Author: Erik Torkells

October 4, 2019

Ever Want to Live in a Hawaiian Resort?

Open houses this weekend: A sweet little Montecito farmhouse; a new-build that feels old in all the right ways; a funky slice of the Upper East; a real eye-popper with amazing ocean views; and many more.

Behind This Nondescript Facade Is a Very Interesting House

You could pass by 331 E. Canon Perdido without guessing what’s inside—or even noticing the building at all. Designed in 1981 by the owner, it’s a miniature hacienda above a two-car garage.

October 3, 2019

There’s a Big Sale This Saturday at C’est Cheese

And in other food-related news: Mesa Verde has decided to close Mondays; in praise of Bossie's Kitchen's water carafes and BLT; Oku restaurant is open.

California Has Tightened the Rules for Planned Power Outages

Other recent news: Santa Barbara Cemetery to start using recycled water; Montecito Sanitary District rebuts concerns about its proposed new building; Old Town Goleta to get sidewalks; destructive beetles seen in local trees; arguing over emergency dispatch operation centers.

October 2, 2019

Tyger Tyger Founding Chef Daniel Palaima Has Left

Plus: Bristol Farms opening pushed back; a rundown of restaurants that are slated to open here; Carpinteria's farmer's market is in a different location this week; another wine tasting room; fresh yuzu.

October 1, 2019

Earl Warren Showgrounds Is in Financial Trouble

In other news: Helistop decision delayed; city creates a hotline to report illegal homeless camps; crackdown on longterm parking at the waterfront; residents oppose homeless housing; questioning the Montecito Sanitary District's desired new building.

September 30, 2019

Under the Tuscan Spell

Rhonda Byrne, author of "The Secret," has put her Montecito estate back on the market at a lower price. If anyone can actualize a sale into happening....

Fitness Studio Opening Next to French Press

Plus: AIA Santa Barbara's annual self-guided architecture tour is coming up; a rare sighting of a diving board; anyone up for a cold plunge?

September 28, 2019

Can You Solve This Midcentury Modern Puzzle?

The full list of this weekend's open houses is here. Among the more intriguing ones: a Japanese-Craftsman hybrid, a 1904 house off Miramar Beach with a kooky floor plan; and a well-made Hope Ranch house that just won't sell.

September 27, 2019

Blackbird Remains More or Less Unchanged

Other food-related news and notes: Opening forecast for Mesa Burger in Montecito; Santa Barbara County's natural wine scene; local library has cake pans you can check out; Dart Coffee now selling Buena Onda empanadas.