Blog

Santa Barbara’s Homeless Population Hasn’t Gone Up in Two Years

Other recent local news: A recap of the Storm Impact Consideration Map meeting; new map about post–Cave Fire debris-flow risk; Santa Barbara Zoo’s lion Chadwick has died; a boat washed up on East Beach; Hayward Lumber bought Buena Tool; pepper trees.

A 1949 Riviera Villa Ready for a Light Touch

Also newly reduced: “Castle in the Sky” with partially finished wraparound moat/pool; “Japanese farmhouse” where the kitchen is the star; Upper East/Lower Riviera gem with a pretty sunroom; Montecito estate now $5.6 million off the initial asking price.

The New Debris-Flow Risk Map Is Live

The shrinkage was mainly in upper and western Montecito.

Shop-Local Gift Guide, Part 1: Gear and The Blue Door

If you want Santa Barbara to have wonderful independent shops, you need to support them. So this holiday season—and year-round, really—make an effort to spend your money here.

A 1931 Cottage on a Secret Lane

Highlights from this weekend’s open houses: Geodesic dome way up the mountain; a veritable showroom of interesting ceilings; redone ranch with wide ocean views; super-contemporary in Montecito.

The Look of the Sprouts Store Opening on Milpas

Plus: New condors at the Santa Barbara Zoo; “listening workshop” about a new farmers’ market location; Drishti yoga boutique and Ransom junk store have closed; makers’ market in the Funk Zone.

Local Real Estate Broker Sentenced to 34 Months in Australian Prison

Other recent news: Savoy Wines is closing; Tiffany & Co. is leaving La Cumbre Plaza, but a salon and church are opening at the mall; Route 154 has reopened; fire restrictions reduced in Los Padres National Forest.

What’s the Story With the Half-Finished Lot Next to the Montecito Country Mart?

“Is it part of the shopping center? Is there any hope it’ll be developed at some point?” —S.

Breakfast Culture Club Has Closed

The laid-back café was known for its concerts, art shows, and events such as the recent Coffee with a Muslima. But the owners promise that “something new will be opening up soon.”