Author: Erik Torkells

August 23, 2026

Newsletter: August 23

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!) 3

August 21, 2026

A New Jeff Shelton* House in Montecito (Believe It or Not)

Noteworthy new listings also include a Birnam Wood cottage compound; crisp minimalism in Montecito Shores; Campanil spiffer-upper; large West Mesa spec reno; 1928 Spanish Colonial above SBCC; massive views from Bel Air Knolls; and more. 1

August 20, 2026

California Approves Drastic Rules to Reduce Fire Risk

Other recent news: Harry and Meghan are returning to the U.K.; dramatic rise in Fiesta arrests; the final slate of candidates in November; new Santa Cruz Island campground; speed cameras on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu; Vandenberg Space Force Base security overreaction.

August 19, 2026

A Very Santa Barbara Vinyl Bar

Most vinyl bars are hushed, dim experiences, where the focus is on listening. "That’s not me," says Lama Dog founder Pete Burnham of his new establishment, The Mullet, which opens tomorrow in the Funk Zone. "I want it to be really nice, but also fun." 6

Newsletter: August 19

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.

August 18, 2026

A Record-Setting Sale in Samarkand

Last week's sales also include two in Birnam Wood; Tuscan mini-compound on Eucalyptus Hill; Toro Canyon farmhouse; Laguna Street four-bedroom; one-third share in Hollister Ranch; and more.

August 17, 2026

Satellite Will Close Next Month

It's a blow to Santa Barbara's vegetarian scene, but the wine, music, and more will continue on at Satellite's sister space, The Factory. 3

Has the Castillo Street Underpass Been Fixed?

Plus: Covet boutique is closing (and having a big sale); Sherman Oaks's Litt Concept House will pop up on Coast Village Road; The Crafter’s Library has an Isla Vista outpost; The Huntress soft-opened in the Funk Zone; Goleta's new traffic cameras; the building under construction on Santa Barbara Street; comparing Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com. 3

August 16, 2026

Vic’s Wine Bar Has Opened at The Post

More food news: Jonesy's Fried Chicken is closing; Crushcakes rolled back the changes in Goleta; the surprising theme at the Hotel Californian's new restaurant; checking in with El Encanto; a Carl's Jr. closed; another Ojai restaurant lasted less than a year; rumor about the former Rite Aid in Carpinteria; excellent sandwiches in Ventura. 13