Tag: Santa Barbara Historical Museum

November 12, 2025

What Are Those Old Buildings at the Corner of Castillo and Montecito Streets?

"There are some historic buildings adjacent to the liquor store. The one on Castillo is an enormous mansion painted a dull mustard color. If my attempt at research is in any way accurate, it was moved to that location to avoid demolition. There it stands, seemingly vacant. Maybe you can get the lowdown." 1

May 12, 2025

What Are Those Old Pilings in Arroyo Burro Creek?

"There are old wooden pilings in Arroyo Burro Creek, just up from Hendry's Beach where it parallels the parking lot. They look like they could have supported a road bridge or some kind of pier. Any idea what they were for? I've been wondering forever!"

May 5, 2025

A Possible Lead in the Case of the Purloined Stiletto

Plus: A visit to Rose Story Farm during peak rose season; demolition proposed for Los Patos Way apartments; two more Santa Barbara Bowl shows; Fairview Gardens update; Xanadu Skate Boutique to go online-only; Umbra Labs bailed on lower State Street; new look for the SBIFF Film Center; Don Louis Perceval art exhibit at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum; is Santa Barbara like Athens? 8

April 13, 2025

What’s the Story Behind the Seal of the City of Santa Barbara?

"It has two boats and a bay that doesn’t look a whole lot like Santa Barbara." 11

January 7, 2025

What Was the Weeping Willow Inn?

"My neighbor's property on East Valley Road has old stone stairs with 'Weeping Willow Inn' carved into them. Can you tell me more about it?" 1

July 29, 2024

Is This Summerland’s Original Train Station?

"I’m hoping you'll look into whether or not this 'Summerland Depot' outside the listing on Finney Street is the actual, original train depot for Summerland." 1

July 17, 2024

A Slew of Improvements to Haley Street

Plus: Concerts by Lucinda Williams, Kacey Musgraves, and Los Lobos; Maui shop has opened on State Street; a chance to learn curling; updates on the Cold Springs trail and W. Mountain Drive slip-out repair; Fiesta exhibit at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum; the construction project by the Patterson Avenue off-ramp; who bought the former St. Anthony's Seminary? 5

May 5, 2024

The Well Is Opening an Outpost in Montecito

Plus: The Castle in the Sky is available for rent; a visit to the new Venture Apparel Co. store on lower State Street; two more Santa Barbara Bowl shows were announced; a Bowlus RV showroom has opened downtown; Summer Solstice Celebration exhibit at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum; hiking up to the Hollywood sign.

November 5, 2023

Lookout Park Has Expanded

Plus: Hotel deals for locals and their guests; Light + Home's downtown pop-up; left-turn lane in the works for State and Mission; Google paid $16.8 million for Goleta land; another hotel changed hands; Ojai house tour; flamenco in a historic adobe; talk by the James Webb Space Telescope's lead project scientist. 1

July 17, 2023

Montecito Natural Health Has Opened in the Upper Village

Plus: Old Spanish Days photo exhibit (and the Santa Barbara Historical Museum seeks your Fiesta photos); a suggestion for city parking lots; Lotus Cabinetry confirmed its showroom plans; Jeff Shelton forever; update on the Rancho San Marcos golf course; new show at My Pet Ram. 9