Blog

A Little Free Library, But With Art

Plus: Price cut for a pretty Upper East house; improvements in the works for El Capitan Beach; Pura Luna Apothecary’s new shop is open; a delightful visit to Idyll Mercantile.

Sophisticated Makeover Proposed for Downtown Plaza

The plan for De La Guerra Plaza has much to like—the removal of car traffic and parking, the airiness, the dining area—but there are also some reasons for concern.

Where in Santa Barbara…?

Know where this photo was taken? Prove it in the comments.

County Approves Vaccinations for Age 65 and Older

But shortages remain an issue. Other recent news: Concerns about the revised police headquarters design; Coast Village Road beautification effort; new UCLA Health cancer clinic; Urban Flea Market opening at Paseo Nuevo; juvenile gray whale visits Stearns Wharf; cannabis vs. grapes in the Santa Rita Hills; animatronic dinosaurs to return.

1980s Hexagon With Wraparound Views Finally Sells for Half Off

Other notable sales this week: a one-day flip on Middle Road, a pink villa atop Hidden Valley Lane, a fast closing for over ask in central Montecito, a spec new-build on the market for two years, a bunch of fixers, and more.

More on the Beer Garden Opening in the Funk Zone

More food news: One of Starbucks’s State Street locations is going to close; Finch & Fork now serving on the roof; Wingstop chain open at La Cumbre Plaza; Solvang’s Coast Range restaurant will have vacation rentals upstairs; an intriguing new food hall in Camarillo.

The San Ysidro Creek Bridge Is Officially Open

Plus: Granada Theatre penthouse for rent; a tenant at the handsome new Monterey Colonial building on E. De La Guerra; the Cuyama Buckhorn’s pool is opening; two more film festival awards; free e-bike demos downtown; a special message for hikers with dogs.

The Revised Design for the New Police Headquarters

Architect Cearnal Collective’s second try is more Spanish Colonial than the initial foray, which was a bit severe. Check out the renderings….

George Washington Smith’s French Normandy House in the Hedgerow

Other noteworthy new listings include one of Lutah Maria Riggs’s less remarkable works; a big, blah Mediterranean asking $9.5 million; a preppy dream in Birnam Wood; an apartment just past the Miramar resort; and more.