Blog

A Montecito Mediterranean That Doesn’t Seem Overpriced

Noteworthy new listings also include a mix of styles on the Riviera; 1979 contemporary in need of updating; funky 1950s cottage walkable to Shoreline Park; small house on a small lot; and a winery compound outside Los Olivos.

Paseo Nuevo Redevelopment May Include a Grocery Store and Gym

Other recent news: Santa Barbara’s battle against unpermitted short-term rentals; Glass House Brands refutes claims made by the Department of Homeland Security; update on the Gifford Fire; Carpinteria launched a website detailing proposed housing projects; UC Santa Barbara’s new chancellor.

Updates on Five Forthcoming Restaurants

When Dom’s Taverna, Aegean, Little King Coffee, Little Mountain, and Manifattura are hoping to open. More food news: Revolver’s special sandwich; Rozzi Pizza is now serving lunch five days a week; new meal-delivery service; Lovin’ Spoonful frozen-yogurt shop remains closed; Cookie Plug found a new home; more on Jeannine’s plans for upper State Street; profiles of Rock 12 Distillery and Riviera Mushrooms; recommendations for a quiet birthday lunch.

An Outpost of Iris Galerie Is Opening Downtown

Plus: Jerry Seinfeld to perform here; a new book honoring artist Dennis Spangler; windows of vacant storefronts to be decorated with art; city proposing to buy an Alta Mesa house; Ritz-Carlton Bacara extended its spa deal for locals; two exhibits of note at Sullivan Goss.

A Busy Week for Hope Ranch Real Estate

Last week’s sales include six in Hope Ranch, including a cleaned-up 1992 villa, a couple of mega-Mediterraneans, and an old-school fixer on Mariposa Drive; the 1931 George Washington Smith house on Plaza Rubio; two in central Montecito; the 1935 Spanish Colonial fixer near the Cold Spring trailhead; and more.

Notes From Up North

Highs and lows on a visit to Healdsburg, Mendocino, and San Francisco—including being dwarfed by redwoods, wandering on the edge of bluffs, cosplaying Jessica Fletcher, riding in robotaxis, and eating very well.

Where in Santa Barbara…?

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

A Grand Entrance in Birnam Wood

Noteworthy new listings also include an English country–style house with massive primary suite; modern wine country compound built by James Garner; lovely renovation in the Cold Spring School District; Carpinteria “wellness retreat”; Riviera fixer cottage; a church; and more.