Author: Erik Torkells

December 14, 2025

The End of the Isla Vista Food Coop Downtown Market

More food news: The Grand on State update; status of the Chick-fil-A in Noleta; The Copper Coffee Pot has opened; Ghirardelli debuts next weekend; owners of The Harbor Restaurant are suing the city; "jet set après ski dining experience" coming to town; Himalayan Kitchen closed for maintenance; Pacific Pickle Works profile; Merci's chocolate caramels.

Newsletter: December 14

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 12, 2025

Highway 101 Construction Will Move North Starting This Spring

Other recent news: New emergency dispatch center; U.S. Women's National Team to play a game here; automotive garage to close; Goleta post office on the path to getting renamed. 3

December 11, 2025

The 2025 Shop-Local Gift Guide, Part 5

Wrapping up this series with a grab bag of 14 gift-worthy suggestions from all around town. 1

December 10, 2025

First Look at the Music Academy of the West’s Downtown Venue

Plus: The Funk Zone lost two dozen free parking spaces; Iris Galerie has opened; new tenant for the cute space on De La Guerra Plaza; permanent conservation of 587 acres in the Los Alamos Valley; Preservation Hall Jazz Band in concert; Anacapa Architecture's handsome office on State Street.

Newsletter: December 10

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.

December 9, 2025

The 2025 Shop-Local Gift Guide, Part 4

Stuff those stockings with something good—and local—this year! In this edition: Upstairs at Pierre Lafond, Tecolote Book Shop, Eider Studio, Heritage Goods & Supply, Emily Joubert, and Cheese Shop Santa Barbara. 2

David Byrne to Play the Santa Barbara Bowl

Plus: Photographer opening a gallery on Santa Claus Lane; holiday market with wares made by kids; Lotusland's removal of 30 eucalyptus trees; La Cumbre Country Club update; the answer to a "Where in Santa Barbara...?" stumper.

December 8, 2025

Oprah Winfrey Sold Off a Piece of the Promised Land

Last week's sales also include a four-bedroom in Carpinteria's Casa Blanca community; the Japanese farmhouse in Montecito; Eucalyptus Hill home for $2 million off the initial asking price; midcentury spec reno; San Roque traditional; and more. 2