Blog

Montecito Is About to Impose a Groundwater Tax

Plus: Ty Warner’s plants; a better look at the little building under construction way up Hot Springs Road; industry lobbyists are pushing to defang the state’s insurance commissioner; four recent sales of note.

The Saturday Farmers’ Market Gets a Temporary Reprieve

More food news: Caruso’s is only letting hotel guests book during prime dinner hours; Bouchon now offering takeout; Stonehouse menu includes Plow & Angel dishes; German restaurant closed after 75 years; Zizzo’s Coffeehouse & Brew Pub closed; fresh olive oil from the Santa Inés Mission.

Local Health Officials Are Concerned About Hospital Capacity

Other recent news: Nursing homes proving vulnerable to Covid-19; UCSB to hold most fall classes online; temporary bridge being installed on E. Mountain Drive; Montecito Water District’s big vote; illegal fireworks; historic downtown building to reopen after renovation.

First Public Hearing on the Full-Block Funk Zone Development

Plus: Hope Ranch estate going under the hammer; community meetings about cannabis shops; a peek inside Jeff Shelton’s El Andaluz condo complex; historical photo of the Mission.

Poking Around the Newly Renovated Cabrillo Pavilion

The fencing has been removed from around East Beach’s Cabrillo Pavilion: not only does that allow for a closer look at the building, you can also peek inside some of the windows.

Lotusland’s Japanese Pavilion Is Coming Along Nicely

Plus: The mania for Montecito real estate is creeping up past the $6 million level; William Laman sale; more info on Bird Island off the Goleta coast; campground update from the Los Padres Forest Association.

A Tale of Two Tuscan-ish Villas

The week’s other top price reductions: Spiffy beachfront a few doors down from the Miramar; hot mess in Campanil; Upper East passion project/money pit; spec reno in the Hedgerow; Coyote Road hovel.

Kombucha Maker Moving Into Funk Zone Taproom

More food news: Talking about race with the area’s black chefs and entrepreneurs; Oakberry Açaí Bowls has opened on State Street; Mexican restaurant Romanti-Ezer closed; Duo’s pretty outdoor space.