January 23, 2025
News Roundup
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
January 16, 2025
The County Is Finally Doing Something About the Cannabis Stench
Other recent news: Did Ty Warner destroy this artwork?; the stone pines of E. Anapamu get a reprieve; Biltmore to install butterfly-shaped swim rafts; Macy's at La Cumbre Plaza survived the first round of store closures; Santa Barbara may raise bus fares; out-of-control minivan on Stearns Wharf. 16
January 9, 2025
The George Floyd Mural Has Been Painted Over
Other recent news: San Marcos Growers nursery will close at the end of the year; Las Alturas landslide house demolished; more on the Sandpiper Golf Club proposal; World War II relic destroyed by storm; Heal the Ocean's appeal of the Rosewood Miramar Beach project; Moby Dick mural needs attention. 8
December 27, 2024
Goleta Is Reducing Speed Limits on Most Major Streets
Other recent news: Problematic oil pipeline may get reactivated; El Capitán State Beach campgrounds to be off-limits for a year; another local judge is in hot water; Sandpiper Golf Club claims it may have to close; Beach Baby Kids Boutique is closing; the tree of the month. 9
December 19, 2024
December 12, 2024
The Rosewood Miramar Beach Expansion May Officially Proceed
Other recent news: Low monarch butterfly turnout at Ellwood Mesa; 24 Hour Fitness closing date; changes in store for Santa Ynez Valley farms and vineyards; Carpinteria harbor seal rookery may be off-limits for three years; judge admonished by state commission; Gaviota Coast Conservancy acquires Rancho Tajiguas property; fish farming under consideration in Santa Barbara Channel; Vons store spared now that the Albertsons/Kroger deal is off; potential pool designs at Carpinteria High School. 6
December 5, 2024
November 21, 2024
250-Room Funk Zone Hotel Gets the Go-Ahead
Plus: Biltmore renovation allowed to proceed; city to help remove Las Alturas landslide house; the county Planning Commission rejected a cannabis project for the first time; Cost Plus World Market could be around for three years; Tunnel Trail reopened; the history of Goleta's Encina Royale neighborhood; Milpas Street improvements likely. 2
November 14, 2024
Caltrans to Install Underdrains at the Castillo Street Underpass
Other recent news: Hedgerow residents push back on plans to add dirt sidewalks; another look at the monstrosity proposed for behind the Mission; Mountain Fire update; no more fence around the huge Moreton Bay fig tree; X Games won't return to Ventura next year. 3
November 7, 2024
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