Blog

Santa Barbara’s Police Headquarters Could Be Done by Mid-2026

Other recent news: Living Vehicle’s new sustainable camper; jury to decide Birnam Wood golf dispute; grand opening of the Carpinteria Community Library; the argument for a better pool complex at Ortega Park; the U.S. Navy will expand weapons testing off the coast; Solvang Festival Theater has reopened; the tree of the month is the dragon tree.

The Best Look Yet Inside Bellosguardo

Plus: Kule pop-up coming to the Montecito Country Mart; the closed part of Bella Vista Drive has finally reopened; an official answer about the left turn on red at Anacapa and Haley; more on the Chumash plan for a 31,000-square-foot office building in Santa Ynez; a fantastic 1920 postcard of Summerland.

A Stylish New Taproom in the Funk Zone

Validation Ale founders Brian and Briana Deignan have used their backgrounds in tech to create a better experience—from the menu, to ordering, to the bathrooms. “Whether you’re a beer nerd like me or you’ve only had Coors your whole life, you’re welcome either way,” says Brian. “We want this to be about community.”

A Stellar Week for New Listings

There’s something for everyone: A Carpinteria estate inspired by a Chumash canoe; Yankee Farm midcentury with ocean views; a Hedgerow charmer; Toro Canyon farmhouse furnished by Ellen and Portia; rad Riviera pied-à-terre; an Upper East grande dame; a sweet little Spanish in San Roque; and more.

Where in Santa Barbara…?

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

XO Santa Barbara Has Closed

More food news: Golden Line Coffee Bar will cease operations at month’s end; happy hour with dim sum at Secret Bao; the name of Chris Chiarappa’s Finney’s-esque restaurant in Goleta; Kate’s Bread and the Dutchess have parted ways; Isla Vista’s Pizza My Heart is closing; lunch at Solvang’s Craft House at Corque.

Santa Barbara Is Getting a Professional Soccer Team

Other recent news: The Museum of Contemporary Art is closing; State Street Promenade to get more lights and regular cleaning; new fencing along freeway off-ramps popular with the homeless; Olympic figure skater bought in the Hedgerow; interim police chief Barney Melekian steps down; emergency alert system to be tested in Montecito; Ventura’s 1,645-acre Mariano Rancho to be preserved.

Bossie the Cow Is Getting Rebuilt and Moved

Plus: The Randall Road Debris Basin is just about done; the Chumash are working on a 31,000-square-foot commercial building in Santa Ynez; 2023 dates of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival; the city’s ugly new solar arrays; this year’s French Festival has been canceled; what not to do with used corks.