December 16, 2025
Tag: Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
Another Small Hotel Proposed for Downtown Santa Barbara
Plus: An effort to reduce freeway noise; new vintage shop in the Oreña Adobe; farewell to a beautiful overpass; give directly rather than to charity muggers; more changes to the Biltmore; new volunteer opportunity at Bellosguardo; the big apartment complex under construction on E. Haley Street. 3
October 1, 2025
August 18, 2025
The Biltmore’s Reopening Has Been Pushed Back Again
Plus: Dylan Star will morph into an online-only business; Leone Salon has moved to the Funk Zone; Coast Village parklet for lease; "In the Mood for Love" on the big screen; more programming at the Music Academy of the West; checking out the model homes at the Santa Barbara Polo Residences. 10
June 1, 2025
The Biltmore’s Reopening Has Been Pushed Back
Plus: ChatGPT's roast of Santa Barbara County; new effort to change the way Santa Barbara is run; update on the Electrify America charging station; Kaarem's Victoria Court boutique has closed; Dawes to play the Lobero Theatre; downtown building to be clad in artificial turf; note from a descendant of the proprietor of the Weeping Willow Inn. 10
February 9, 2025
More of Carpinteria’s Bluffs Are Getting Preserved
Plus: The county's push for more decomposed granite sidewalks in Montecito; the Biltmore resort has plans for three swim rafts, not two; parking availability at Santa Barbara Airport is now online; new shop on State Street; proposed "health retreat" on Paradise Road; signs of life at the Andalucia Building at State and Gutierrez. 6
January 19, 2025
The 31 Restaurants Expected to Open in Coming Months
On the menu this year: A pair of bagel shops; Aperitivo's spinoff; two establishments from chef Thomas Keller; beachside dining in Goleta; creative sandwiches; an outpost of Nobu; exciting additions to the Upper Village; major additions to Carpinteria and Ojai; and much more. 24
January 16, 2025
The County Is Finally Doing Something About the Cannabis Stench
Other recent news: Did Ty Warner destroy this artwork?; the stone pines of E. Anapamu get a reprieve; Biltmore to install butterfly-shaped swim rafts; Macy's at La Cumbre Plaza survived the first round of store closures; Santa Barbara may raise bus fares; out-of-control minivan on Stearns Wharf. 16
December 4, 2024
November 21, 2024
250-Room Funk Zone Hotel Gets the Go-Ahead
Plus: Biltmore renovation allowed to proceed; city to help remove Las Alturas landslide house; the county Planning Commission rejected a cannabis project for the first time; Cost Plus World Market could be around for three years; Tunnel Trail reopened; the history of Goleta's Encina Royale neighborhood; Milpas Street improvements likely. 2
October 24, 2024
How the Montecito Planning Commission Shot Itself in the Foot
Other recent news: Biltmore's family pool complex moves forward in slightly smaller form; Isla Vista now has a vending machine with Narcan, fentanyl test strips, and emergency contraceptives; land preservation on Goleta ballot; another Huguette Clark estate is on the market. 3
















Recent Comments
Loving this for Montecito! Net Zero and LEED Gold (plus-plus) aside, the design is striking, well-thought-out, and a nice departure from the same-same outdated architecture… — Vince
I've provided input to the CV Road for nearly 50 years working with developers as a Designer/Broker. We do have an assortment of styles and… — Maryanne Brillhart
I am appalled to see this abomination land in our sweet little Spanish style town. Can anyone point me in the direction on how to… — Barrie Glabman
Personally I wish he would have used that money to pay the 425 workers he stiffed. I don't think he deserves to have his name… — Tracy M
Agreed - I miss the margaritas and the great chips and salsa at cava! — chelsea
Love the look. As Erik pointed out, there is a range of design along CVR so this won't "stick out" but rather add another interesting… — Curtis
In a strange way, the new building echos the old Bottle Shop configuration. I really like the solar parking - very good use of space.… — Chris
South facing with all that glass? Also, the scale is way off. Also, not a fit on CVR at all. I agree with another commenter—choose… — Anne
If it's that good let me know! — Kevin
Net Zero. LEED Gold. Does not make up for an out of place building. It's a beautiful design for a different location. It gives me… — eliza