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One of the World’s Wealthiest People Bought the Hotel Santa Barbara

Plus: Rumor kiboshed about Montecito’s Upper Village; former White House photographer Pete Souza and comedian Paula Poundstone will be at the Lobero; raft of thefts from car trunks; streetwear shop CRSVR is returning to State Street; a Coast Village Road gallery has closed.

Why Is the Hermosillo Exit on the 101 Closed?

“I was surprised to see the Hermosillo Road exit on the northbound 101 closed, since I didn’t think work on that part of the freeway was starting yet. What’s going on? It’s not being removed permanently, is it?” —A.

Roller Skating and Laser Tag Are Coming to the Old Macy’s Store

Other recent news: Carpinteria city council approved the Surfliner Inn; Santa Barbara County extended its indoor mask mandate; false alarm about local Omicron cases; elected officials are said to be considering a vacancy tax; redistricting narrowed down to three maps; an interview with Jeff Shelton; eight former University of California architects call the proposed Munger Hall a “disaster in the making.”

Where in Santa Barbara…?

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

A Sweet Little House in the Hedgerow

Noteworthy new listings also include postmodern pizzazz in Summerland; a $5.95 million Hope Ranch teardown; a 1928 Spanish bungalow just off upper Milpas; a pair of structures way up Mission Canyon; and a San Roque house with a “classy carport.”

First Impressions of Reunion Kitchen + Drink

More food news: Checking on Sushi Bar Montecito now that the chef has moved on; XO Burger looks like it’s going to be a permanent addition to the Funk Zone; Jimboz Lounge is getting renamed; new outposts of Finney’s Crafthouse and On the Alley are in the works; taqueria rumored for upper State Street; opening forecasts for Dune’s second Goleta café and Rory’s Place in Ojai.

A Production Designer Has Opened a Stylish Shop

Plus: Lots of great vendors at the Victoria Court holiday market; the Goo Goo Dolls play the Bowl next fall; what’s happening at Summerland’s gas station; pop-up gallery on De La Guerra Plaza from Oat Bakery’s Louise Ulrich; Slingshot/Alpha Art Studio is moving; three new local books for your gift list.

Former Mount Calvary Monastery Sells for Half Off the Original Ask

Last week’s notable sales also include an impressive price on the Mesa; Spanish Colonial Revival on Palomino Road; recent remodel in Hope Ranch; and a relative bargain on the back of Eucalyptus Hill.