February 9, 2025
Tag: Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara

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
October 13, 2024

A Chocolate Shop Is Opening in Montecito
More food news: Caruso’s introduced an à la carte lounge menu; Nobu is officially confirmed; Satellite returned to full table service; the Harbor Restaurant is now serving lunch; SloDoCo donut shop opened; cannabis shops may be able to sell food and beverages; Paradise pie update; Soul Bites gets a reprieve; Farm Cart Organics shut down its "farm box" service; Cultured Abalone Farm tours; new tasting room specializing in sparkling wine and wooden jigsaw puzzles. 8
August 29, 2024
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
July 24, 2024

First Impressions of Jonesy’s Fried Chicken
More food news: Nobu confirmed for the Four Seasons Biltmore resort; Clark's Oyster Bar is shooting to open this fall; chef Budi Kazali's reboot of The Gathering Table debuts this week; Lilac Montecito profile; Five Points Starbucks closed for renovation; Pang Zi Noodle Shop has opened. 8
Recent Comments
PS- the generated photo previously used was more hidious though — Christine!
If you read the city paperwork- they describe the current Pea Soup design as “art deco”. I don’t think what they think is our deco… — Christine!
Come again? — J
Actually- the Art Deco style they speak of.... is what the current building is described as. — Christine!
Villas 1880 -1930, the metal roofing was the only product available in NZ, used in all areas and building types, mostly based on the needs… — Alan
Even the average Kiwi is confused about the cones,.....more cones than Sheep. a modern approach to marketing green NZ... — Alan
Definitely not in keeping with the architecture of the area. — CS
Thank you for taking us along on this amazing journey with you! The unique natural beauty and energy of this land were really well expressed… — Allisson
LOL. My thoughts exactly. So weird. — BW
Of course, who doesn’t think of Art Deco when they think of Buellton?! — Sb_arkie