March 23, 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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So many businesses dropping out of Santa Ynez- Queen Cup Coffee, The General, Lucky Hen Larder, Asher, Brass Tack, now Cross Hatch- I predict businesses… — Christine!
The restrictions also only apply to projects with a planning permit, because the restriction is not an ordinance, rather it's a policy that gets applied… — Paul
Me too. It was such a bad decision to close it. — Sue Sadler
Thank you for copying and pasting from the article I just read. — Chet
Really missing Stella Mare — Rhona
That's his job? Since when? — jl
Asana has ~$8 billion in assets under management. Given the jaw dropping figure and their current portfolio, expect chains like Warby Parker. Not exactly Montecito/SB… — J
I primarily read this for the snarky comments — D
Amen! After what they did to the prior tenants, not to mention the gym and Stella Mares — Jen
From everything I’ve read, the State of California did not grant a penny toward this street art project. The $100k grant is from the Bloomberg… — Pat
Recent Comments
So many businesses dropping out of Santa Ynez- Queen Cup Coffee, The General, Lucky Hen Larder, Asher, Brass Tack, now Cross Hatch- I predict businesses… — Christine!
The restrictions also only apply to projects with a planning permit, because the restriction is not an ordinance, rather it's a policy that gets applied… — Paul
Me too. It was such a bad decision to close it. — Sue Sadler
Thank you for copying and pasting from the article I just read. — Chet
Really missing Stella Mare — Rhona
That's his job? Since when? — jl
Asana has ~$8 billion in assets under management. Given the jaw dropping figure and their current portfolio, expect chains like Warby Parker. Not exactly Montecito/SB… — J
I primarily read this for the snarky comments — D
Amen! After what they did to the prior tenants, not to mention the gym and Stella Mares — Jen
From everything I’ve read, the State of California did not grant a penny toward this street art project. The $100k grant is from the Bloomberg… — Pat