April 3, 2025
News Roundup
MarBorg’s Massive New Headquarters Takes a Step Forward
Other recent news: The Fiesta rodeo is in flux; sea animals are dying from a toxic algae bloom; aesthetic tweaks for the big apartment building proposed for Milpas Street; new Carpinteria surf shop; senior housing on Laguna Street to get upsized; the county's expensive ambulance mess. 3
March 27, 2025
Goleta Is Working on a Drone Show for Independence Day
Other recent news: A look inside three pretty homes; road restriping in Old Town Goleta appears to have hurt businesses; farmer Rodney Chow has died; is Highway 101's new concrete divider already crumbling?; Channel Islands workers have been reinstated; federal cuts to affect two harbor properties; free local calls at Santa Barbara Airport. 2
March 20, 2025
Longstanding Carpinteria Surf Shop to Close
Other recent news: Santa Barbara considers disincentivizing landlords to renovate; teacher layoffs by the Santa Barbara Unified School District; county to increase oversight of battery storage systems; "Restraining Order Violation" in Montecito; more studies of noise impacts of space launches; cannabis farms required to install carbon scrubbers; lawsuit by residents affected by cannabis stench granted class-action status; cannabis farm goes bankrupt. 3
March 6, 2025
County Task Force to Take on Street Food Vendors
Other recent news: Efforts to curtail Hot Springs trail visitors; Channel Islands National Park layoffs; two old Summerland Beach oil wells have been resealed (but hundreds remain); a historian's Santa Barbara book recommendations; update on the Ava Hotel in Paso Robles. 8
February 27, 2025
Santa Barbara Tightens Its E-Bike Regulations
Other recent news: The latest on the battle over restarting offshore drilling; the argument against the proposed creeks ordinance; tour bus spotted at Hot Springs trailhead; cannabis farms may get extensions on odor abatement; SpaceX debris lands in Poland; Couture Pattern Museum profile. 2
February 20, 2025
The Threat of “South American Theft Groups”
Other recent news: Renderings of the apartment complex proposed for the Sears lot at La Cumbre Plaza; new Goleta housing development to rent by the bed; county supervisors are thinking of giving themselves a raise; CADA sold its E. Haley building; possible funding cuts to local public radio stations; Meghan Markle renamed her forthcoming lifestyle brand; history of the Cold Spring Canyon bridge. 2
February 13, 2025
Santa Barbara Is Trying for a Creek Buffer Ordinance Again
Other recent news: The Wine Business Improvement District has been approved; tenant-vs.-landlord drama at 215 Bath Street; the city's Public Works director is leaving; Craig Case's trial for embezzlement; Faitell Attractions is closing; the fight over development on the Gaviota Coast. 2
February 6, 2025
Pedicabs and a Pop-Up Forest Proposed for State Street
Other recent news: The risks associated with the lithium-ion battery storage facility in Goleta; Billabong and Volcom stores have closed; more on the development proposed for the Sears lot at La Cumbre Plaza; new design standards for developers; changes to Milpas Street's trees; the history of Santa Barbara City College's land; Santa Maria to get a Planes of Fame Air Museum; the reopening of Pacific Coast Highway. 20
January 30, 2025
January 23, 2025
Return of the Santa Barbara News-Press
Other recent news: Author and historian Erin Graffy has died; drought conditions are back; changes in city garbage collection; Bungalow Haven historic designation update; the Isla Vista Food Co-op's financial crisis; recapping the meetings about space launches; commuter train to launch service this fall. 7
Burning Questions
- What’s This Building on Helena Avenue?
- What Are Those Old Pilings in Arroyo Burro Creek?
- What’s This Building Under Construction in Toro Canyon?
- What’s the Story Behind the Seal of the City of Santa Barbara?
- Four Questions From the Mailbag
- What’s This Pole With a Flashing Blue Light?
- What Are These Sculptures on the Riviera?
Recent Comments
Casa del Herrero is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year. Docent-led tours are on Wed and Sat. Self-guided tours on Tuesday - reservation required. https://www.casadelherrero.com/visit — Susie
I was at the dealer on Monday and Acura is moving to be with Honda in Goleta and they have added Bentley to Land Rover… — Curtis
Great list. On the way to checking out Crafter’s Library, grab a coffee and donut at Hook & Press next door. — Andy
Thanks Anne - I did not know about Erin's book on public art - and of course the Siquieros mural "Portrait of Mexico" at SB… — Leslie Westbrook
Great article Erik, thank you. And Leslie is correct wonderful murals and public art in our community. Check out the late Erin Graffy's book, Old… — anne luther
Has anyone else checked out all the Ikat & Pearls locations in Carpinteria, Ventura and Ojai? A great fun boutique to treat yourself and others… — Elyse rossler
Wonderful wrap up of Peru. Too bad you couldn't experience more dining in otherwise dismal Lima...but some of the best food in the world at… — Kevin S
Barbareño is opening a restaurant in the Louie's California Bistro space inside the hotel: https://www.sitelinesb.com/barbareno-is-opening-a-second-restaurant-downtown/. — Erik Torkells
This is a great list Erik and much appreciated! Also, thanks for all the mentions in Carp - - but don't forget our many wonderful… — Leslie Westbrook
Recent editions have included pics of the Upham but no news attached. The place seems almost shut down. Any info? — Tom Gorton