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A Coordinated Effort to Improve Downtown Santa Barbara

Plus: A visit to the magical Rose Story Farm; the Las Aves complex claims another building; upcoming productions of “The Nutcracker” and “A Christmas Carol”; Anacapa Island to reopen for day use and overnight camping; mysterious transaction of a State Street building.

L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele Opens Today

More food news: The spiffy new Brass Bird café in Carpinteria; Handlebar has abandoned its plan for a Milpas outpost; La Lieff Wines tasting room in the Funk Zone is open; several 7-Eleven stores are said to be closing; addictive candy from Santa Barbara Pistachio Company.

The Return of the Black Sheep

Just a few months after closing his original Black Sheep, Ruben Perez is partnering with chef Jake Reimer on a new incarnation in the former Venus in Furs space.

Montecito Mansion With Observation Tower Sells for $11.5 Million

Last week’s sales also include the zealously decorated one in Upper San Roque; 41 acres with two houses off Highway 154; Bel Air Knolls midcentury; and more

The Neighborhood Bar Has Closed

More food news: Checking out the Mesa’s new ice cream shop; Loquita’s newish chef; the Organic Soup Kitchen retail counter; L.A. chefs popping up in Los Olivos, Lompoc, and New Cuyama; jazz trio at Revolver; Juice Ranch’s Solvang outpost aims to soft-open this week.

A Huge Probation Office Is Proposed for Downtown

Plus: An itty-bitty hotel in the Funk Zone; Leadbetter Beach restroom to get refurbished; a survey about the State Street Promenade; the makeover of the Vons Montecito is said to finally be on; Alameda Park gazebo renovation; new show at My Pet Ram gallery.

The Battle of the Biltmore Rages On

Other recent news: County supervisors approve Modoc Road trail plan; the Catherine Gee boutique moved to State Street; more on the recent transaction involving Tri-County Produce; federal judge rules against Santa Barbara’s “sit-lie” ordinance; paltry midterm voting so far.

Where in Santa Barbara…?

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