon Trail; frisky 1980s brochure for the San Ysidro Ranch; Phoenix travel advice. 7

December 12, 2024

The Rosewood Miramar Beach Expansion May Officially Proceed

Other recent news: Low monarch butterfly turnout at Ellwood Mesa; 24 Hour Fitness closing date; changes in store for Santa Ynez Valley farms and vineyards; Carpinteria harbor seal rookery may be off-limits for three years; judge admonished by state commission; Gaviota Coast Conservancy acquires Rancho Tajiguas property; fish farming under consideration in Santa Barbara Channel; Vons store spared now that the Albertsons/Kroger deal is off; potential pool designs at Carpinteria High School. 6

December 11, 2024

Shop-Local Gift Guide, Part 4

The ridiculous, the sublime, and everything in between: gift-worthy suggestions from 18 more shops around town. 2

Newsletter: December 11

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December 10, 2024

A Closer Look at Bellosguardo’s Beach House and Cabanas

Plus: New interior design studio/private club in Santa Barbara; Art & Soul's State Street gallery opens this week; James Taylor to play the Santa Barbara Bowl; Valerie June coming to the Lobero Theatre; drilling in San Ysidro Creek; lots of plantings at San Ysidro Ranch's botanical garden.

December 9, 2024

A Record-Breaking Sale in Montecito Shores

Last week's sales also include ridonkulous 1980s architecture in Ennisbrook; Parra Grande Lane compound off-market; 2006 contemporary on 20 acres; Samarkand spec reno; itty-bitty cottage near the Museum of Natural History.

December 8, 2024

First Look Inside Clark’s Oyster Bar, Opening Tomorrow

More food news: The name and concept of the restaurant taking Stella Mare's space; RH's Firehouse Grill is said to be opening next weekend; progress for the restaurant coming to The Palms in Carpinteria; Finney's Crafthouse has opened in Goleta; Validation Ale Annex now has golf simulators; Tamar's holiday lamb feast. 14

Newsletter: December 8

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

December 7, 2024

A Slew of Speed-Limit Reductions Around the County

Plus: The Santa Barbara Museum of Art's gift shop is getting downsized and moved; Fern + Flair boutique has opened on upper De La Vina; two more Santa Barbara Bowl shows announced; new look for the 39-unit mixed-use development proposed for De La Vina and Mission; Lighthouse Skate Shop and Vuori are now in their new locations; moviegoing etiquette. 6