Fitness

After-School Round-Up

Article by Anna Maria Stump | Photography by Michelle Castellino, Wilderness Youth Project As Santa Barbara families seek ways to bridge the hours between school and home with purpose and care, after-school initiatives are quiet powerhouses of potential. From creative outlets to sports and inclusive play spaces, these programs are vital in helping young people explore, express, and create meaningful connections to their community. Apples to Zucchini Cooking School Join Apples to Zucchini...

Arts + Culture

Angel’s Foster Care

Foster Care That Lasts a Lifetime Article by Meaghan Clark Tiernan | Photography by Kelsey Crews “Every child deserves the best start to their life,” says Elizabeth Moss, Angel’s Foster Care Communications and Development Manager. A nonprofit foster family agency celebrating nearly 20 years in business, Angel’s Foster Care supports families who foster infants and toddlers in Santa Barbara County. The organization, founded by local business owner and former nurse Meichelle Arntz, aims to...

Arts + Culture

A Second Chance in Color

Article by Anna Maria Stump | Photography by Josh Gruetzmacher Pedro de La Cruz didn’t set out to become an artist. In 2012, he was working in the accounting department of a local company, crunching numbers by day and quietly creating by night. But somewhere in between spreadsheets and late-night sketching, something shifted. "I felt like I had a second chance at life," he recalls. "I grabbed it like a new graduation. I realized my passion could become a career.”  Born in Tijuana, México, De...

Arts + Culture

Eat The Rainbow

Article by Samantha Durbin | Photography by Josh Gruetzmacher Summer calls for salad, and the owner of Santa Barbara Longevity Center, Leslie Valle-Montoya, lives and breathes healthy living even from her kitchen. Here, she shares a recipe for an ultra-healthy, super-pretty rainbow salad ripe for any day. Rainbow Salad Ingredients: ¼ wedge of red cabbage ¼ wedge of white cabbage 1 chiogga beet (white and red striped beet when cut in half, found in most health markets) 1 golden yellow...

Real Estate

The Best Luxury Resorts & Lodges in Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara’s gentle Mediterranean climate, graceful Spanish architecture, and captivating coastal backdrop make it a beacon for those seeking the best luxury resorts in Santa Barbara, CA. Whether visitors are escaping for a wellness retreat, a romantic getaway, or a refined coastal adventure, the city’s collection of high-end resorts and lodges deliver timeless elegance paired with modern amenities. From oceanfront sanctuaries to tucked-away vineyard havens, these destinations offer...

Real Estate

Architect-Designed Luxury Home with Panoramic Mountain Vistas

Enjoy luxury living with panoramic mountain vistas in this stunning contemporary residence designed by architect Jeff Gorrell. Built in 2019 and thoughtfully updated in 2023, this Spanish-style home offers refined interiors and outdoor living across two expansive deck levels. The upper level features soaring cathedral ceilings and expansive double-paned windows that frame breathtaking mountain views from the living room, dining area, and kitchen. Oversized French doors open to two west-facing...

Real Estate

Old-World Glamour Meets Modern Grandeur in the Heart of Riven Rock

Escape to unparalleled luxury and timeless elegance in the heart of Montecito's coveted Riven Rock. Set on approximately 5.5 acres of breathtaking view grounds, this extraordinary estate blends old-world grandeur with modern sophistication, offering an unrivaled sanctuary for the most discerning buyers.A cobblestone motor court welcomes you to a masterfully restored and newly expanded English Country masterpiece by renowned luxury builder Van Acker Construction. Spanning approximately 16,668...

Real Estate

Best Home Decor Tips for Your Santa Barbara Home

Santa Barbara homes are more than just structures—they're reflections of the lifestyle, scenery, and serenity that make the area so iconic. Whether you live by the beach, in the hills of the Riviera, or tucked into Montecito’s lush enclaves, your home's interior should feel as inviting and elevated as the breathtaking views outside your window.Decorating your Santa Barbara home isn’t about following fleeting trends—it’s about embracing natural light, coastal elegance, and timeless style...

Home Services

Why More Santa Barbara Homeowners Are Choosing Solar Roofs

Why More Santa Barbara Homeowners Are Choosing SolaRoof: One Smart Payment. Two Major Upgrades.What if your electric bill could actually build you something — like a brand-new roof and a powerful solar energy system?With SolaRoof from August Roofing & Solar, that’s exactly what happens.Instead of throwing money away on rising utility costs, SolaRoof replaces your outdated electric bill with one predictable monthly payment — covering both a new roof and a custom-designed solar system. It’s...

Arts + Culture

The Storyteller

Inside Bernie Taupin’s imagination Article by Samantha Durbin | Photography by Josh Gruetzmacher “People don’t have to know me, as long as they know my writing.” ~BT Bernie Taupin, as described by Elton John, is a lyricist, cohort, best friend, and brother. Bernie keeps his description of himself simple: a storyteller. He grew up in the North London countryside, reading stories that inspired him to write stories himself. He followed his passion, and it led to a big life in rock and roll.  ...