Blog

A New App for Exploring the Channel Islands

And a new trail on Santa Rosa Island. Plus: Proposed demolition of small Shoreline Drive house to make way for something larger; Lotusland invited first responders for a visit; silk masks from Catherine Gee; anti-fog spray at Occhiali; commode camouflage.

The State Has Ordered Restaurants Here to Close All Indoor Operations

California governor Gavin Newsom has ordered 19 counties—including Santa Barbara—to halt indoor operations immediately at restaurants, wineries, movie theaters, museums, zoos, and more. And bars must close entirely.

Bars That Serve Food in the Same Transaction Can Stay Open

More food news: Allen Construction is building restaurant parklets for free; The Daisy has postponed its return; Noemi is now open on weekends; Secret Bao’s roasted pork bo ssam; Insomnia Cookies opening on State Street.

Santa Barbara Beaches Will Stay Open for the Holiday Weekend

But L.A. and Ventura counties are closing theirs. Other recent news: City considering changes that might help developers downtown; new design for the big project at Milpas and Ortega; ban extended on recreational shooting in Los Padres National Forest; police seek paving scammers.

Now This Is How You Decorate a Montecito Villa

Architect Marc Appleton and actress Joanna Kerns pulled off the neat trick of creating a house from scratch that feels—in the best way—as if it has been around for decades.

Admiring the Backsides of Beachfront Houses

As you walk east on Padaro Lane, the lots get smaller and smaller—which means you get to see more and more.

Bars Will Have to Close Again Starting Wednesday

Other recent news: Carpinteria’s Chamber of Commerce joins forces with Santa Barbara and Goleta; two new hotels in Solvang.

Single-Family Home at the Miramar for Rent

Plus: New antiques/vintage store opens this weekend; timetable for when various movie theaters will reopen; interesting Covid-19 update from Sansum Clinic’s CEO; Stearns Wharf sign repaired; public art coming to Arroyo Burro.

No July 4 Festivities in Santa Barbara or Goleta

And gatherings of 10 or more, even outdoors, are forbidden. Other recent news: County Covid-19 cases are increasing, but hospitals are handling the burden; you can now text 911; Cottage Health’s new urgent-care center; two golf courses still closed; proposed changes to four-story development on Milpas.