New Sheriff’s Substation at the Miramar Set to Open

Montecito will soon see significantly faster law-enforcement response times as the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office prepares to open a new substation at Caruso’s Rosewood Miramar Beach – a milestone that cleared its final Planning & Development hurdle on December 9, when building plans were officially approved. With permits ready for issuance pending signatures and fees, construction can begin immediately on converting an existing employee apartment into a studio unit and a separate sheriff’s office with its own entrance and half bath. 

According to the Montecito Association, the Miramar will provide an updated construction timeline, but operations are on track for January 2026, bringing deputies closer to the heart of the community in a location adjacent to Highway 101.

Sheriff Bill Brown praised the partnership that made the project possible, calling it “a public-private partnership at its finest.” He added: “Deputies will be able to meet residents in a more convenient location and remain in their coverage area while completing reports and other duties.” He noted the new office will join similar satellite stations in Goleta and Orcutt. 

Caruso Executive Vice President Philipp Posch highlighted the collaborative nature of the effort: “We want to extend a special thank you to Santa Barbara County Supervisor Roy Lee and the Montecito Association for their partnership in realizing this important benefit. It was the right thing to do, and we were honored to help support the needs of the community.”

Supervisor Roy Lee emphasized that the new substation reflects the priorities of Montecito residents: “This Sheriff’s office is about being responsive, meeting the community where they are and making sure residents feel supported and safe. The people of Montecito asked for this solution and I’m glad we were able to deliver.”

Once open, the Miramar substation is expected to deepen community engagement, reduce response times, and strengthen safety across Montecito.

Planning Commission Approves Bellosguardo Permits 

On December 11, the Santa Barbara Planning Commission voted 6–1 to approve a package of permits that will formally allow the Bellosguardo Foundation to host tours and special events at the historic Clark Estate – a decision years in the making and one that commissioners said will finally bring clarity, oversight, and expanded public access to one of the city’s most enigmatic landmarks. 

The Commission’s action came after the estate’s long-pending application appeared as the primary new item on the December 11 agenda, which outlined the required approvals: a Coastal Development Permit, Conditional Use Permit, Interior Setback Modification, and a CEQA exemption for use of the existing facilities. 

Commissioners expressed strong support for opening Bellosguardo more fully to the community but paired their approval with new conditions addressing affordability, public benefit, and long-term planning. Among the most significant requirements is that the Foundation must participate in Museums for All or an equivalent reduced-price access program within two years – an effort commissioners said is essential to ensuring that local families, students, and lower-income residents can experience the property.

Commissioners also required the Foundation to submit an application within four years for a permanent restroom building and an ADA-accessible ramp. Parking logistics were another focus, with the Commission mandating continued use of off-site parking and shuttles for large events, along with advance notification to both the City and the neighboring Santa Barbara Cemetery.

Though supportive, Commissioner Lucille Boss cast the lone dissenting vote, citing concerns about affordable access and the precedent set by allowing years of tours prior to permit approval. Still, the majority emphasized that approving the long-awaited permits marks an important step in fulfilling Huguette Clark’s wish that Bellosguardo serve as a cultural asset for Santa Barbara.