February 1, 2023
News Roundup
Downtown Apartment Complex With No Parking Moves Forward
Other recent news: A look back at the Potter Hotel; profile of local author Kyle Seibel; Aga John rug store has closed; neighbors concerned about Santa Maria housing for the homeless; new online map shows which trails and roads are open; the recent buyer of a $12.5 million beach house in Carpinteria. 1
January 25, 2023
The Results of a Community Survey About State Street
Other recent news: The buyer of Ellen DeGeneres's Ennisbrook hacienda; 82-unit apartment complex on Milpas gets final design approval; bike lane construction to start on W. Mission Street; Santa Barbara Central Library has partially reopened; Santa Ynez now has a cannabis shop; revised Munger Hall design expected this summer; the tree of the month is the Kentia palm; St. Regis Princeville Resort to become a 1 Hotel, with a focus on wellness. 3
January 19, 2023
Highway 154 Has Reopened
Other recent news: Untreated sewage spill affects Montecito beach; Santa Barbara County to get federal storm relief; harbor to be dredged next week; Goleta Beach Park is closed for "emergency beach nourishment"; several radio station still off the air; no word when Route 150 between Carpinteria and Ojai will reopen; Santa Barbara Museum of Art sued over Egon Schiele drawing allegedly stolen by Nazis; Cabrillo Boulevard arts and crafts market to get reorganized; Summerland oil seepage is likely natural. 1
January 16, 2023
January 10, 2023
Extraordinary Rainfall Wreaks Havoc on Santa Barbara
Other recent news: Bicycle Bob's is closing after nearly 40 years; the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara is coming back to life; oil spotted off Summerland; Santa Barbara County is using cloud seeding to produce rain; a former mayoral candidate's rug trouble; Cuyama Valley airstrip is open again; how to volunteer for beach clean-up. 10
January 5, 2023
Highway 154 Is Closed Due to a Rockslide
Other recent news: An update on the Coral Casino; historic Goleta farmhouse to open for tours; how the state's requirement for new housing is affecting local municipalities; big plans for Dos Pueblos Ranch; a screed about Santa Barbara's "disgusting downtown mess." 6
December 29, 2022
December 16, 2022
December 8, 2022
The State Street Parklet Conundrum Continues
Other recent news: The design of the Highway 101 interchange at Hot Springs Road and Cabrillo Boulevard; progress for the proposed State Street hotel; cannabis odor scrubbers seem to be working (but still aren't required); Santa Barbara residents vent about cruise ships; a book about Rincon Point; leather goods shop opening on Coast Village Road; the latest on the battle over Hollister Ranch beach access; new barber shop in Goleta; fancified motels in Paso Robles and Cayucos. 12
November 24, 2022
Lamborghini Caught Going 152 Miles Per Hour on Highway 154
Other recent news: Santa Barbara Cemetery wants to add 2,358 more crypts; the county sets its sights on Carpinteria for housing; the Surfliner Inn ballot measure inches closer to failing; the 7-Eleven on Milpas was looted by teenagers and will close soon; the children's library at the Central Library has reopened; "social media superstar" bought on Mission Canyon Road; Carpinteria water-purification facility in the works; the tree of the month is the weeping fig. 1
Burning Questions
- Why Did the Rosewood Miramar Beach Install Gates?
- How Long Will This Big Pipe Be at East Beach?
- Is Cabrillo Boulevard Going to Be Widened Under Highway 101?
- Was There a Fisherman Inn in Downtown Santa Barbara?
- What Are Those Old Buildings at the Corner of Castillo and Montecito Streets?
- When Will the Coast Village Road Medians Be Completed?
- What’s This Scaffold Structure on Las Positas Road?
Recent Comments
I live near a couple of the segments of streets mentioned for improvement and they absolutely need assessment. There are crashes every few months. It’s… — BW
Local attorney Luis Esparza in on the ballot with Judge Adams — Esparza for Judge 2026
El Smurfo. As Ben Kenobi said, "That's a name I have not heard in a long time." Gosh, what was my handle on the orange… — Dan O. Seibert
Taking criticism from losers is price of not being one — Duds
One of the best travel articles I’ve ever read. The narrative and the pics made me feel that I was there. Thanks ever so much — Jeff
Missed that reddit post, but I would say on the whole pretty positive. Obviously Montecito real estate postings are not going to be super popular… — el_smurfo
If you liked Angkor, then you need to visit Borobudur. And there’s even an Aman! AmanJiwo. One of our best trips. — Tom F
Shop keepers closes two stores. Why are all you experts not analyzing this? Could it be that the greed of landlord's has now reached the… — Jose Luis Riviera
Perfect summary of Angkor. You captured it well. My first visit was over 30 years ago before the disney-esque entrance. On the back of a… — KGS
Ummmmm....CVR is definitely thriving!!! Ask the retailers. There are more tourists willing to spend money (there are many affordable shopping options). Locals have been stopping… — Dave