Blog

Major Upgrade in the Works for Dwight Murphy Field

The project involves converting the soccer field to artificial turf; adding a fitness area, youth baseball field, playground, and picnic areas; replacing the existing buildings with restrooms; and more. Take a look at the renderings.

New Home Design Store Opening on State Street

Plus: Gallery coming to Coast Village Road; smart Covid-19 update from Sansum Clinic’s CEO; more on Porch’s moving sale; traffic breaks on the 101 in Montecito; Hot Springs fixer now available for rent; Ojai house with its own baseball field.

Hope Ranch Oceanfront Sells for Nearly Half Off the Initial Ask

The week before last, hardly anything closed, and I started to wonder whether the hot market was cooling down. Last week, however, it roared back to life. Here are the 12 closings of note.

The Home of Ellen Degeneres and Portia de Rossi Was Burglarized

Other recent news: Rumored layoffs at the Biltmore; 16,000-square-foot mixed-use development opens soon in Paso Robles; progress in farming shellfish off Ventura; a push for manufactured fish reefs off Goleta.

The March of the Montecito Mediterranean Mansions

They’re dropping from eight figures to seven. The week’s other top adjustments: Two Montecito properties around $5 million have raised their prices; spec renovation inching toward reality.

The Bell’s Folks Are Working on a Second Restaurant

More food news: Mesa Burger’s Coast Village Road outpost has opened; a second Sweet Wheel Farms farmstand; $2 afternoon cold brews at Low Pigeon; your best cheese bet now that C’est Cheese is gone; Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf on De La Vina has closed; will Magic Castle Cabaret reappear?

A Block of W. Victoria Street Is Now Closed to Traffic

Other recent news: An apparent “Karen” moment in the Gelson’s parking lot; interview with the director of “Palm Springs”; interim community development director chosen; Habitat for Humanity’s store is closing; Dara Road development debate.

Sorrell Design Is Closing Up Shop After 41 Years

Plus: The Miniso store on State Street is closed; Giannetti Home is leaving its pretty downtown location; police detain man who fell asleep in his car while holding a gun; Santa Barbara Historical Museum will reopen as an outdoor museum.