A local's weekly read on Santa Barbara.

What's in it

The weekend's best plans, with the time, the place and why each one is worth it. Restaurants and shops that just opened or are on the way. A few notable home sales. And the local news that changes your week: closures, road work, weather.

We leave out politics and crime unless they change your weekend.

Who writes it

I'm Zach, the editor. I spent my first summer in Carpinteria in 2007, moved there for good in 2010, and have lived in Santa Barbara since 2020. My favorite places to be outside are Inspiration Point, Hendry's Beach and a long walk on Mountain Drive.

How it's made

Every week we read about 50 venue and organizer calendars, from the Granada to the Botanic Garden. I use AI tools to gather the listings and draft the descriptions from each organizer's own page. I check and edit everything before it goes out, and every pick links back to its source. If we get something wrong, tell us and we'll fix it.

Say hello

Tips, corrections and events are all welcome at hello@sbsavvy.com. Or just hit reply on any issue. I read every note.