Blog

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.

1925 Lower Riviera Cottage With Four Decks

Other noteworthy new listings: Another massive Mediterranean mansion in Montecito; teardown next to the Pepper Hill lair-in-progress; Hope Ranch compound with putting green; move-in-ready in Summerland; on the seventh fairway in Birnam Wood; new-build near the San Marcos Preserve; contemporary design in the Sea Meadow enclave.

The Locals Who Have Donated the Most to Trump and Biden

Other recent news: Orlando Bloom found the collar of his lost dog; city parking machines now take credit cards; banner year for county crops; UCSB Arts & Lectures events have been rescheduled; city council votes to spare troublesome Westside tree.

Climbing the Back of Eucalyptus Hill

A delightful stroll from Montecito to Santa Barbara via Eucalyptus Hill Road, with detours on many side streets.

Rincon Brewery’s Funk Zone Outpost Opens This Week

More food news: The Vons store in Montecito is getting self-checkout; first look at the menu for Little Dom’s Seafood; “Parasite” noodle dish from Secret Bao; Noemi pizzeria is now open daily; the 805 Hazy & Deli space is for lease.