Referrals

Could any Edhat reader recommend a good camera repair shop, please? Thanx!

Remember the Hourglass and Magic Waters?  The Hourglass was on West Cota Street, and Magic Waters was on upper State Street near the Highway 154 junction.  They were businesses where you could go and book a private "room" for an hour or so and enjoy your own private hot tub/spa.  As I recall, both places had about half a dozen or so fenced outdoor "rooms."  Alas, it seems that both entities are now gone.

I'm moving out of my rental apartment and I need a person or company to deep clean it once I'm out. Do readers have a recommendation?

We have seen barber shops operating in outdoor spots like parking lots, but does anyone have a referral for someone permitted to cut women’s hair outdoors in SB or Goleta? Unfortunately, my regular hairstylist does not have an outdoor location so looking for referrals. Thanks!

I just purchased a 2006 Volvo station wagon for $1. Mechanically, it runs well. The head liner is peeling on the inside and some of the weather stripping around the windshield is old, cracked and peeling and the passenger side trim (exterior) is loose. Can anyone recommend someone who does this kind of work other than the dealer? Thank you!

I'd like to know who if anyone has a recommendation for a washing machine repair person.

I'm very moved by the Black Lives Matter movement and was disappointed to learn how much harder it is for black-owned businesses in the US.

I am searching for a professional property manager to help me navigate the current rental market. I have a townhouse to rent once people are able to move around again. Thank you!

Our small manufacturing business is part of the governments "Critical Manufacturing Sector" and we are looking to purchase well-made masks for our employees that are washable. As everyone knows it's challenging to find good product online and we'd rather support another local business who has stepped up to make masks. Any suggestions?

I'm looking to donate cash to a local organization that's helping during the pandemic, but want to choose one that has a relatively low overhead where the majority of money would go to those in need and not for the organization's expenses. Does anyone have recommendations?

Are there any local farmer's market alternatives for fresh produce in Santa Barbara County? Ventura and Ojai have provided lists of CSA's, farm stands, or pay-in-advance-then-pickup services at local farms.

Some farmers are no longer coming to the SB market, because of their own health concerns. For the same reason, some of us can't shop at open markets, either.

Has anyone found a reliable online grocery delivery service in Santa Barbara? Thanks.

Can edhatters recommend a motorcycle mechanic on the South Coast? I'm hopefully looking for someone who does some minor repairs, drain gas tank and oil change, to get my bike up and running again. Someone who is mobile would be great.

Can someone please post a list of all local markets who have set aside time for seniors only to shop? I heard Gelson's allows only older folk to shop between 7AM and 8AM: are there any others?

Update by edhat staff

The below list was compiled by VNA Health:

We have a termite problem in our single family house. It looks like a tent job from past experiences. Any recommendations? Tips, hints, or alerts?

I'm thinking of using an indoor antenna for TV reception and ending my cable service (to save money). But first I wanted to find out if anyone else in the area has done this, and how many stations can actually be received this way? I'd appreciate my neighbors' feedback! Thank you all

Are any local restaurants/bars hosting SuperBowl parties this year? Preferably with no cover and family-friendly? My young son loves the 49ers and would love to watch the game with him and other fans.

A friend just moved to town and has never eaten Indian food before (I know!). Without traveling far and wide, what local Indian restaurants would edhat readers recommend?

I've heard of local farms selling their items in a subscription box. Can edhat readers recommend a good one that stays local?

Hi everyone! I have a very small local business and am looking for a new accountant. Preferably someone with good rates who works hard to help business owners get the best return possible. Thanks for the referrals!

Does anyone have a gentle donkey we can use for Las Posadas, the re-enactment of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem? It is for the Trust for Historic Preservation and the burro will be paid for its efforts. He would be ridden by a little 6 year old girl. A mini would be good, or if not, a regular size one.

I am going on vacation for a month and have no one to move my pickup to the opposite side of the street twice a week. Any suggestions for storage or other ideas? The airport lot seems pricey.

I got the name of an electrician a year or so ago, but have lost the contact info. All I remember is that he has a Queensland Heeler that accompanies him in his work truck! But the guy himself was reasonably priced, quick and honest. Help!

In recent years I’ve grabbed breakfast at Backyard Bowls and Renaud’s before work, but I’m looking for other breakfast option in the downtown area. Does anyone have any suggestion for quick breakfast option? Preferably someone with phone or online ordering.

Can edhat readers recommend a good local mechanic for Toyotas?

Can readers recommend a local and reputable Neuropsychologist?

I have five large oak trees which need trimming.  Which local tree care companies do a good job trimming oak trees. Thank you.

I've been looking at getting a generator for my home, inside the Power Shutoff Zone deep up Mission Canyon. I am wondering if anyone has installed a Standby Home Generator? I see the commercials for Generac generators and we personally have with their small portable unit (GP2200I) as our current backup, but their home units are newer. I've heard positive reviews from Cumming, Yamaha, and Kohler who also top generator producers consumers rave about. Anyone locally with home generator or a backup power plan?

I have a 200 page Word manuscript that I would like to publish on Amazon.  I’d like to find somebody who knows how to format it and get it into KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) for a reasonable price.

 I would like to find a local editor - so i can work with her/him in person. Any recommendations?

I've had my homeowner's insurance for decades and always paid promptly. I made no insurance claims whatsoever during any fires. But my home insurer is now cancelling me, basically for being in a fire-risk area, even though no homes in my neighborhood had any smoke or fire damage during the Thomas fire.

Can you recommend any insurers who will provide reasonable coverage?

Hi edhat readers, I need some advice. I've lived in Santa Barbara for over 30 years in a variety of homes and I have never seen a cockroach. I've been renting a small 1930's cottage for the past 2 years and just in the last few months I've seen 3 cockroaches.

My house is very clean but because it's old, there are numerous cracks and a general lack of insulation. I've only seen these in the bathroom and kitchen at night. Do I have an infestation or are these a few stragglers, and how do I get rid of them for good?

I'm recovering from a hand injury and returned to lap  swimming at Dos Pueblos over the summer - beautiful pool! - and now they are closed. Where do Edhat readers suggest for lap swimming that won't empty my wallet? A few things: If there is some instruction, nice, but not necessary; I don't want an indoor pool; I tried UCSB and that doesn't work for me (plus it's pricey when you add the parking fees). Thanks in advance for the suggestions!

Are there any senior citizen advocates or attorneys to work pro-Bono to help a local woman?

I was recently told by a friend that someone in town will pay me for the working parts of my broken dishwasher, but he couldn't remember who it was. Great readers of Edhat, anyone know who this could be? Thanks!

We're coming to the area for a wedding in August 2020 at the Montecito Club and want to rent a house closeby. What is the best area that readers recommend?

I'm looking for a reliable immigration service to assist with naturalization from the U.K. I've heard that some of the local establishments are less reputable that others. I'm interested in reading experiences of people who have used local services. Thank you.

Does anyone have suggestions for contractors or local businesses that do kitchen countertop installations? Looking to have either granite or quartz countertops installed and need an experienced and professional contractor who does high-quality work.

Where's the best place to get car windows tinted? I want flawless work & attention to detail sans issues after the job. 

Can anyone recommend a hair salon that uses organic shampoos and conditioners?

I'm looking for recommendations on where to bring a few old VHS tapes to get them converted to DVD here in Santa Barbara.  Any suggestions?

Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced gardener who can provide hand-weeding?

Does anyone know where I can get an antique banjo looked at?

Are there any monthly subscription services for car washes in town? If you pay a flat fee you can get so many washes per month?

I'm looking for some local restaurants that have a diverse menu including more than just salads for a few people who are vegan. Can edhat readers provide some recommendations?

I'm looking for a class or a person to teach me how to weave baskets?  I love the art and would be delighted to be able to create them. Please advise if there are classes or someone who teaches.

Where’s the best place to have my dog’s nails trimmed? I heard there are two women on W. Mission St. who clip canine nails for $5.00 and do a great job, but I have no idea where these women are actually located. Any good, trustworthy doggie nail-trimmer references greatly appreciated. (No pet shops, please, where live animals are sold.) Thank you.

Does anyone know a local female vocalist and guitarist that I can hire for my upcoming wedding ceremony? Thanks for the referrals.

I'm looking to host a birthday party at one of Santa Barbara's beautiful parks, but I'd like advice from edhatters about which park would be the best fit? It's an adult party and we'd like to BBQ so someplace that has built in BBQs or where we're allowed to bring our own. Tucker's Grove, Shoreline, Rocky Nook? Where do you all recommend?

Hi all, I'm looking to explore some dirt roads and cool back roads in the area in a jeep or truck. Hoping to get up into the mountains around here. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Does anyone know of a consultant who evaluates household items (paintings,etc.) and sells them on a commission basis?