The When, Where, and What of This Year’s Old Spanish Days Fiesta
Other recent news: UCSB chancellor won't cooperate in hit-and-run investigation; Aloha Fun Center says it'll open next month; roller-skating shop coming to Paseo Nuevo; the state of insurance in Montecito; Magic Castle Cabaret isn't reopening after all; Carrillo Street gymnasium to get a makeover; FlightAware founder bought in Montecito; how drought and other factors are affecting Ojai farming. 2
The State Street Axe Club Is Opening Soon
Plus: Jenni Kayne Home's Montecito shop is open; an intriguing new business called Palma; Santa Barbara's luxury car scene takes a hit; Nine Inch Nails and Trey Anastasio Band to play here; dates for the Santa Barbara Studio Artists' Open Studios Tour; any word on the conversion of Montecito's Vons into a Pavilions? 4
Santa Barbara’s Police Headquarters Could Be Done by Mid-2026
Other recent news: Living Vehicle's new sustainable camper; jury to decide Birnam Wood golf dispute; grand opening of the Carpinteria Community Library; the argument for a better pool complex at Ortega Park; the U.S. Navy will expand weapons testing off the coast; Solvang Festival Theater has reopened; the tree of the month is the dragon tree. 2
The Best Look Yet Inside Bellosguardo
Plus: Kule pop-up coming to the Montecito Country Mart; the closed part of Bella Vista Drive has finally reopened; an official answer about the left turn on red at Anacapa and Haley; more on the Chumash plan for a 31,000-square-foot office building in Santa Ynez; a fantastic 1920 postcard of Summerland. 13
A Stylish New Taproom in the Funk Zone
Validation Ale founders Brian and Briana Deignan have used their backgrounds in tech to create a better experience—from the menu, to ordering, to the bathrooms. "Whether you're a beer nerd like me or you've only had Coors your whole life, you're welcome either way," says Brian. "We want this to be about community." 1
A Stellar Week for New Listings
There's something for everyone: A Carpinteria estate inspired by a Chumash canoe; Yankee Farm midcentury with ocean views; a Hedgerow charmer; Toro Canyon farmhouse furnished by Ellen and Portia; rad Riviera pied-à-terre; an Upper East grande dame; a sweet little Spanish in San Roque; and more. 3

























Recent Comments
I graduated from Brooks Institute in 1965, married a lovely native of Montecito and adopted Santa Barbara as my home, not where I was born,… — Max Schnorf
I love Little Mountain and have been three times. The rice is $12 not $17 and it's swimming in butter not oil and everyone whose… — Leslie Westbrook
Le Petit Valentien -- maybe not classic French, but pretty close and great prices and great chef Robert. (and Ethiopian on the weekends!) — Leslie Westbrook
The property has building violations on, and the property was held by a bank that wanted out after foreclosing on the previous owner. — Paul
If Merci chocolate caramels are anything close to their salted chocolate chip cookies...we all will be in heaven ♥️...can't wait to try!!! — Maryanne Brillhart
I tried Little Mountain. Beautiful space and decor. But the menu, portions, and prices are ridiculous even for Montecito. $8 for cold bread (3 small… — Foodie
What I want to know is, why is it that Santa Barbara abounds in Italian places, yet no place really exists for classic French cuisine,… — Drew Hart
Montecito restaurateurs need to learn that not all diners are billionaires and, and that inflated pricing does not work. The successful spots all have a… — Rob
Like the old Paradise Cafe! — Jimmy
Completely Agree. A lawyer opening up a flashy restaurant and expecting the city to compensate him for not knowing what he is doing ? This… — Zeeann