February 12, 2026
Tag: Refugio State Beach
Santa Barbara Bans Single-Use Plastic Foodware at Restaurants
Other recent news: The accidental deaths of a noteworthy couple; Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum will close; residents to vote on making a Paseo Nuevo deal more palatable to the developer; action on overtime abuse at the county sheriff's office; the Frog Wall's owner on the recent changes there; Carpinteria is shutting down an elementary school; public input on Gaviota state parks. 3
August 15, 2024
A Chilly Reception for the Biltmore’s Family Pool Complex
Other recent news: The arrogance of the U.S. Space Force; beach grooming debate; UCSB chancellor Henry Yang will step down; the candidates for Santa Barbara's city council; the men behind the street names near the airport; questions about the Lobero Theatre's proposed expansion; downtown condo owners caught in the new Community Benefit Improvement District; Refugio State Beach reopened; dreaming big about the former U.S. Bank branch on State Street. 5
June 27, 2024
Inching Toward a Decision on the State Street Promenade
Other recent news: A business improvement district for downtown Santa Barbara; apartment complexes proposed for the Lower Riviera and near Cottage Hospital; Refugio State Beach should reopen early this summer; the Waterman hotel in the Funk Zone has been rebranded; update on the Las Alturas house falling down the hillside; hidden camera found in landscaping; the tree of the month. 11
June 19, 2024
Refugio State Beach Is Closed Indefinitely
Other recent news: Professional soccer team to play at UCSB stadium; Santa Barbara Unified School District teachers' strike tentatively averted; county supervisors wrestle with the cannabis tax mess; Highway 101 construction above Ventura is done; seed money to try and buy Carpinteria Bluffs land slated for development; Santa Cruz Market sold; new hat shop in Carpinteria. 2
March 14, 2024
The Plan to Expand Santa Barbara Airport
Other recent news: Roy Lee has an insurmountable lead over Das Williams; Santa Barbara professional soccer team delayed; arrests in the murder of Violet Evelyn Alberts; peeks inside two historic homes; tattoo parlor chain opening on State Street; new stoplight in Carpinteria; Refugio State Beach and Gaviota State Park remain closed; buyer found for the News-Press's online assets. 4
February 22, 2024
The Biltmore Has Finally Set a Reopening Date
Other recent news: Cruise ship visits could be limited to 20 per year; fallen palm trees at Refugio State Beach; "beer spa" could be opening here; the effort to restart ExxonMobil's oil operations; Goleta wants to reroute pedestrian bridge funds to roundabouts; rehabbing Carpinteria's Alcazar Theatre. 15
Recent Comments
I am genuinely sad about the Hitchcock Theater. It's the only remaining Metro theater that I enjoy — because its a bit of a secret… — ES Corchero
You can't blame restaurants for releasing menus without prices when the first thing people do is complain about how expensive everything is. — Erik Torkells
I assume it's the little area with convenience snacks inside the gift shop. It's sort of tucked away in the back corner of the store. — Alisa
Is the lunch at Monte's free? Menu with no pricing is suspect on what they will be charging lettuce, etc..?? — Louise
How charming. Buildings like this add such an essential textural element to a place. So grateful to Mr. Krablin for preserving it. — BW
Thank you Bruce and Starr for all that you're doing to keep Santa Barbara a place full of music, cocktails, comfy vibes, and a great… — David Ashfield
JD, I couldn't agree more. I’m fairly new to the area and have been intrigued by some locals who never seem to visit downtown but… — Lisa