What are /r/SantaBarbara's favorite Products & Services?

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>Where and how do you find housing?

Craigslist is your best bet, but be prepared to move quickly if you find something good -- competition is fierce and supply is low.

>If I work in Downtown and don't want to own a car, where is a good place to live that is close to public transit/walkable or bikeable?

If you work downtown, living anywhere downtown will be good. It's mostly flat and the downtown area is very walkable, and with a bike it's even more accessible. The only issue will be price.

>On that note, where can I make friends? I don't know anyone there!

Meetup.com is a good place to look for groups that sound interesting. Also, I highly recommend kickball. The summer season just started, but Fall starts up in September. Pretty much everyone in their 20s and 30s does kickball at some point. What kinds of things are you interested in? We can be more specific with suggestions if we know more.

>What is the best thing about Santa Barbara? What is the worst thing? (other than the fact that it is expensive)

Amazing weather, tons of things to do outdoors (hike, beach, swim, run, volleyball, soccer). Small town feel with close enough proximity to LA when you need it.

>Oh and most important: where are the good street tacos?

I love Mony's for their tacos and salsa. For not-street-tacos but delicious tacos, try Corazon Cocina.

Ortega Ridge and Ortega Hill is where you can find Las Tres Hermanas ( The three Sisters). I also recommend reading Ghosts of Santa Barbara and the Ojai Valley by Evie Ybarra. Here is the Amazon link https://www.amazon.com/Ghosts-Barbara-Valley-Haunted-America/dp/162585949X. I highly recommend this book.

It appears that many of the home sales and rentals are for non-primary residences.

According to the newsletter we get from a local realtor, in September more than half the home sales in SB city (not county) were not primary residences. On Nextdoor.com in my neighborhood someone is looking for a house to rent (yearly lease) for their sister who lives in Italy, where she already owns 2 homes, and simply wants a place to rent to visit "once in a while".

I assume you’re referring to Argentine Ants? If so, I think you’re SOL unless you call in a professional - we’re dealing with them too and are just about at that breaking point ourselves (having also tried the special soil, liquid baits, etc.).

Mixing a standard dish soap with water and putting it in a spray bottle will kill ant trails and (temporarily) eliminate the pheromone trail which is helpful for temporary relief.

Other than trying to keep our house immaculate, we also bought a couple of these moats to protect things that can't be avoided such as the cat food, trash cans, etc. They have worked so far to keep the most tempting things out of their reach, and there appear to be a few similarly-designed (and Prime-eligible) products on Amazon as well.

Argentine Ants are hell - check out this Verge article detailing how much of a nightmare it was trying to eliminate them from Santa Cruz Island.

I used to fill jugs at Albertsons. As a family of 4 that got old as I was filling them every 4-5 days. We finally invested in an RO filter and it's been great. Super easy to install too.

Dwight Murphy Park down by the ocean/zoo has an "adult workout playground" (I dunno wtf else to call it) here.

This site is pretty good for finding hikes in the area.

https://santabarbarahikes.com/

It used to have up to date comments but doesn't seem like that's happening any longer.

This also seems to be pretty good but I haven't really poked around it much:

https://www.alltrails.com/us/california/santa-barbara

Took me 1 minute of google searching:

https://weatherspark.com/y/1443/Average-Weather-in-Santa-Barbara-California-United-States-Year-Round

“Time Spent in Various Temperature Bands and the Growing Season”

I lived in SB through the better part of 2020 and I found that surfing and hiking were the two best outlets. There are plenty of hikes in the SB and the surrounding area, you can find most of them online or check out this book it has all of the best trails in SB and VTA county.

“San Andrés, literally ‘Saint Andrew’ is really named for Andrés Pico. He was born in San Diego in 1810 where his father was a soldier at the presidio...”

-Neal Graffy, Street Names of Santa Barbara

Street Names of Santa Barbara https://www.amazon.com/dp/0982163606/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fZ8cFbW2JJ2ES

Hey there, I saved 5 large plastic tubs and 3 large and sturdy duffle bags for when my partner was going to need them for her move into my place.

I’d like to at least help someone .. looking at them is not good for me.

They’re IRIS USA TB Clear Plastic Storage Bin Tote Organizing Container with Durable Lid and Secure Latching Buckles, 32 Qt, 6 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C84844P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_XR40R9NPEYD2CD93RJ2Q?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

And another one that’s considerably bigger.

Yeah, I knew that if my information didn't pertain to you, it would probably clue some other reader in to the dreadful world of the lowly computer tech.

I concur with their less than stellar business tactics, no doubt I've suppressed some of my more distasteful memories with them. Unfortunately, cable providers never(can't) compete which means they can drag us by our coattails because we have no other option. Until there is a worthy competitor believe you me I'll be getting FIOS the second I can, it's that much better we have to make due. Also, congested areas (IV) will always have more issues with telecommunications and that is something neither Cox nor an end user can control short of serious infrastructure improvements.

Not sure why you were downvoted, this is a legitimate suggestion. My SO and I are in the same little studio all day both working from home and do most of our outdoors time at night. Get a good hand held or headlamp and you can go on walks or bike rides after work. Plus there are fewer people outside!

This is the flashlight I bought that's been so nice to have for night time covid outdoorsing.

Here is a video on how it works. Talks about location how it makes it anonymous ect.

https://youtu.be/1Cz2Xzm6knM

Here is the app for Android.

Help fight the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Download the app here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.ca.covid19.exposurenotifications

Instructions for iPhone

iPhone

CA Notify will be available statewide starting December 10th on iOS 13.7 or later. Pilot users must update their iOS to 14.2 or later. iPhone users can enable CA Notify in their device’s settings 1. Go into settings 2. Scroll down to Exposure Notifications 3. Turn on Exposure Notifications 4. Select United States > California

“San Andrés, literally ‘Saint Andrew’ is really named for Andrés Pico. He was born in San Diego in 1810 where his father was a soldier at the presidio...”

-Neal Graffy, Street Names of Santa Barbara

Street Names of Santa Barbara https://www.amazon.com/dp/0982163606/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fZ8cFbW2JJ2ES

I'll always remember that event as having started with the power outage all across SoCal. I remember it going out all over SB, TO/Oxnard, parts of LA. An ominous omen of what was to come after. For anyone interested, this book is an interesting look into the climatology of this disaster. https://www.amazon.com/Surf-Flood-Fire-Mud-strongest/dp/1980295301

If you're not in college it can be difficult to make new friends here, but there are plenty of activity groups. Have you tried Meetup.com? The library website also has a calendar of events on its site, which includes group stuff. I'd offer to hang out with you, but I'm a 46M and ain't nobody wanna hang with that!

You’ve probably seen this ohoto.

https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/california-poppy-bloom-on-grass-mountain-trail-santa-barbara-county-gm525813860-92473503

And how to get there. It’s near Santa Ynez

Check out this trail on AllTrails. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/grass-mountain?p=-1

https://www.wunderground.com/hourly/us/ca/santa-barbara/KCASANTA2320

Looks like it will still be clear at 8:30, isn't that when full eclipse will happen? Not sure.

For me... I get 500 down on my wired connection with COX (measuring with Fast.com right now I got 570mb). My hope is to cut my bill in half and keep the same speed. Stepping up to Gigabit, while still saving me money, isnt really necessary for what I need.

Did you know you can get 100x of those "I did that" stickers on amazon for only $5?

https://www.amazon.com/Stickers-Sticker-Laptop-Window-Waterproof/dp/B09DCVP6LY

I was curious why I saw them everywhere so I had to look them up. Crazy how cheap those are.

> "Chumash Ethnobotany" is a really interesting read

I take it that book is out of print.

It's $700 on Amazon.

For what it’s worth, this may not be much help to OP but for others trying to stay prepared; in the past two weeks I’ve ordered these tests off Amazon twice - both times they said shipping was 2 weeks out and both times they arrived here in SB within 3 days

iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KZ6TBNY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Thanks it is a smidge terrifying as much as I love the animals hah. Yeah so there was unbearable glare the first time I tried. Now I use these:

Skyreat Upgrade ND Filters for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0824TP7ZW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share.

The water isn’t clear at all where I am but the sharks sit right on top sometimes so it doesn’t matter and these at least cut through the glare. I have about another 40 hours of much better footage that I’ve been too busy to edit into a vid since the first one.

Amazon has been largely picked clean of better options, lots of junk, a few good options left include:

3M 8210 // Honeywell DF300

here: https://maps.google.com/maps?q=property+management+companies+near+Santa+Barbara,+CA&hl=en&ll=34.456748,-119.785824&spn=0.085776,0.142651&sll=34.424124,-119.701962&sspn=0.085809,0.142651&oq=property++Santa+Barbara,+CA&t=...

A lot of them have online listings...or call and tell them your budget and they can figure it out.

If you take Amtrak from Goleta or Santa Barbara down to LA, there are a few buses that can take you out to the beach (if you're willing to tolerate multiple hours of buses). Google Maps is your friend for details on this.

I have seen a few people in their 20's who are posting on nextdoor.com, sharing their phone numbers and letting their neighbors know that they are able to run errands or otherwise help elderly neighbors. Until there is a more coordinated effort, I think this method might be the most effective way to help our community.

If you go this route, it is absolutely key that you assume you are infected and behave accordingly. Wear personal protective equipment like gloves and masks whenever touching groceries to protect the groceries from contamination. If you're ferrying groceries, put them in an enclosed trunk and not in the car cabin. Use disinfecting wipes on your steering wheel, dash, etc. There's no point in doing good works if it ends up spreading the virus. Also, tell the elderly and disabled to treat the groceries as if they are contaminated. Have them leave non-perishables outside of their living space (garage, patio, etc) for at least 24 hours to (hopefully?) kill the virus.

Is the GPU or CPU overheating? Did you re-seat all of your PCI cards? Reconnect all connectors? Removing / disconnecting all unnecessary components?

You should be able to put your SSD into one of these or something related and then connect it to a laptop or whatever.

You should be able to rent a car from any of the airport agencies without a flight. I have rented cars there before and driven to LA, SD, etc

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But HomeDepot will get expensive for 24 hrs. Its $20 an hour I believe

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Edit: Try Kayak ( https://www.kayak.com/cars/SBA-a15856/2019-10-25/2019-10-26?sort=rank_a&fs=carclass=~PICKUPTRUCK ) This search is for two weekends for now for 24 hrs.

Supplementing Kitterpea's idea, maybe you should check out sites like airbnb or homeaway.

I don't think it's quite what you're looking for but BeMyEyes is an app you can download on your smart phone that will allow the seeing impaired to connect with people that can help them remotely with tasks that they might be having difficulty with:

https://www.bemyeyes.com/

It could give you the ability to help out someone in their time of need when they can't get out to get the help that the usually get.

Like ccoakley, I bought 2 of https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071D58ZY5/

during the Thomas fire.

And recently I bought one of this newer model

The second one I listed is a superior product. Levoit is definitely working on constantly improving their game. The Core 300 is quieter (virtually silent on night mode), has a better design for the replaceable filter media, and the replaceable filters are available in a variety of types to suit your needs. I just replaced the filter media, choosing their type that specializes in smoke, among other toxins. When the outdoor air tasted and smelled like smoke in SB yesterday, my Levoits kept the inside of my house fresh and clear.

During the Thomas fire, I bought 3 of https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071D58ZY5/

More recently, I bought one of: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083TMWFSZ/

The latter certainly moves more air. My youngest discovered that you can place a balloon on top of it and recreate the Bernoulli principle exhibit from the children’s museum.

I should mention that my sister actually recommended it to me. She even advocated treating them as disposable, and buying a few extra just to throw them away when the Thomas fire smoke went away. The bearings on the first batch have started to wear, and are making more noise than when they were new. But they still work (just remember to replace the filters).

Hey there! I recently got into this myself. Best place I've found so far is Gaviota Beach. There you can find everything from petrified wood to agates and even fossilized whale bone! You can also try Rincon Beach or Refugio. I've even had some luck finding petrified wood and jasper on the Santa Ynez trail and seven falls trail. I also recommend getting a copy of this book and checking out any spots you find nearby. Curious to know if anyone else out there has any suggestions. Have fun!

I talk up this documentary every time the Channel Islands (at least these ones, not the ones over in the English Channel) come up:

https://www.amazon.com/West-Tales-Californias-Channel-Islands/dp/B078PR6WKX

It talks about each of the islands and goes over a little history and what's happening there now. I found it pretty interesting.

Whenever Channel Islands come up I mention a nice documentary I saw a few years back called West of the West.

https://thecifilm.com/

It's also available to watch via Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/West-Tales-Californias-Channel-Islands/dp/B078PR6WKX

It's an interesting look at all the islands and their histories.

Got back from Nikka's not too long ago. While they did not have any whole wasabi root, they did have packages of frozen chopped wasabi -- five bucks for a 3.5oz package (the same one that amazon sells for $20 including shipping. I've only ever eaten fresh wasabi in this form anyway, at a couple sushi restaurants, so I'd say this was a success! They also sold a larger volume package for ~$15.

“San Andrés, literally ‘Saint Andrew’ is really named for Andrés Pico. He was born in San Diego in 1810 where his father was a soldier at the presidio...”

-Neal Graffy, Street Names of Santa Barbara

Street Names of Santa Barbara https://www.amazon.com/dp/0982163606/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fZ8cFbW2JJ2ES

“San Andrés, literally ‘Saint Andrew’ is really named for Andrés Pico. He was born in San Diego in 1810 where his father was a soldier at the presidio...”

-Neal Graffy, Street Names of Santa Barbara

Street Names of Santa Barbara https://www.amazon.com/dp/0982163606/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fZ8cFbW2JJ2ES

I like these Pur water filters that attach to the faucet: https://www.amazon.com/PUR-PFM400H-Horizontal-Filtration-Mineral/dp/B01I3D6DZ6

They're very convenient (easier to use than pitchers, and don't require any difficult/permanent installation work). I buy replacement filters at Costco.

I haven't noticed a Chlorine smell in my tap water (except after my roommate poured bleach down the sink). According to the map in the "Desal Water Quality and Distribution Area" pdf at https://www.santabarbaraca.gov/gov/depts/pw/resources/system/sources/desalination.asp my location gets 20-40% from desalination.

If you have the space you can buy this http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002EJC990/ref=pe_175190_21431760_M2T1_ST1_3p_dp_1

Plus some second hand bar and weights. With gym fees between $40-70/mo, pays for itself within a year. I've had it for 3 years, works great for everything I need.