Newsletter: July 20

The Siteline newsletter is the best way to follow the website. To subscribe, click the link at the bottom of this post. And you can unsubscribe at any time.

The Slowest Week for Real Estate in Over Two Years

With only one sale over $3 million, last week was the slowest since the pandemic boom began—but San Roque remains hot.

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

Newsletter: July 17

The Siteline newsletter is the best way to follow the website. To subscribe, click the link at the bottom of this post. And you can unsubscribe at any time.

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

Where in Santa Barbara…?

Know where this was shot? Prove it in the comments. (Update: We have a winner!) 2

XO Santa Barbara Has Closed

More food news: Golden Line Coffee Bar will cease operations at month's end; happy hour with dim sum at Secret Bao; the name of Chris Chiarappa's Finney's-esque restaurant in Goleta; Kate's Bread and the Dutchess have parted ways; Isla Vista's Pizza My Heart is closing; lunch at Solvang's Craft House at Corque.

Santa Barbara Is Getting a Professional Soccer Team

Other recent news: The Museum of Contemporary Art is closing; State Street Promenade to get more lights and regular cleaning; new fencing along freeway off-ramps popular with the homeless; Olympic figure skater bought in the Hedgerow; interim police chief Barney Melekian steps down; emergency alert system to be tested in Montecito; Ventura's 1,645-acre Mariano Rancho to be preserved. 1