Blog

Is There a Story Behind Lucky Penny’s Bell?

“I’ve been to Lucky Penny countless times, but I only just noticed the big bell outside the entrance,” asks S. “Where did it come from? Does it ever get rung?”

The Lower Riviera in All Its Funky Glory

There’s something for everyone in this roundup of noteworthy new listings—a $28 million mansion in Montecito, a charming Lutah Maria Riggs house from 1966, a two-bedroom San Roque cottage, and many more.

Groundbreaking for New 2.6-Mile Bike Path

Plus: Downtown inn for sale; fires at the Hot Springs trailhead; someone drove into Hudson Grace store; activity at a Montecito Country Mart space; 101 bike path closed below Carp this Friday.

Has the Biltmore Resort Been Sold?

An intriguing rumor has come in: Citing a “reliable source,” a reader says that a major hotel company has bought the Four Seasons Biltmore from Ty Warner, with plans to rebrand it.

Carpinteria Might Try Closing Some Streets to Cars

Other recent news: Design for 103-unit affordable-housing complex at Carrillo and Castillo streets; three places you can recycle plastic bags; another photo of the Montecito bear; outside service doesn’t help salons that much; school-board candidates; computer game about zombies in Santa Barbara.

Little Dom’s Seafood Is Open and Taking Reservations

More food news: Revolver pizzeria appears to be in friends-and-family mode; Le Café Stella’s next-level socially distant dining; Bob’s Well Bread is opening in Ballard; Tino’s is taking a Covid break; Pickle Room exhibit honoring Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens; Goleta Coffee Bean has closed; Duo Catering pop-up; the food at Night Lizard.

A Bear Visited Lower Montecito Early This Morning

Plus: Short film and discussion about rebuilding trails after the fire and debris flow; apartment complex at Santa Barbara and E. De La Guerra is coming along; Westside Harvest event; big oceanfront parcel west of More Mesa now has a price; what’s a FROG?

Major Upgrade in the Works for Dwight Murphy Field

The project involves converting the soccer field to artificial turf; adding a fitness area, youth baseball field, playground, and picnic areas; replacing the existing buildings with restrooms; and more. Take a look at the renderings.