Blog

This Old House Has Been Given a New Life

The grandes dames of the Upper East rarely come available, and certainly not ones with this caliber of workmanship.

A Disappointing New Roof Near Miramar Beach

Plus: The sweet old days of Summerland; former hostel site is on the market; accommodating an oak tree in style; Toro Canyon house sells for a million off the listing price.

A “Master Flipper” Is Ready to Move On

After buying this 1950s Cielito house in early 2018 for $3.5 million, Xorin Balbes embarked on a thorough renovation and redecoration—but without changing the footprint. Now he has listed it for just under $9 million. The house is certainly something to see….

The Revised Debris Flow Risk Map Could Now Come as Late as Mid-November

In other recent news: Restaurateur James Sly has died; Laura Capps will run against Das Williams for county supervisor; Southern California Edison’s fire mitigation efforts; Carpinteria moves to acquire the Rincon Bluffs Preserve.

Is This the Grooviest House in Greater Santa Barbara?

The Castle in the Sky has personality to burn—along with a swimming pool moat, hot tub grotto, circular platform bed, and helipad, complete with hangar.

The Little Door Is Said to Have Closed

Plus: The French Press has officially changed its name; Giovanni’s Pizza is down to just one location; Viva to become Eleven 14; Mosto Crudo has rebranded; Sama Sama Kitchen is partnering on an endeavor in Los Alamos.

A Stylish New Café That’s Serious About Coffee

“We’re vibing off of In-N-Out,” says Low Pigeon co-founder Dennis Medina, explaining the menu’s tight focus. “We want you to know that the is coffee always on point.”

Santa Barbara’s First Cannabis Store Opens This Saturday

And in other local news: Updated debris flow risk map should be out in October; the growing problem of homeowners unable to get insurance; strip mall to be redone before Sprouts’s arrival; bike paths, crosswalks, and roundabouts planned for Cliff Drive; new closing time for city parks; parking in Montecito; missile testing from San Nicolas Island.

Rob Lowe’s Extremely Gracious Mansion Is Back on the Market

It has all the amenities of a small hotel, including a screening room, bar, gym, tennis court, and 11 fireplaces, not to mention one of the most decadent lawns this side of Oprah Winfrey’s compound.

Here’s What the Olive Mill Roundabout Might Look Like

Plus: The two other traffic circles that might follow—one at San Ysidro Road and the 101, and another at E. Cabrillo and Los Patos Way.