March 10, 2026
After buying this 1950s Cielito house in early 2018 for $3.5 million, Xorin Balbes embarked on a thorough renovation and redecoration—but without changing the footprint. Now he has listed it for just under $9 million. The house is certainly something to see....
August 26, 2019
In other recent news: Restaurateur James Sly has died; Laura Capps will run against Das Williams for county supervisor; Southern California Edison's fire mitigation efforts; Carpinteria moves to acquire the Rincon Bluffs Preserve.
The Castle in the Sky has personality to burn—along with a swimming pool moat, hot tub grotto, circular platform bed, and helipad, complete with hangar.
August 24, 2019
Plus: The French Press has officially changed its name; Giovanni's Pizza is down to just one location; Viva to become Eleven 14; Mosto Crudo has rebranded; Sama Sama Kitchen is partnering on an endeavor in Los Alamos.
August 23, 2019
"We're vibing off of In-N-Out," says Low Pigeon co-founder Dennis Medina, explaining the menu's tight focus. "We want you to know that the is coffee always on point." 3
August 22, 2019
And in other local news: Updated debris flow risk map should be out in October; the growing problem of homeowners unable to get insurance; strip mall to be redone before Sprouts's arrival; bike paths, crosswalks, and roundabouts planned for Cliff Drive; new closing time for city parks; parking in Montecito; missile testing from San Nicolas Island.
It has all the amenities of a small hotel, including a screening room, bar, gym, tennis court, and 11 fireplaces, not to mention one of the most decadent lawns this side of Oprah Winfrey's compound.
Plus: The two other traffic circles that might follow—one at San Ysidro Road and the 101, and another at E. Cabrillo and Los Patos Way.
August 21, 2019
Plus: Embermill restaurant opens this Friday; Bristol Farms, another Mesa Burger, and a French bakery on the horizon; La Michoacána is selling frozen treats; Hoffman Brat Haus is closing; Eleven 14 opening on State Street.
And in other recent local news: A reprieve for Institution Ale's neon sign; initiative to protect whales from ships; West Beach hotel gets nixed; an urge to merge Montecito's special districts; Styrofoam recycling; Montecito road repairs; library plaza renovation update.
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I agree, I still miss Empty Bowl that was on CVR. They called it by another name which was confusing and had lots of outdoor… — AFC
Was hoping Peabodys would come back. — Rick Lyons
Great travelogue! One of the nice things about the nanny vibe in Singapore is that people actually observe rules and restrictions...because there is enforcement and… — Kevin S
100% agreed! — eliza
I'm glad to hear Monte's will have Korean influences since we need more of that here. If they had Bibimbab on the menu I would… — Jilt
Thank you for reminding me that beautiful pictures do not convey the feel of the climate, hot and humid. Unfortunately, for me, there is no… — steve
The Chase is the Place! — John
my Railfan son has been keeping tabs on this. Taking the Cabrillo off-ramp is our favorite entry to SB, well has as it will lose… — John Jorgensen
Dunno', but I think that is the Japanese character for "peace." — Tal
It’s the water meter cover on a house on the 300 block of padre street between garden and Laguna. The house has a strong Mr.… — Ben D
Recent Comments
I agree, I still miss Empty Bowl that was on CVR. They called it by another name which was confusing and had lots of outdoor… — AFC
Was hoping Peabodys would come back. — Rick Lyons
Great travelogue! One of the nice things about the nanny vibe in Singapore is that people actually observe rules and restrictions...because there is enforcement and… — Kevin S
100% agreed! — eliza
I'm glad to hear Monte's will have Korean influences since we need more of that here. If they had Bibimbab on the menu I would… — Jilt
Thank you for reminding me that beautiful pictures do not convey the feel of the climate, hot and humid. Unfortunately, for me, there is no… — steve
The Chase is the Place! — John
my Railfan son has been keeping tabs on this. Taking the Cabrillo off-ramp is our favorite entry to SB, well has as it will lose… — John Jorgensen
Dunno', but I think that is the Japanese character for "peace." — Tal
It’s the water meter cover on a house on the 300 block of padre street between garden and Laguna. The house has a strong Mr.… — Ben D