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Experience the Magic of Music at the Music Academy of the West’s Summer Festival

The Music Academy of the West’s 77th Summer Music Festival begins today at the picturesque Miraflores campus in Montecito. The unforgettable summer of music showcases young talents and world-renowned artists in a diverse range of performances, masterclasses, and competitions.

Santa Barbara Residents to Vote on a Sales Tax Increase

Other recent news: The longstanding friction at Hot Springs Trail; Chaucer’s Books is under new ownership; hotel tax hike on the ballot in November; cannabis taxes continue to disappoint; Lower Tunnel Trail and Inspiration Point trailhead will be closed for six months; Waterfront Department plans to raise slip fees and harbor parking fees; inside the reborn Zaca Lake resort.

Butterfly Beach Pickleball Compound Sells for $30.25 Million

Last week’s sales also include a fixer way up the hill in Montecito; 2014 Riviera four-bedroom; equestrian compound on 152 acres; architectural statement near Hendry’s Beach; likely spec reno on Ortega Ridge; San Roque flip; Plaza Rubio two-bedroom; and more.

What Does the “S” on Certain Chimneys Stand For?

“805 Soledad Avenue has an ‘S’ on the chimney. I see this ‘S’ all over San Roque, the Westside, and other places. It seems to be mainly on 1930s houses, many of which lean toward Tudor styles. Is it a builder’s signature?” —S.

Chanel Is Opening a Boutique in Montecito

Plus: UCSB Arts & Lectures announced its next season; renowned racetrack for sale; Highway 101 construction is moving north; concerts by Jon Batiste, Sturgill Simpson, John Hiatt, and Omar Apollo; the Yes Store has moved; watercolor show in Los Olivos.

Where in Santa Barbara…?

Know where this was shot? Prove it in the comments. (Update: We have a winner!)

The Indoor-Outdoor Lifestyle of Yore

Noteworthy new listings also include an 1895 Crocker Row house, handsomely redone; two-bedroom Hedgerow cottage for $5.25 million; Chelham Way spec reno for nearly $5 million; 1970s architecture with big mountain views; the San Roque spec reno that tried for $4 million and missed; and more.

The Good Lion Folks Are Opening a Bar at the Montecito Inn

More food news: What’s in store for The Palms in Carpinteria; the owner of the Derf’s building is said to be talking to prospective tenants; Local has cut weekday lunch service; return of the Santa Barbara Greek Festival; update on Fairview Gardens Farm; Seven Bar & Kitchen now has a vacation rental.