June 15, 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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Why is a basic salad over $12? — Brian
How about “a no-body hotel”? — Lee
alleyway entrance to Drippin' Chicken off lower State Street — Gregory Corso
Good morning. On State St., pointing to the restaurant WAY in the back around the 400 block of State St. I think to the Broad… — Michele DeCant
Tal Avitsar opened his workshop, home gallery, and garden during an open studio tour last month. Stepping behind those gates lies a truly cool, whimsical… — Lisa
Not sure about the fire insurance costs at Park Lane, but Ingrid in Casablanca in the Home Theater? Winner! — Judy's Older Brother
Yes exactly right. The Grand Jury report gives an example where employees can use two days of leave for Monday and Tuesday and then work… — Rich
Thats's a quirky area. Used to live up there. Monte Vista School is on Hope and Hope school on La Colina. — Don
It's more complicated than that. From the report by the county Auditor-Controller’s Office: “A recurring pattern was identified in which sheriff employees used leave balances… — Erik Torkells
Regarding the SB County Sheriff’s Overtime: We don’t have enough SB County Sheriff Officers to work and cover shifts. The ones that are working, are… — Klminsb
Recent Comments
Why is a basic salad over $12? — Brian
How about “a no-body hotel”? — Lee
alleyway entrance to Drippin' Chicken off lower State Street — Gregory Corso
Good morning. On State St., pointing to the restaurant WAY in the back around the 400 block of State St. I think to the Broad… — Michele DeCant
Tal Avitsar opened his workshop, home gallery, and garden during an open studio tour last month. Stepping behind those gates lies a truly cool, whimsical… — Lisa
Not sure about the fire insurance costs at Park Lane, but Ingrid in Casablanca in the Home Theater? Winner! — Judy's Older Brother
Yes exactly right. The Grand Jury report gives an example where employees can use two days of leave for Monday and Tuesday and then work… — Rich
Thats's a quirky area. Used to live up there. Monte Vista School is on Hope and Hope school on La Colina. — Don
It's more complicated than that. From the report by the county Auditor-Controller’s Office: “A recurring pattern was identified in which sheriff employees used leave balances… — Erik Torkells
Regarding the SB County Sheriff’s Overtime: We don’t have enough SB County Sheriff Officers to work and cover shifts. The ones that are working, are… — Klminsb