Blog

The Closing Price for the Picacho Lane Estate Auction

Plus: The city has trained a webcam on the harbor; the Carpinteria phase of the Highway 101 project will start soon; Japanese-Craftsman hybrid on the Mesa sold; a wish for the former Sears at La Cumbre Plaza.

The Owners of Montecito’s Croydon House Are Facing a $1.5 Million Loss

The week’s other top price reductions: The castle-house with a crenellated tower; likely teardown above Hendry’s Beach; Bella Vista estate with views for days; Hope Ranch contemporary.

Bristol Farms Construction to Restart After Two-Month Delay

Other local news: Snow forecast for the Grapevine, which could mean traffic here; the stalled state of the Bellosguardo Foundation; burn-area sediment will be dumped at beaches in Goleta and Carp; Montecito resident working on a walking-path map; Westerlay Orchids is expanding.

Paradise Cafe Has Reopened With a New Menu

More food news: The best breakfast deal in town; Sweet Wheel Farm & Flowers cart has moved out of Summerland; a peek inside the Ca’ Dario opening in Montecito; Lazy Acres bulk spices; new chef at Public Market beer hall.

A Welcome Bit of Brutalism on Eucalyptus Hill

Highlights of this weekend’s open-house lineup: Downtown Carpinteria house built by someone with a passion for historic design; Upper East Tudor that needs a redo; cute Montecito cottage in a rough location; and the Lutah Maria Riggs estate heading to auction.

Rising Seas Will Mean Bad News for Santa Barbara

Other local news: State laws could allow for taller buildings; how storms might impact neighborhoods below the Cave Fire burn area; two movie theaters get loop technology for the hearing-impaired; shooting ban extended in Los Padres National Forest; the tree of the month.

Another Historic Montecito Estate Is Headed to Auction

Designed by noted architect Lutah Maria Riggs in the early 1930s, the 2.1-acre property has a Hollywood glamour—and a peachy exterior—reminiscent of the Hotel Bel-Air and Beverly Hills Hotel. It was most recently listed for $12.5 million.

Montecito Retail: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

A new boutique is about to open, but two Upper Village stores are closing. Plus: Midcentury house in the Hedgerow sold; Toro Creek Bridge is open to two-way traffic.

The Lineup for the First-Ever Santa Barbara Culinary Experience

The three-day festival in March benefits the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, with many events inspired by Child. There’s even a free map of her favorite local haunts.