on the successful representation of the buyer at 1333 E Valley Road, Sold for $6,500,000.
DANIEL ENCELL
805.565.4896
DanEncell@aol.com DanEncell.com DRE 00976141
on the successful representation of the buyer at 920 Canon Rd, Sold for $4,600,000.
SARITA VASQUEZ
on the successful representation of the buyer at 700 Via Hierba, Sold for $5,125,000
SARITA VASQUEZ
805.729.115
SaritaVasquez@bhhscal.com DRE 02232751
SHARON JORDANO
805.280.2055
SharonJordano@bhhscal.com DRE 02195847
JOHNSON
on the successful representation of the buyer at 1624 Shoreline Drive, Sold for $3,668,320.
on the successful representation of the buyer at 966 Chelham Way, Sold for $4,100,000.
CRISTAL CLARKE
805.886.9378
Cristal@Montecito-Estate.com
Montecito-Estate.com DRE 00968247
DAN JOHNSON
805.895.5150
DanJohnson@bhhscal.com DRE 00609860
on the successful representation of the buyer at 556 La Marina , Sold for $3,395,000.
BILL URBANY & ALISA PEPPER
805.570.5680 / 805.331.0248
AlisaPepper@gmail.com / BillUrbany.com UrbanyPepper.com DRE 01347807 / 00717028
on the successful representation of the seller at 1624 Shoreline Drive, Sold for$3,668,320.
CRISTAL CLARKE
805.886.9378
Cristal@Montecito-Estate.com
Montecito-Estate.com DRE 00968247
on the successful representation of the buyer at 1994 Paquita Drive, Sold for $3,150,000.
ALI EVANS
805.980.8007
Ali@AliEvansRealty.com AliEvansRealty.com DRE 01846603
DAN
CRISTAL CLARKE
SHARON JORDANO
CRISTAL CLARKE
The Big Battle Against High Rise Development
The square block now occupied by Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden was once the site of a grassroots community battle that determined the soul and the skyline of Santa Barbara for generations.
Both Pearl Chase and Thomas M. Storke remembered around the turn of the century when the location bounded by Micheltorena, Garden, Arrellaga, and Santa Barbara streets served as a pasture where horses grazed. As a schoolgirl, Pearl had lived across the street in a rental house located at 1530 Garden Street, where she loved gazing out her bedroom window at the pastoral scene.
Multiple Owners of the Property
In 1904, Mary Miles Herter, the wealthy widow of New York City interior designer Christian Herter, purchased the entire block and commissioned an extravagant mansion built, and beautiful gardens planted on the spot. At her passing in 1913, her son, Albert, and daughter-in-law, Adele, repurposed the property to serve as the lobby and headquarters for a luxury hotel named “El Mirasol” (The Sunflower).
After the Depression and over the decades, the hotel was bought and sold by a number of hoteliers, and the luxurious accommodations lost their luster. The final owner, Jacob Seldowitz, fell on hard times and the old hotel was no longer viable. Seldowitz and his wife came up with other plans: They made a pitch to the city and proposed three different large potential projects.
They hoped the city would approve the needed variances so they could build one of them: a high-rise apartment complex, a 2,500-seat conference center, or a luxury hotel with five 11-story towers. When all their proposals were denied, the couple held a sale of hotel items at the end of 1967, and moved on after they managed to sell the property as well.
Business Leaders vs. the Grassroots Movement
Enter the Santa Barbara business community and the formation of the El Mirasol Investment Company. In 1968, the group announced it had purchased the property with the intention of building a luxury high-rise condominium project.
Led by publisher Thomas M. Storke, banker Louis Lancaster, and developers Jerry Beaver and William Alexander, the group of investors which also included prominent doctors, dentists, and attorneys described themselves as “29 longtime local citizens who represent more than 1,000 years of residence in Santa Barbara.” They added, “They are vitally concerned with the future of Santa Barbara and have made many important contributions in terms of civic duty and service to our fellow citizens.”
The list of respected and influential community members was used to gain favor for their project: two nine-story, 107foot condominium towers housing 162 luxury units with a penthouse on top of each tower. The 360-degree view penthouses were reserved for two of the wealthiest and most influential investors, Storke and Lancaster.
But the zoning for the property only allowed three stories at 45 feet. For the project to be built, the proponents would have to obtain a height variance from the city. As prominent members of the community, they expected to receive it.
A News-Press editorial (undoubtedly influenced by publisher/investor/potential penthouse resident Storke) appeared the day before the hearing. Its final two paragraphs:
The News-Press traditionally avoids taking editorial stands in zoning or variance controversies, but the El Mirasol issue is important enough to deserve comment. We feel that in this case the City Planning Commission should concern itself with imaginative planning as well as zoning, and ask itself these questions: Would El Mirasol project constitute a good use for the land, would it be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood, and would it be good for Santa Barbara? We believe that it would.
When the investors presented their case to the Planning Commission on February, 20, 1969, the community packed City Hall and many turned out to speak out about it nine in favor wand 13 opposed it in the three-hour meeting.
Pearl Chase commented on the architect’s drawings of the proposed project: “It is not a view that any one of us would see except from an airplane.” Smiling, she added, “I believe it is one of the tricks of the trade.”
When the variance was denied by the Planning Commission on a vote of 4-3, the investment group appealed to City Council.
Inevitable Progress or the City at Stake?
The opposition was strong and swift as word spread about the potential high-rise development in the neighborhood that had been built around the historic hotel with its graceful gardens and relatively modest-sized bungalows scattered on the property.
They ran a low-cost campaign of small classified ads and wrote numerous letters to the editor. They distributed postcards and went door to door with a petition stating their opposition to the high-rise contending that granting a variance to the General Plan on a case-by-case basis was not a sound community planning.
The investment company ran full page ads in the NewsPress and created its own television program to push the project and gain momentum. The ads referred to the opposition as “an extremely small but highly vocal minority” and ridiculed their protests, stating its purpose was “dedicated to obstructing this proposal and shortsightedly handicapping the entire community.”
Investors also asserted that the city’s tax base and downtown economy would be enhanced by the wealthy occupants of the luxury development and that the nine-story buildings were actually highly desirable. Those who opposed it were
accused of stopping inevitable progress, and warned, “The alternative is to develop 200 cheap, mass-produced small apartments with only profit in mind.”
On March 25, City Council heard the appeal, and they overruled the Planning Commission and approved the variance on a vote of 4-2 (with one council member who disqualified himself from voting because he had inadvertently publicly opposed the project).
Context and Assertions
In response to the approval of the project, community members joined together in a grassroots group, “Save Our City” (SOC) and immediately filed suit to appeal the Council’s decision. They were convinced that if one high-rise were built in that location, nothing would keep additional variances from being granted, and the city would be changed forever.
Today’s reader should be reminded that this occurred right after the horrific oil spill of in January and community members were already feeling under assault, protective of Santa Barbara . Many members of the newly formed grassroots group had also joined “Get Oil Out “(GOO) as a response to the environmental disaster. The idea of this high-rise development was seen as just another indicator of the ruination of the city and its long-held ideals. As SOC and GOO member Bud Bottoms stated, “Like oil platforms, it won’t stop with one.”
Members of SOC countered by asserting that property rights of the ordinary citizen were no longer protected by zoning, that City Council had “created special privilege for the El Mirasol syndicate,” and posed the question: “Why should 29 people be given special privilege over 69,498 other citizens?” Without deep pockets to fund their effort, they appealed to the community to donate whatever they could; they raised $30,000.
Judge Harold Underwood from Trinity County located in northwestern California, with its county seat in Weaverville was assigned to hear the case to prevent any appearance of conflict of interest. He presided over the hearing on May 8, 1969.
Arguments at the Hearing
John Sink, the lawyer representing Save Our City, argued the developers did not comply with the General Plan requirements and that City Council acted illegally when it overruled the Planning Commission.
Willard McEwen, the lawyer representing El Mirasol Investment Company, argued the developers were not the typical syndicate and “If the public support were not there, the project would have been dropped.”
Stanley T. Tomlinson, Santa Barbara City Attorney, argued the project qualified for the “unusual circumstances doctrine,” and asserted that the “attitude of the opponents was unrealistic.”
The Judge’s Ruling
On July 9, 1969, Judge Underwood ruled in favor of Save Our City and against the El Mirasol Investment Company and the City of Santa Barbara. He found:
“The variance granted does complete violence to the Comprehensive General Plan.”
“Reliance on profit motive, attractive architectural features and benefit to the community lack legal relevance.”
“Since City Council failed to make the required findings its act of granting the variance application is now invalid.”
The project was denied.
Coming next month, Part Two: The Aftermath.
OUR SANTA BARBARA by Cheri Rae
Postcard for project opponents to sign and return to Council Members.
El Mirasol Lobby when it was converted to a hotel, circa 1930-1945.
used by Save Our City: Ads placed in the News-Press.
We are proud to congratulate these exceptional agents for their outstanding representation and successful closings. Their dedication and professionalism continue to set the standard for excellence in our industry.
John Sener
johnsener88@gmail.com DRE 00978392
621 LAS PERLAS DRIVE OFFERED AT $1,589,000
321 E MISSION STREET OFFERED AT $2,750,000
169 SAN FEDERICO AVE OFFERED AT $1,799,000
Dianne & Brianna Johnson
johnson@villagesite.com DRE 00947199 / 01943572
4147 VIA ANDORRA UNIT B OFFERED AT $1,240,000
2727 MIRADERO DRIVE 302 OFFERED AT $689,000
509 VERANO DRIVE OFFERED AT $1,895,000
417 W CANON PERDIDO STREET OFFERED AT $1,349,000
David Kim
david@villagesite.com DRE 01813897
1512 HILLCREST ROAD OFFERED AT $2,875,000
3726 CEDAR VISTA OFFERED AT $2,095,000
115 W. JUNIPERO STREET OFFERED AT $1,299,000
1526 CALLE SIETE OFFERED AT $450,000
Emily Kellenberger & Associates emily@villagesite.com DRE 01397913
1275 CALLE CERRITO OFFERED AT $1,675,000
5710 STOW CANYON ROAD OFFERED AT $1,850,000
18 W. VICTORIA #310 OFFERED AT $2,390,000
Devin Wong
devin@devinwong.realtor DRE 01976444
3726 CEDAR VISTA OFFERED AT $2,095,000
1616 VILLA AVENUE OFFERED AT $1,475,000
676 SAN RAMON OFFERED AT $1,405,000
James Krautmann
james@villagesite.com DRE 01468842
302 N SOLEDAD STREET OFFERED AT $$1,375,000
201 SIERRA VISTA ROAD OFFERED AT $2,000,000
485 MOUNTAIN DRIVE OFFERED AT $1,700,000
THE BEATING HEART OF SANTA BARBARA
THE BEATING HEART OF SANTA BARBARA
Originally built in the 1920s and beautifully reimagined by the Giffin & Crane Projects team, this charming 3-bedroom, 3-bath Craftsman bungalow blends timeless character with thoughtful modern updates.
A stunning second-story primary suite offers a private retreat with a balcony, spa-like bath, and quintessential Santa Barbara views Inside, you'll find birch hardwood floors, leaded glass details, Steven Handelman lighting, tall ceilings, custom built-ins, and a striking river rock fireplace. French doors open to a private flagstone patio for seamless indoor-outdoor living. Additional highlights include a beautifully designed kitchen, central A/C, California Closets, tankless water heater, home office, mature fruit trees, and a one-car garage
Ideally located in the Upper East neighborhood just minutes from the historic Santa Barbara Mission, Rose Garden, Museum of Natural History, and the best of downtown's restaurants, boutiques and arts scene
C alcagno & H amilton Real Estate Group
MONTECITO & SANTA BARBARA’S #1 REAL ESTATE TEAM *
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AUGUST 9 TH , 1-4PM
NEW LISTING | CAPE COD-STYLE BEAUTY ON EUCALYPTUS HILL
Say yes to the good life! Perched on Eucalyptus Hill, this classic Cape Cod captures ocean, island, and harbor views a stylish retreat just minutes from Montecito, Santa Barbara, and the sea, yet a world apart. Truly turnkey and offered fully furnished, all you need to do is simply arrive. Blooming rose bushes, brick walkways, and white picket gates lead you to this beautifully appointed home. The bright, open living space features high vaulted ceilings, French Oak floors, a stylish fireplace, and a dining area open to the kitchen. The chef’s kitchen with porcelain slabs and marble tile was built for gathering a Viking refrigerator, Wolf range, and Dacor cooktop, plus a generous walk-in pantry with a second oven. A separate cozy family room adorned with bookcases, a fireplace, and French doors leads to the generous patio and grounds. A bedroom on the ground floor and two upstairs are each finished in a refined, elevated style. The well-appointed primary includes a spacious closet, spa-like bathroom, and French doors that open to a private balcony with sweeping ocean views the same vista that unfolds from the soaking tub. Outside, the setting comes alive with rich gardens, mature trees, fountains, and a timeless brick patio. A patio deck complete with built-in gas grill, hot tub, and fire pit overlooks the pool and expansive grass lawn below. Welcome home!
1042 Via Los Padres, Santa Barbara
Perched above the street in the coveted Park Highlands neighborhood, this Mediterranean residence offers exceptional privacy, generous living space, and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Channel Islands, and Santa Ynez Mountains. Set on 1.1 elevated acres, the nearly 3,600-square-foot home is filled with natural light and features three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a den, private office, and a spacious flex room. Designed for comfortable living and entertaining, the home offers cathedral ceilings, a gas fireplace, a well-appointed kitchen with a large center island, prep sink, double ovens, six-burner cooktop, and a dedicated dining area. The beautifully landscaped grounds include mature olive trees, fruit trees, bougainvillea, a functioning koi pond, covered and open patios, and room to add a pool and pool house while preserving the stunning mountain views. Additional highlights include central air conditioning, an attached two-car garage, and inclusion within the highly regarded Mountain View School attendance area. This is a rare opportunity to own a home that offers an exceptional lifestyle today and lasting value for years to come.
OPEN HOUSES
Goleta
7620 Hollister Ave #111, 1BD, 1BA, Sat 12-3, $595,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Aaron Foster 805-7220072, DRE#02305957
945 Ward Drive #130, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $799,000, Village Properties, Elizabeth Slifirski 201.230.9428, DRE#02082960
6627 Fathom Way, 3BD, 3BA, Sun 1-3, $1,195,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Thomas Schultheis 805-729-2802, DRE#01847740
5082 Rhoads Avenue Unit C, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 1-3 & Sun 12-2, $1,375,000, Village Properties, Liz Benson / David Magid 805-402-1945 / 805-451-0402, DRE#02252004 / #01964710
775 Avenida Pequena, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $1,395,000, Village Properties, Devin Wong 805-4516157, DRE#01976444
515 Mills Way, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 12-2, $1,410,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Lori Quinlan 805-881-8929, DRE#02325651
110 S Kellogg Ave, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 1-4, $1,495,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Sophia Taylor 805-947-5979, DRE#02156425
6123 Craigmont Dr, 4BD, 2.5BA, Sat 1-3 & Sun 3-5, $1,750,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Kristin Hall / Gabriela Huson 805-345-8279 / 805-280-1805, DRE#02020854 / #02228333
529 High Grove Ave, 4BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 11-3, $2,100,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Kathleen LaManna 630745-1376, DRE#02151627
San Roque
3736 State Street #109, 2BD, 3BA, Sat 1-3, $1,590,000, Village Properties, David Magid 805-4510402, DRE#01964710
Saturday 8/8 & Sunday 8/9
407 Northridge Rd, 6BD, 3.5BA, Sat 1-4, $3,375,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Knight Real Estate Group 805-8954406, DRE#01463617
3630 San Remo Drive, 4BD, 3BA & 1PBA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $4,250,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Michelle Eskandari / Frank Ramirez 805-637-8061 / 805-366-2077, DRE#01861525 / #02073742
The Mesa
101 Oceano Ave #20, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $1,875,000, Spectrum Realty, Andy Sillers 895-681-6268, DRE#01382575
1312 Shoreline Drive, 4BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sun 12-3:30, $7,650,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Lorena Regalado 805-403-1270, DRE#02027949
Hope Ranch
940 Monte Drive, 5BD, 5BA, Sun 1-3, $10,900,000, JT Realty, Dave Pintard 805-895-4071, DRE#00774146
The Riviera
850 Via Granada, 2BD, 2.5BA, Sat 12-2 & Sun 1-3, $1,695,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Jennifer Easter / Georgette Owens 805-455-6294 / 805-570-6138, DRE#01858581 / #02172408
333 Conejo Road, 3BD, 3BA & 1PBA, Sat 12-3, $2,650,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Jason Siemens 805-455-1165, DRE#01886104
518 E Islay Street, 4BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $2,650,000, Village Properties, Shawn Poindexter 805826-1762, DRE#02222632
1510 Franceschi Rd, 3BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $3,990,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Charlie Bogue / Natasha Kucherenko 805-837-4213 / 805626-8459, DRE#01803038 / #02312066
1620 Grand Ave, 5BD, 4.5BA, Sun 12-2, $5,295,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Carmen Galzerano 805705-3080, DRE#01953155
Santa Barbara
340 Old Mill Rd #152, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $645,000, Village Properties, Justin Corrado 805-451-9969, DRE#01356799
5134 Calle Real Unit A, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 10-12 & Sun 12-3, $1,025,000, eXp Realty/Zia Group, Phillip Cota 805-252-8611, DRE#02141597
4701 Calle Reina, 2BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-4:30, $1,095,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Michael Silva 805-7175664, DRE#01962674
989 Inspiration Way, 3BD, 3BA, Sat 11-1, $1,099,000, Comfort Real Estate Services, Tasha Edwards 805889-7923, DRE#02113630
1121 San Andres St #D, 3BD, 3BA, Sun 1-3, $1,199,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Annette Vait 805-8861926, DRE#02044281
423 W Montecito St #D, 2BD, 2.5BA, Sun 2-4, $1,250,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Lauren Dulcich 805-365-0560, DRE#02073213
1515 Clifton Street, 2BD, 1BA, Sat 12-2, $1,690,000, Village Properties, Justin Corrado 805-451-9969, DRE#01356799
2030 Gillespie St, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $1,695,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Stefan Stojanovski 805570-0640, DRE#02112629
126 Santa Ana Ave, 7BD, 4BA, Sat & Sun 12:30-3:30, $1,775,000, JBR Broker, Judy Beth Replogle 805-5706164, DRE#00812543
535 Arroyo Ave, 2BD, 1BA, Sat 1-4, $1,795,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Lori Akers 805-895-8962, DRE#01081260
2009 Mountain Avenue, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3 & Sun 1-4, $1,995,000, Village Properties, Bruce Frey / Heather Sikes 805-515-4135 / 530-558-9634, DRE#02294679 / #02251924
2420 Modoc Rd, 3BD, 4BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $1,995,000, Village Properties, Thomas Johansen / Lourika van Tonder 805-886-1857 / 805-280-5865, DRE#01401533 / #02211987
5260 Kaiser Ave, 5BD, 3BA, Sat 12-3, $2,099,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Meara Aubin 805-3357002, DRE#02103369
6 East Constance Avenue, 3BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $2,100,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Kelly Volrmelker 805-8571114, DRE#02348530
512 E Arrellaga Street, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $2,195,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Lori Quinlan / Ken Switzer 805-881-8929 / 805-6804622, 02325651 / 01245644
936 North Nopal Street, 4BD, 5BA, Sun 2-4, $2,198,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Scott McCosker 805-451-1721, DRE#00494253
117 Santa Cruz Blvd, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 2-4, $2,250,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Vanessa Shotwell, Team Shotwell 805-448-5307, DRE#02071607
1352 Manitou Road, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1-3, $2,495,000, Richardson Real Estate Services, Kyle Richardson 805-680-3131, DRE#01902531
360 Pebble Hill Dr, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sun 2-4, $2,499,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Peggy Reagan 805-679-3882, DRE#01341553
1743 San Marcos Pass Rd, 4BD, 3BA, Sun 12-3, $2,795,000, Radius Group, Don Katich 805-708-7824, DRE#01321838
2422 Fletcher Avenue, 4BD, 3BA, Sun 1-4, $2,795,000, Village Properties, Cimme Eordanidis 805722-8480, DRE#01745878
Continued on page 16
OPEN HOUSES
1102 Plaza Del Monte, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $3,095,000, Village Properties, Chelsea Carroll-Escalera 805-280-9551, DRE#02440393
4055 Naranjo Drive, 3BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sat 1-3 & Sun 2-4, $3,595,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Tyler Mearce / Kristi Curtis 805-450-3336 / 805-886-6135, DRE#01969409 / #02012866
1460 Twinridge Road, 4BD, 4BA, Sun 1-3, $3,695,000, eXp Realty/ Zia Group, William Franco 805-4500820, DRE#02020491
1269 Camino Meleno, 5BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $3,699,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Chase Enright 805-7084057, DRE#01800599
3872 Oak Terrace, 4BD, 4BA, Sat 11-8 & Sun 9-6, $3,995,000, eXp Realty/Zia Group, Daniel Zia 805637-7148, DRE#01710544
928 Via Los Padres, 3BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $3,995,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Knight Real Estate Group 805-895-4406, DRE#01463617
51 Chase Dr, 3BD, 3BA, Sun 1-4, $4,950,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Lisa McCollum 805-886-6746, DRE#01920859
Montecito
746 Westmont Rd, 4BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $2,825,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Sarita Vasquez 805-7291115, DRE#02232751
175 Hermosillo Rd, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat 2-4 & Sun 1-3, $3,795,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Katya Sheets 805-7082323, DRE#02061444
87 Humphrey Road, 4BD, 5BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $4,750,000, Village Properties, James Krautmann 805451-4527, DRE#01468842
135 Pomar Lane, 3BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sun 1-4, $6,385,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Thalia Kerstiens 805-705-2693, DRE#02180975
Saturday 8/8 & Sunday 8/9
1715 Glen Oaks Dr, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1-3, $6,495,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Brittany Arntz 805-680-5946, DRE#02055307
145 Butterfly Lane, 6BD, 6BA, Sat 1-4 & Sun 2-4, $7,395,000, Village Properties, John Henderson 805689-1066, DRE#00780607
Carpinteria
1265 Franciscan Ct #6, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sun 2-4, $899,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Felipe Castaneda 805636-4410, DRE#02103365
3256 Via Real, 2BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 12-5, $1,690,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Cammie Calcagno-Newell 805-455-7661, DRE#02055049
3375 Foothill Road 921, 3BD, 2BA, Sat By Appt, $1,750,000, Village Properties, Michael Dickman 805689-3355, DRE#02093312
123 Polo Way, 3BD, 3.5BA, Sat & Sun 12-5, $3,400,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Cammie
Calcagno-Newell 805-455-7661, DRE#02055049
105 Polo Way, 3BD, 3.5BA, Sat & Sun 12-5, $4,300,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Cammie Calcagno-Newell 805-455-7661, DRE#02055049
3211 Padaro Lane, 4BD, 4BA, Sat 12-3 & Sun 11:30-2, $7,950,000, Village Properties, Aaron L. Gilles / Pam Shalhoob 805-895-1877 / 805-895-9190, DRE#01509445 / #02053975
Santa Ynez Valley
317 - 5th Street Unit C, 1BD, 2BA, Sat 12-2, $499,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Jean Sedar 805637-7848, DRE#00954229
1496 Aarhus Dr #K, 1BD, 1BA, Sun 12-2:30, $599,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Susie Sorensen 805-3251596, DRE#01383602
639 Roskilde Rd, 2BD, 1.5BA, Sat 12-2, $669,999, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Dianna Zlaket 805-390-8382, DRE#01701860
590 Pine St, 2BD, 1BA, Sun 1-3, $949,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Bill Coker 805-689-7415, DRE#00825468
211 Menlo Dr, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sun 11:30-1:30, $1,045,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Cammy Pinoli 805-4529725, DRE#02074002
702 Hillside Drive, 3BD, 3BA, Sat 12-2, $1,090,000, Village Properties, Lynn Golden 805-570-5888, DRE#01259260
381 5th St, 5BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1:304, $1,195,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Bob Jennings 805-570-0792, DRE#01387186
812 Vintage Way, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 12:30-2, $1,195,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Suzy Ealand 805-6989902, DRE#01766178
585 Windmill Ct, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 1-3, $1,495,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Lindsey Haeberle 805-951-9139, DRE#02199986
1129 Highland Rd, 4BD, 2.5BA, Sat 1-3, $1,759,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Rhoda Johnson 805-705-8707, DRE#01070384
1485 Alamo Pintado Road, 2BD, 2BA, Sat 11-1, $1,795,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Brenda Cloud 805-901-1156, DRE#01772551
2775 Quail Valley Rd, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 11-3, $1,795,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Angie Marrufo 805-863-6866, DRE#02231894
3561 Olive St, 4BD, 2.5BA, Sun 12-2, $1,799,999, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Dianna Zlaket 805-390-8382, DRE#01701860
651 Foxen Ln, 4BD, 2.5BA, Sat 10-12, $1,895,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Suzy Ealand 805-6989902, DRE#01766178
1535 Gamby Way, 4BD, 4BA, Sun 12-4, $2,495,000, Village Properties, Michael Dickman 805-689-3355, DRE#02093312
1749 Calzada Avenue, 3BD, 3BA, Sat 2-5, $2,803,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Micah Brady 805-331-3053, DRE#01219166
970 College Canyon Rd, 4BD, 4.5BA, Sat 2-4, $2,999,999, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Beau Staley 805-5502408, DRE#02252461
Ojai
96 Kunkle St, 4BD, 3BA, Sun 2-5, $1,299,500, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Roylin Downs 805-850-5443, DRE#01065591
Ventura
1153 Carlsbad Pl, 2BD, 1BA, Sun 1-4, $435,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Magda Nordahl 805-701-5001, DRE#02021494
799 Saratoga Ave, 3BD, 3BA, Sat 11-2, $990,000, Village Properties, Jena Harris 805-331-3683, DRE#01930435
2320 Terra Bella Ln (Camarillo), 3BD, 4BA, Sat 11-2 & Sun 1-4, $1,949,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Lori Funderburk 805-558-9883, DRE#01380490
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805.455.1941
The Cottage Queen ~ Specializing in the Sale & Preservation of Vintage and Older Style Home MINDY BROWN 310.989.3038 thecottagequeen.com REALTOR® DRE 01997444 PIPPA DAVIS BRIAN GOLDSWORTHY REALTORS® DRE 01419280, DRE 01432570
Voted “Best Real Estate Team” 7 years in a row! Vote now. Thank you Santa Barbara!
THE HALL TEAM KEVIN HALL
805.451.9998
REALTORS® | DRE 01405675, DRE 00977616, DRE 02129510, DRE 02213576, DRE 02020771
Know Local. Choose Locale. Contact the Locale Group to help you on your real estate journey!
JON PERKINS MICHELLE HECKMAN thinklocale.com
DRE 01157712, DRE 01428394
Representing homes that fit the way people live. Because where you live shapes how you live. Luxury Local Living ¡Viva La Fiesta Santa Barbara! SOLD | 848 Miramonte Drive CAITLIN RACICH PEARSON
818.644.0087 REALTOR® DRE 02150175
805.452.0403 REALTOR® DRE 02004391
805.450.3307 BROKER ASSOCIATE, DRE 01876237 REALTOR®, DRE 01882574
The First Fiesta in Montecito Is a Big Hit
On July 30, the first-ever Fiesta in Montecito event brought out hundreds of people from Montecito and beyond for a festive, public, al fresco celebration, featuring fabulous dance performances, an entertaining and informative Fiesta fashion show, poetry readings from this year’s Fiesta Poetry contest, mariachi music, and more. Spirits ran high, with palpable enthusiasm in the air for the 2026 Fiesta season.
Held in one of Coast Village Road’s parking areas, the event was emceed by the event’s originator, 2023 El Presidente David Bolton, who for years has wanted a public event in Montecito where everyone could experience the excitement and traditions of Old Spanish Days Fiesta. Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria all have public events, Bolton explained, and now Montecito joins in with what is hoped to be an annual, public event.
Most guests enjoyed the program from open seating in front of an attractive raised stage, while others enjoyed the show from lead sponsor CalPrivate Bank’s seating on Renaud’s patio.
Spirit of Fiesta Jenna Ramirez and Junior Spirit Penelope Hernandez dazzled the crowd with separate dance performances. The Spirit and Junior Spirit Runners-Up Emilio Gonzales and Kaili Kauka wowed the crowd in individual performances as well.
A lively program interspersed flamenco and folklórico dances by Zermeño Dance Academy, Avellana Dance Studio, Contreras Flamenco Arts, Sahagun Dance, and Danza Folklórica Quetzalcoatl with other elements.
A fashion show curated by Bolton and Casa del Herrero Executive Director and Head of Curation Natalie Sanderson featured local models, including 2025 El Presidente Fritz Olenberger, First VP Tony Miller, Jill Nida, and Gary Simpson sporting a wide variety of Fiesta attire. The aim, according to Bolton, was to give people ideas on what to wear, hoping that will encourage them to join in Fiesta festivities. He narrated while the models sauntered on and off stage, providing details on each outfit worn, even down to the region of Spain from which the look originated.
Particularly sweet elements of the program were readings by the winners of the inaugural Fiesta Poetry Contest, with Adult winner Elise Swanson Ochoa reading her “Ode to Old Spanish Days,” Teen winner Marcelo Gonzales reading “A Fiesta Day to Never Forget,” and Youth winner Vienna Cervantes reading “Olé.”
Mayor Randy Rowse presided over the ribbon cutting, with other VIPs alongside. El Presidente Colin Hayward shared with guests his chosen theme of Fiesta Forever and encouraged everyone to enjoy other Fiesta events, including the Mercados, Fiesta Pequeña, and the Historical Parade. The Grand Marshal for this year’s parade, KEYT’s John Palminteri, shared that the parade will be bigger than ever this year and invited everyone to attend. Rounding out the program was the always popular mariachi group, Mariachi Sin Fronteras.
Bolton was thrilled with the collaboration of the city, Coast Village Association, and sponsors that made the event possible, with a special shout out to CalPrivate Bank.
SOCIETY MATTERS Text and photos by Gail Arnold
Lead Sponsor CalPrivate Bank EVP and Market President George Leis (white shirt), emcee and 2023 El Presidente David Bolton, Junior Spirit of Fiesta Penny Hernandez, El Presidente Colin Hayward, Mayor Randy Rowse, Spirit of Fiesta Jenna Ramirez, and other VIPs at the ribbon cutting
Zermeño Dance Academy youth dancers
Junior Spirit of Fiesta Penny Hernandez
LAURA DRAMMER & ASSOCIATES
Santa Rosa Rd 6855SANTAROSA.COM | 4,750,000
A Santa Barbara Wine Country Icon in the heart of the acclaimed Santa Rita Hills AVA, Lafond Vineyard, Winery & Tasting Room represents a rare opportunity to own one of Santa Barbara County’s landmark wine estates. Founded by pioneering vintner Pierre Lafond, whose vision helped shape the region into a world-renowned destination for cool-climate wines, the property combines exceptional terroir with an established winery, tasting room, residence, and permitted hospitality venue. Rich in history and poised for its next chapter, this is a legacy estate unlike any other. The sister production facility and vineyard at 8669 Santa Rosa Road is also available for purchase. The offering includes the real estate only; the Lafond Winery business may be available separately to a purchaser committed to continuing the brand’s distinguished legacy.
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SALES
AREA SELLER
BUELLTON/SOLVANG BRYCE DANIEL EA
CARPINTERIA LESSER JEREMY EA
GOLETA KENNEDY DANIEL EU
HAYAMI ROLAND EA
VILLALTA FRANCISCO EU
HALLECK KEVIN EA
BUYER PRICE DATE ADDRESS
UDKOW MATTHEW
BOULGOURJIAN ANNETTE EA
HARRIS GAYLE
MORALES CLINTON EA
KRAEMER DOUGLAS EA
WEED MICHAEL EU
KING JONATHAN EU KITE LAWRENCE EU
SCHNELL DAVID EA
LOMBARDI CARRIE EU
ROBINSON LORIE EA
ABEYSEKERA HEMANTHA
GARNICK SCOTT EU GUAY HEATHER EU
HOFFMAN PAUL EU MALHIS SAFOUH EA
LOMPOC SPENCER DOROTHY EA J MONT & REAL ESTATE ASS
$1,136,000 7/15/26 850 FREDENSBORG CYN RD
$725,000 7/15/26 5455 EIGHTH ST 58
$1,300,000 7/13/26 5080 RHOADS AVE D
$1,510,000 7/13/26 1087 VIA REGINA
$850,000 7/13/26 7602 HOLLISTER AVE 203
$2,395,000 7/15/26 989 N SAN MARCOS RD
$1,250,000 7/16/26 5093 SANTA SUSANA AVE
$755,000 7/17/26 7628 HOLLISTER AVE 233
$1,290,000 7/17/26 53 AMADOR AVE
$1,300,000 7/17/26 20 MENDOCINO DR
$1,600,000 7/17/26 151 KINMAN AVE
$230,000 7/16/26 1311 W CYPRESS AVE B1
MONTECITO PUTH CHARLES EA WYANT LAND PARTNERS LLC $18,500,000 7/13/26 1421 WYANT RD
DYBDAHL SVEINUNG EU 3091 HIDDEN VALLEY TRUST $7,200,000 7/14/26 3091 HIDDEN VALLEY LN
LOS OLIVOS SANTA YNEZ RANCH LLC SYR VINEYARDS LLC
7/13/26 3627 ROBLAR AVE
SANTA BARBARA JONES LOGAN EU YOUSEFIVAND ALEXANDRA $1,080,000 7/13/26
CRAIG
LETICIA KENT GREGGORY EU
WLADYKA ROSEMARY EA REIS ALEXANDRA EU
7/15/26 2106 MOUNT CALVARY RD ROGERS KENNETH EA 719 STATE STREET
MAGID 1515 STATE #14 $630,000 7/17/26 1515 STATE ST 14
COLLIER JACQUELINE EA PARSY PHILIPPE EU
SANTA MARIA DI MILO MICHAEL ASHLOCK WYATT
7/17/26 864 COCOPAH DR
W MAIN ST MUIRHED TANYA EASTON SAMANTHA EA
DANTZDER LYNN EA
BRAVO STEVEN EU
SONSINI DAVID EU
MINTON JEFFREY EA
DAVIS WILLIAM EU
COFFEY SUSAN EA
MENDOZA WALTER EU
WELCH MELISSA EU
7/14/26 2475 S VILLAGE GREEN DR
$645,000 7/14/26 1246 BAUER AVE
HILLTOP RD C
NATHAN EA $535,000 7/15/26 402 S CONCEPCION AVE
BACHMAN MARK EU
URIBE GABRIEL EU
CARBAJAL ARTURO NEW EMPIRE LLC
HUBBARD ILA
HERNANDEZ JAVIER
JONES JEROME EA
ALDANA FLORY EU
805 PROPERTY SOLUTIONS
SHIN YOUNG EA
$1,130,000 7/15/26 841 OLD MILL LN
$800,000 7/15/26 3490 DAKOTA DR
$550,000 7/16/26 414 E EL CAMINO ST
$921,500 7/16/26 4526 CALIFORNIA BLVD
$475,000 7/17/26 220 W HARDING AVE
$652,000 7/17/26 504 W WASHINGTON CIR
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SALES
SELLER
CARPINTERIA MORELLI JUDITH EA
GOLETA 5140 SAN LORENZO LLC
YANG EUN-SOOK EA
STEINHAUSER HENRY EU
RUNYEN CHRIS EA
EDMONSTON JENNIFER
YEE MAAATTHEW EU
MANE VISHAL EU
MILLER NANCY EA
MUKHERJI SANJIB EA
CORTI PATRICK EA
WALLACE SHANE EU
IRVINE KRYSTLE EU
SCHONEBERGER EDMUND EA
YANAGITA SHANNA EA
BAIOCCHI JUSTIN EA
DEVLIN CHRISTOPHER EA
ENRIGUE EVA
WANG JINLIN EU
DOUGLAS PAUL EA
VIJELAS LLC MORAN BRENDAN EU
FRANKS DENNIS EA GREENWOOD NATHAN EA
LOMPOC GOMEZ JOSE EA
DATE ADDRESS
$1,614,000 7/10/26 1339 EL PORTAL AVE
$1,338,500 7/09/26 5140 SAN LORENZO DR
$1,443,000 7/01/26 285 ROSEMEAD ST
$1,295,000 7/02/26 5058 ROCOSO WAY
$1,549,000 7/06/26 5137 UNIVERSITY DR
$865,000 7/07/26 5006 PONDEROSA WAY
$2,125,000 7/02/26 5341 PASEO CAMEO
$590,000 7/06/26 5518 ARMITOS AVE 86
$2,200,000 7/07/26 480 REED CT
$1,695,000 7/07/26 7321 FREEMAN PL
$2,105,000 7/10/26 6270 WESTMORLAND PL
$2,605,000
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