A little fun list of where I like to get a local burrito when the cravings set in
1. Freeb!rds World Burrito: Located in Isla Vista, this is a MUST eat stop if ever passing through. Mingle with the college students (and the parents paying for it all) as you eat seriously some of the best food in the county, let alone Mexican food. Try the nachos with a friend, it's hard to stomach the whole thing on your own.
2. La Super-Rica Taqueria: I think the only reason I don't eat here as often is because the line is always so long - for good reason too. Really fresh ingredients and located east of State right in the heart of Santa Barbara.
3. Little Alex's: This is more of an unknown to many locals as it's located in Montecito but get the guacamole, it's my favorite spot in the county to eat guacamole. I switch off between the burritos and the chicken quesadilla which comes stock with a side of guac.
4. Super Cucas: Another Isla Vista spot, always crawling with students since it's open 24 hours like Freeb!rds. California burritos and breakfast burritos are the specialties here.
5. Los Arroyos: There's one downtown and in Montecito. The one on Coast Village road is a little more classy and even has valet services from time to time. But the food is all delicious and not terribly priced (at least compared to other restaurants in the area.)
6. Rosarito: Gauchos sure love Mexican food! Restaurants in IV don't stick around too long if they aren't fantastic so the fact that three of them make this list should be a testament to that. Get the carne asada fries (if you've never heard of that before, then google it. And then drool.)
7. Lilly's Tacos: Yes you should definitely get the tacos here, they may be the best in Santa Barbara. Enough said.
8. Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch: Anyone that watches TV in Santa Barbara is familiar with the oh-so obnoxious local commercial this place puts out, but hey it sticks in your mind: "Try this here chicken and tri-tip. It is the best!"
9. Cava Restaurant & Bar: Definitely the most expensive place to make the list, but it is in Montecito so what else would you expect. Worth the money obviously if you're willing to splurge.
10. Wahoo's Fish Tacos: Ok this one is a bit of a joke, but I like this place so it goes on here! At least I didn't put Taco Bell right?
Thursday, July 25, 2013
July 25: Local News
Another entry of local news that caught my eye
- Potential buyers of 3,200 acre tract of land in Gaviota with plans for 71 home development project back out. Environmental activists/ lawyers have long fought to keep the Naples coast pristine, possibly causing the drop out of capital in this case. Noozhawk Article
- Vote in the Santa Barbara Independent's 2013 "Best of Santa Barbara" poll: "Best of" Readers Poll Link
- Get ready for Fiesta Days! More about this to come as we get closer to one of the most fun few days in Santa Barbara each year. Fiesta Days lasts from July 31-August 4. Check out the action on State St around that time
- Debate over future of Goleta Beach, the most popular beachside park in the county. How to go about this: save the sand or protect the park? Decide for yourself
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
University of California appoints new President
The University of California school system, regarded as one of the top public university systems in the world if not the best, has appointed Janet Napolitano as its new President.
Napolitano famously served as head of the Department of Homeland Security, making her an unconventional choice to head an education system. Her appointment has been praised by local state newspapers and politicians as bold and forward-thinking. She will become the first President of the University of California in its 145 year existence.
We wish the UC system the best of luck as we are fortunate to have one of its most prestigious (and definitely its most gorgeous) campuses right here in our community in UC Santa Barbara.
Link to UCSB's Daily Nexus article
Napolitano famously served as head of the Department of Homeland Security, making her an unconventional choice to head an education system. Her appointment has been praised by local state newspapers and politicians as bold and forward-thinking. She will become the first President of the University of California in its 145 year existence.
We wish the UC system the best of luck as we are fortunate to have one of its most prestigious (and definitely its most gorgeous) campuses right here in our community in UC Santa Barbara.
Link to UCSB's Daily Nexus article
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Exclusive Photos of Santa Barbara
I like to post photos from Santa Barbara, these ones you won't find on Google Images (not yet at least)
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| Isla Vista, CA Taken by my Intern from HIS house! If only we could all live ocean front while attending college |
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| Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club $10 every Sunday all are welcome at the Polo club, check it out if you have a free Sunday. Games usually start around 1pm |
July 11: News from Around the County
Andrew here bringing you some local stories that caught my eye:
- Hillside House Project hits the Santa Barbara Planning Commission this Thursday with the hopes that, although no formal action will be take, the public and expert's opinions may sway the board to moving forward. Hillside House provides a non-profit residential facility for people with developmental disabilities and has been trying for over a decade to no avail, partly because any widening of US Highway 101 brings with it endless red tape. Hillside House Project Tops Planning Commission Agenda
- Real Estate Law News: California state Senate to create a new tax on real estate recordings. Find out more here State Government Attempts to Tax Real Estate Recordings
- How's our market doing? Check out April 2013 Local Santa Barbara real estate statistics: April 2013 Santa Barbara Real Estate Statistics
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Top 10 Local Neighborhoods of Santa Barbara
1. Santa Barbara
Ok, no real shocker here. This is the city which forms the basis of our much wider community. Home of one of the Spanish Missions, Mission de Santa Barbara was known as the "Queen of the Alta Missions" and was one of three to host a Presidio. Santa Barbara is the county seat of the greater County of Santa Barbara with a metro population of ~220,000. State Street is the main avenue which cuts through the downtown area; lining it are popular stores, delicious restaurants, and important businesses.
2. Montecito
Home of one of the most expensive area codes in all of the United States, many celebrities and other wealthy business people live tucked into Montecito's hills and valleys. Much of the area appreciates world-class ocean views. Coupled with a small-town population of ~9000,Montecito is truly a gem. Check out the San Ysidro Ranch for a free walk around the beautiful resort where the John and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned amongst some of the most stunning garden scenery in the area.
3. Goleta
A little further north up US Highway 101, Goleta was incorporated in 2002 and instantly became the second largest city after Santa Barbara in the general area. It is known for being near the University of California, Santa Barbara campus although the campus itself remains in unincorporated ground. Goleta is home to many beautiful suburbs and boasts some of the most prominent public high schools around.
4. Hope Ranch
This neighborhood was named after the Irishman Thomas Hope who purchased the land in 1861 for sheep ranching. It was not developed into the residential area it is now until 1921. Besides Montecito, Hope Ranch houses some of the most stunning ocean-view homes. Drive up Cliff Dr and stop where many others do at a turnout to admire the Pacific Ocean firsthand hundreds of feet up; you won't be disappointed.
5. Isla Vista
Oh, College. This is where 20000 some odd UC students live in a ~1 sq mile quintessential southern California college town. Surprisingly, some of the best food at modest prices in the county can be found here (Freeb!rds World Burrito is the typical tourist stop.) Del Playa Dr is home to 12 person houses that are literally dangling over the cliff above the Pacific Ocean at some parts, affording young boys and girls the chance to live oceanfront while still under the age of 25. If only I had been so lucky!
6. Carpenteria
Known as Carp to the locals who live south of Montecito along the 101, this area is home to one of the best beaches in Santa Barbara as well as the prestigious Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club where Prince William played a charity polo match recently while touring the States after the Royal Wedding. However, the true call-to-fame for Carpinteria is its hosting of the California Avocado Festival each October. Go even further south to check out the world-famous surfspot Rincon, where Kelly Slater owns a home.
7. Mission Canyon
Though small in population this area is named after the famed mission and is located northeast of the city of Santa Barbara. Winding roads that jut out to cliffs with beautiful ocean views gives this neighborhood a different, more apt nickname: "American Riviera."
8. The Waterfront
Mostly home to businesses and hotels, the Waterfront of Santa Barbara is one of the first stops upon passing through. The Zoo calls the area home as does the famed Pier. Ty Warner's Sea Center is a fun learning experience for old and young alike.
9. The Mesa
Stretching from Santa Barbara City College, home of 20000 students, and Arroyo Burro County Beach, the Mesa certainly has a beach town vibe to it. Being close to the college and beach gives this area a younger feeling than much of the rest of the neighborhoods.
10. San Roque
Northwest of the downtown area is San Roque which offers families placement into the Hope School District, one of the most highly desired. To no shock, it is also the best spot for Trick-or-Treating on Halloween.
Ok, no real shocker here. This is the city which forms the basis of our much wider community. Home of one of the Spanish Missions, Mission de Santa Barbara was known as the "Queen of the Alta Missions" and was one of three to host a Presidio. Santa Barbara is the county seat of the greater County of Santa Barbara with a metro population of ~220,000. State Street is the main avenue which cuts through the downtown area; lining it are popular stores, delicious restaurants, and important businesses.
2. Montecito
Home of one of the most expensive area codes in all of the United States, many celebrities and other wealthy business people live tucked into Montecito's hills and valleys. Much of the area appreciates world-class ocean views. Coupled with a small-town population of ~9000,Montecito is truly a gem. Check out the San Ysidro Ranch for a free walk around the beautiful resort where the John and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned amongst some of the most stunning garden scenery in the area.
3. Goleta
A little further north up US Highway 101, Goleta was incorporated in 2002 and instantly became the second largest city after Santa Barbara in the general area. It is known for being near the University of California, Santa Barbara campus although the campus itself remains in unincorporated ground. Goleta is home to many beautiful suburbs and boasts some of the most prominent public high schools around.
4. Hope Ranch
This neighborhood was named after the Irishman Thomas Hope who purchased the land in 1861 for sheep ranching. It was not developed into the residential area it is now until 1921. Besides Montecito, Hope Ranch houses some of the most stunning ocean-view homes. Drive up Cliff Dr and stop where many others do at a turnout to admire the Pacific Ocean firsthand hundreds of feet up; you won't be disappointed.
5. Isla Vista
Oh, College. This is where 20000 some odd UC students live in a ~1 sq mile quintessential southern California college town. Surprisingly, some of the best food at modest prices in the county can be found here (Freeb!rds World Burrito is the typical tourist stop.) Del Playa Dr is home to 12 person houses that are literally dangling over the cliff above the Pacific Ocean at some parts, affording young boys and girls the chance to live oceanfront while still under the age of 25. If only I had been so lucky!
6. Carpenteria
Known as Carp to the locals who live south of Montecito along the 101, this area is home to one of the best beaches in Santa Barbara as well as the prestigious Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club where Prince William played a charity polo match recently while touring the States after the Royal Wedding. However, the true call-to-fame for Carpinteria is its hosting of the California Avocado Festival each October. Go even further south to check out the world-famous surfspot Rincon, where Kelly Slater owns a home.
7. Mission Canyon
Though small in population this area is named after the famed mission and is located northeast of the city of Santa Barbara. Winding roads that jut out to cliffs with beautiful ocean views gives this neighborhood a different, more apt nickname: "American Riviera."
8. The Waterfront
Mostly home to businesses and hotels, the Waterfront of Santa Barbara is one of the first stops upon passing through. The Zoo calls the area home as does the famed Pier. Ty Warner's Sea Center is a fun learning experience for old and young alike.
9. The Mesa
Stretching from Santa Barbara City College, home of 20000 students, and Arroyo Burro County Beach, the Mesa certainly has a beach town vibe to it. Being close to the college and beach gives this area a younger feeling than much of the rest of the neighborhoods.
10. San Roque
Northwest of the downtown area is San Roque which offers families placement into the Hope School District, one of the most highly desired. To no shock, it is also the best spot for Trick-or-Treating on Halloween.
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