Walk With Me

July 19, 2026

A Walk in the Clouds in Cielito

During a stretch of gray weather, I thought I might find sunshine up in the Cielito neighborhood—where else, if not in "little heaven"? It too was gray, alas, but far from unbearable. 10

July 1, 2026

Old Coast Highway Revisited

I'm always saying how you notice more when you walk, and nowhere is that truer than on Old Coast Highway—not to mention the side streets most of us never even drive on. 1

June 10, 2026

Where One School Leads to Another

The residential areas around La Colina Junior High School and Bishop Diego High School have two distinct personalities—and rather a lot of street libraries. 2

February 18, 2026

The Manifold Splendors of Mid-State

If no specific visual pops up when you think of the area, it's probably because you're more likely to drive there rather than walk. Your loss. 7

January 21, 2026

The Westmontish Region of Montecito

The residential area southwest of Westmont College has surprises up its sleeve, including a secret park, an HOA, and trails through the woods. 10

October 19, 2025

The Arty Heart of Downtown Santa Barbara

The Arts District is a marketing construct, but it's a useful one, distinguishing the more upscale section of State Street from scruffier parts downtown. And, boy, is it rich with character. 21

September 3, 2025

A Five-Block Adventure in Downtown Ventura

Given how close Ventura is and how much I like to explore, I know remarkably little about the city. The car-free stretch of E. Main Street was the perfect place to start. 12

July 20, 2025

East Meets West on Mountain Drive

The stretch of Mountain Drive between Cold Spring and Cielito is popular with walkers and cyclists because it's pretty and winding and flat—with enough quirk to compete with the view. 7

May 28, 2025

On Summerland’s Western Fringe

Don't let the gentrification of the main drag fool you: the town's signature funkiness can still be found on the side streets. 9

February 23, 2025

Higher Education on the Mesa

The holiday break was the perfect time to explore the East Campus of Santa Barbara City College: no crowds, big views, lots to gawk at. 3