Bioblitz Reveals Hidden Biodiversity in the Santa Barbara Channel
This article was originally published in UCSB’s ‘The Current‘. The Santa Barbara Channel is a hotbed of biodiversity, thanks to the many species whose ranges meet and overlap in the area. As a transition zone between the cold water of the California Current and the warmer seawaters of Southern California, the channel...
Classic Montecito Estate Sells for Nearly Half Off the Initial Asking Price
Designed by George Washington Smith and built in 1929, Los Sueños is quintessential Montecito—the architecture, the 3.36 acres of grounds, and the central location. The interiors are ready for a new chapter, but that square swimming pool is pure glamour. And then there’s the tower: I once got a chance to explore it;...
Doctors Without Walls Updates Donors on Street Medicine Work
On October 10, Doctors Without Walls — Santa Barbara Street Medicine (DWW) held its annual donor appreciate event, where donors got to meet the incredibly talented and dedicated staff, board, and volunteers who are passionate about bringing healthcare to homeless individuals and getting them into stable housing. Held...
Ventura to host its first LEGO fan convention this weekend
LEGO enthusiasts of all ages will have a new reason to gather this weekend as Ventura hosts its first-ever LEGO fan convention at the Ventura County Fairgrounds on October 25 and 26. The event promises a full lineup of attractions for fans, including displays by professional LEGO artists from across the country,...
Keep the City’s Promise to Its Residents
Santa Barbara’s new Adaptive Reuse Ordinance is an important step toward transforming downtown vacant commercial buildings into housing, revitalizing the area, and preserving our historic structures. The intention is good, and many property owners say they stand ready to help build more market-rate housing using this...
THE GRAND ON STATE TO BRING JAZZ AND DINING DOWNTOWN
Reader Brendan tells me that a new piano-jazz restaurant and lounge called The Grand on State is coming to 1218 State Street (next to the Granada Theatre) in the former home of Namaste Indian Bistro, Bedda Mia, Mollie’s, Tupelo Junction Cafe, and Marcello Ristorante. The concept centers on a...
Inside the New Family-Friendly Pool Hall on Chapala Street
••• The Rack, the new billiards hall in the former Don Q space at 1128 Chapala (Figueroa/Anacapa) has opened, and it’s a fun addition to downtown, with nine tables rentable by the hour, tournaments, lessons, and leagues. (A beer license is in the works.) And it’s family-friendly. I grew up with a pool table in the...
Rosemary Farm donates more than 100,000 eggs to military bases
Santa Maria based business, Rosemary Farm, is donating more than 140,000 eggs to military bases across California to support military families impacted by the government shutdown.
DELI / DINER TO OPEN NEXT TO SUNKEN GARDENS
In December 2023, Café La Fonda opened at 129 East Anapamu Street, the former home of The Courthouse Tavern, The Little Door, Piano Riviera Lounge, The French Table, and Elements Restaurant & Bar. The eatery was rebranded and reopened last June as “La Fonda Smash Burger & Pancake House.”
Santa Barbara moves forward with rent stabilization planning
The Santa Barbara City Council voted this week to begin developing a work plan for a potential rent stabilization ordinance, signaling growing momentum toward addressing housing affordability, but without committing to rent caps just yet. The council directed staff to outline how such a program could be structured...
