Odds & Ends

January 12, 2023

The Black Keys Are Playing the Santa Barbara Bowl

Plus: The pair of blue vases atop the Presidio Plaza Building; Alaska Airlines says San Diego service is unlikely; the local aversion to double left-turn lanes; "The Search for the American West" at Sullivan Goss; Overheard in Santa Barbara; an amusing bit of off-color humor. 6

January 7, 2023

Two Prominent Properties in Summerland Have Changed Hands

Plus: Four Highway 101 ramps are slated to reopen in coming weeks; new owner for downtown art gallery; Coast Village Road fitness studio has opened; vintage pop-up at the Magic Castle Cabaret; Santa Barbara Island is closed to due to storm damage. 5

December 28, 2022

The New Tenant of the Victor the Florist Space

Plus: Cat Mewseum coming to State Street; Palma Colectiva opening in Victoria Court; the Flaming Lips in concert; Bellosguardo's outbuildings by the beach; the history of the "El Prado" sign at the new Courtyard by Marriott.

December 22, 2022

Church Has Plans for a Big Roof Deck Downtown

Plus: Women's apparel store opening in the former Rite Aid on State Street; Olive Mill ramps not closing till at least January 8; new look for the apartment complex proposed for Carrillo and De La Vina; updates on the downtown electric-vehicle charging station and the redesign of the State Street undercrossing; Gaviota rest areas reopen; the story behind a Jeff Shelton house on the Riviera; the annual homeless count; drive-through car wash in the works for S. La Cumbre Road; "Golden Hour" at My Pet Ram. 5

December 13, 2022

The ShineUP Shop in the Funk Zone Is Closing

Plus: Cannabis shop opened in Isla Vista; new yoga studio and wellness collective; useless parking signs at Santa Barbara Airport; the area around Shoreline Park's torii gate is getting renovated; signal modifications at Highway 154 and State Street; Cliff Drive pedestrian improvements; rainbow curb cuts. 3

December 2, 2022

The “Victor the Florist” Signage Has Been Removed

Plus: Olive Mill ramp closures have been pushed back; an explanation for the activity at Rancho San Carlos; State Street survey; The Great Junk Hunt flea market is on in Ventura; Brett Young to play the Santa Barbara Bowl; Marshall Brown collages at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. 4

November 28, 2022

Another Santa Barbara Hotel Is for Sale

Plus: The annual "100 Grand" show at Sullivan & Goss starts today; a second residential development is in the works at Garden and Haley; the Santa Barbara Harbor Parade of Lights is December 11; new website for discovering cannabis deals around here; a community arts collective is opening in Ventura; pétanque in Santa Barbara. 4

November 23, 2022

Mysterious Activity at One of Montecito’s Biggest Properties

Plus: Santa Barbara Bowl Christmas tree lot isn't happening this year; Hermosillo Road finally gets advance Highway 101 signage; the Music Academy of the West shortened its name; new clothing store coming to State Street; Inn at Mattei's Tavern will open in February; updated rendering of Santa Barbara High School’s forthcoming VADA building; golf store changes hands (and brings in pickleball equipment). 3

November 15, 2022

Update on the Marge Dunlap Fountain at Las Aves

Plus: The Santa Barbara Antique Show is this week; Trevor Noah and Tyler Childers at the Bowl; decorator warehouse sale; solar-powered e-bike tours; a better look at the 36-unit apartment complex proposed for lower Garden Street; Ruth Ellen Hoag show at Thomas Reynolds Gallery. 3

November 10, 2022

A Coordinated Effort to Improve Downtown Santa Barbara

Plus: A visit to the magical Rose Story Farm; the Las Aves complex claims another building; upcoming productions of "The Nutcracker" and "A Christmas Carol"; Anacapa Island to reopen for day use and overnight camping; mysterious transaction of a State Street building.