August 18, 2025
Tag: Riviera Theatre
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
July 29, 2025
Another Departure on Coast Village Road
Plus: The rumored tenant of a prime space on Los Patos Way; the Montecito Club would like to demolish at least part of the 1918 house next door; outdoor furniture for the Central Library plaza; Ghirardelli is proposing giant sundae mosaics visible on State Street; the Ritz-Carlton Bacara ended (and restarted) its spa deal for locals; return of the Cat Video Fest. 11
December 7, 2024
A Slew of Speed-Limit Reductions Around the County
Plus: The Santa Barbara Museum of Art's gift shop is getting downsized and moved; Fern + Flair boutique has opened on upper De La Vina; two more Santa Barbara Bowl shows announced; new look for the 39-unit mixed-use development proposed for De La Vina and Mission; Lighthouse Skate Shop and Vuori are now in their new locations; moviegoing etiquette. 6
October 28, 2024
24 Hour Fitness Will Close Next Year
Plus: Snazzy new architecture proposed off upper State Street; World Market has put its space on the market; revised design for the five-story building in the works on W. De La Guerra; Ojai's Hotel El Roblar will have a freestanding spa; convenience store rebranding; a chat with Josh Brolin; paintings by Roland Petersen in Solvang. 10
August 26, 2024
The Bottle Shop Property Did Indeed Change Hands
Plus: Inside the new Emily Joubert shop in the Montecito Country Mart; first look at a 33-unit complex on lower Chapala Street; work to start soon on upper San Ysidro Trail; Merchant Ivory documentary; W. Mountain Drive has reopened; the Jewish Federation‘s renovation is complete; answer to last week's "Where in Santa Barbara...?" 2
May 15, 2024
The Four Potential Designs for Franceschi Park
Plus: After 40 years, Wendy Foster is leaving downtown Santa Barbara; the Biltmore resort pushed its opening way back; proposed changes to a trio of Summerland buildings; a bunch of upcoming performances, including Ali Wong and Toad the Wet Sprocket; Goleta's Clay Studio has changed its name; the lineup for the French Wave Film Festival. 24
March 11, 2024
May 4, 2023
MichaelKate Interiors Is Closing in a Few Months
Plus: Cowboy Junkies to play the Lobero Theatre; I Madonnari street painting festival is on for Memorial Day Weekend; French Wave Film Festival lineup; rail bike tours out of Santa Paula; anyone know what the Montecito Club plans to do with all those palm trees? 1
July 10, 2022
Is a Hip Little Hotel in Montecito’s Future?
Plus: An East Beach motel changed hands; petition to save 63 trees along Modoc Road; bronze statue honoring divers to be installed at the harbor; "Official Competition" extended at the Riviera; a chance to see MOXI without kids; last week's "Where in Santa Barbara...?" answer. 13
September 22, 2021
















Recent Comments
Village Service Station in Montecito's Upper Village in Santa Barbara. — Sandy Z
Short answer, because it's not 2007 any more. Long answer, based on US BLS statistics, prepared salads have increased in price approximately in line with… — Rich
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