Pub Theory
Jeff Shelton, Pub Theory (Jeff Shelton, $35)
“Pub Theory” is Jeff Shelton’s lively, visually driven argument for putting people—and pubs—back at the center of neighborhood design. Using quick sketches, diagrams, and short riffs, he traces how 20th‑century planning organized streets around cars, pushing homes far from shops, services, and casual gathering spots. Shelton proposes the corner pub as shorthand for any small, welcoming, walkable third place that anchors daily life. By sprinkling such hubs into car‑dependent suburbs and re‑orienting streets to pedestrians, he imagines transforming anonymous bedroom communities into dense, sociable places where neighbors actually meet, linger, and build local culture.
Shop local bookstores such as CHAUCER’S BOOKS, 3321 State St., Santa Barbara, chaucersbooks.com; GODMOTHERS, 2280 Lillie Ave., Summerland, godmothers.com; and TECOLOTE BOOK SHOP, 1470 E. Valley Rd., Santa Barbara, tecolotebookshop.com.