Blog

A Longtime Sakana Chef Is Opening His Own Place

While sushi will obviously be a prime focus, the restaurant will also offer many hot dishes and elements of fusion throughout.

Santa Barbara Weighs More Affordable Housing for New Developments

Other recent news: Congressperson Salud Carbajal contracted Covid-19, likely from a senator who attended the infamous White House event; Cameron Ely’s shooting declared a justifiable homicide despite evidence to the contrary; the state has added a “health equity metric” for reopening; virus outbreak at Santa Maria nursing facility; Bacara and the Haskell’s Beach homeless problem; Santa Ynez Valley cannabis appeal denied; Milpas geyser; candidate Wendy Sims-Moten.

Barbareño’s Pizza Spinoff Is Back With a New Name

More food news: Profiles of Arnoldi’s Cafe and Cristino’s Bakery; nice use of plexiglass at Sakana; Old Town Coffee is now selling the beans from its roastery; short film and discussion about growing mussels off the coast of Santa Barbara.

Aman-Inspired Contemporary Wants $20 Million

And the new listings keep coming—including a colorful Mediterranean villa, a memorable facade on El Bosque, glamour potential on the Riviera, and an artist’s longtime home, which always makes for interesting viewing.

Downtown Virtual Reality Studio Has Closed

Plus: Map showing cannabis permits for the county; trial date set for Jeffrey O’Neil’s bluff-top property in Summerland; the city is offering pickleball clinics; the Beverly Hills of Solvang.

Rob and Sheryl Lowe Sold Their Very Pretty Estate for $45.5 Million

Other recent news: Million-dollar donation promised to San Marcos Foothills Preserve campaign; Patrick Nesbitt’s estate, last listed at $65 million, is headed to auction; Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. filed for bankruptcy reorganization.

A New Chapter for the Spanish Garden Inn

A chain of boutique hotels is taking over the Spanish Garden Inn, a favorite of travelers since it opened 20 years ago.

Olio Crudo Bar Is Now an Italian Café and Sandwich Shop

More food news: Dawn Patrol has reopened; more on new natural wine bar Venus in Furs; Mony’s salsas are available by the jar; the Vegan Chef Challenge is this month; spiny lobster season starts soon; African catering and meal deliveries; the Ballard outpost of Bob’s Well Bread is open.