First Look at Jeff Shelton’s Revamp of the State Street Undercrossing
Plus: Highway 101 median decoration; Quonset hut to become a 41-bed hostel; Emily Joubert has opened at the Montecito Country Mart; Westward General closed in preparation for a move; the return of Bossie the cow; West Mesa white elephant update; is anything being done about illegal fireworks? 7
The Restaurant Rumored to Be Taking the Trattoria Vittoria Space
More food news: Silvers Omakase added to the Michelin Guide after just six months; the pizza at Santa Barbara Hives; Esau's Cafe is now serving dinner; the Black Sheep introduces Sunday brunch; proposed change to El Encanto's dining deck; AMA Sushi to bring back à la carte options; forthcoming private-dining experience at Caruso's; Augie's is open Thursdays; Little Bird Kitchen profile; the new tenant of the old Study Hall space in Isla Vista; California Wine Festival returns to town. 3
The Perfect Santa Barbara Pied-à-Terre
Noteworthy new listings also include a Mission Canyon contemporary with huge views; a winner on Eucalyptus Hill; classic Miramar Beach duplex; boxy West Mesa project; Mediterranean spread on Bella Vista Drive; high-contrast interiors in the Hedgerow; modern farmhouse with ducks; and more. 2
The Vons Store in Turnpike Center Might Close
Other recent news: An update on the Lake Fire; the Ukrainian corner in San Roque; how SpaceX gets its way with government agencies; Parma Park's new trails; the county Planning Commission finally insisted on carbon scrubbers; the wildlife crossing under construction in Agoura Hills. 3
The 44 Restaurants Expected to Open in Coming Months
On the menu this year: a wave of change in Montecito, an internationally renowned chef, spinoffs by several local favorites, Acme Hospitality's latest Funk Zone project, an old-school deli, beachfront dining, a brasserie, a glamorous addition to Ojai, a pair of donut shops, and much more. 13

























Recent Comments
Does the Après Ski party include a lift ticket? — Heidi Smith
Bravo, Music Academy of the West! — Deborah David
Santa Barbara Museum of Art gift shop has moved upstairs. Still a great place to shop with lots of Impressionist merchandise to match the GREAT… — LG
This is the box outside of Ca’ Dario at the corner of Anacapa and Victoria. — Mike
Renaming the post office and spending $500 k to do it. Is another great example tax payers money being wasted. — Dan Kolodziejski
Hallelujah! The return of that Southbound on-ramp is long overdue — Tammy
You've done a great thing for the hapless men of Santa Barbara with this series. Stopping by half of these stores. — Andy
The post office renaming will cost roughly $500,000 paid for by the USPS internal funds from stamps and fees. — Derek
Thank you, Erik, for reminding your readers to support local businesses; it is one of the critical ways to help our communities thrive. (I laughed… — Pat
I agree about the skimpy wine pour. However, we loved the shared entrees (chicken and salmon) with their special rice. Yes there were leftovers but… — ElizabethW