Newsletter: January 16

EXCLUSIVE
A “retro-swanky” steakhouse is opening in the Funk Zone: inspired by Vegas steakhouses of yore, the San Diego–based Rare Society restaurants feature tufted-leather booths, seafood towers, and steaks grilled over an open flame.

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JUST LISTED
Noteworthy new listings: The cool midcentury-style house overlooking Hendry’s Beach; the childhood home of supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid; a Campanil “diamond in the rough”; a Hidden Valley Lane compound; a Hedgerow house for someone who can hold it; 1970s insouciance in Alta Mesa; an 1887 Upper East house in need of everything; the last vacant lot in Birnam Wood; and more.

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FOOD STUFF
••• Frequency Wine Company has upgraded to a great new space (above).
••• Has Embermill closed?
••• Lilac Patisserie is expanding in a big way.
••• Soul food is coming to Lower State.
••• Your Choice’s off-menu pop-up.
••• Costa Kitchen & Bar has closed for a month.
••• The city is making two dozen State Street restaurants shrink their parklets to allow emergency vehicles to pass.
••• The rebranded Jimboz Lounge reopened.
••• Taqueria Santa Barbara is now serving breakfast.
→ Read the post.

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ODDS & ENDS
••• A new tenant for the Sears building at La Cumbre Plaza.
••• A peek inside the roller rink opening on State Street.
••• The Magic Castle Cabaret space is said to be getting a new chapter.
••• Hueneme Supply Co. is moving into the old Tent Merchant compound.
••• Updates on Highway 101’s Sheffield ramps.
••• Recycling centers have reopened.
••• Major price cut on Ortega Ridge.
••• Good housepeeking at a historic $95,000-per-month rental.
→ Read the post.

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NEWS ROUNDUP
••• Should this block of State Street be closed to cars?
••• Carpinterians will get to vote about the proposed Surfliner Inn.
••• New candidates for the state assembly.
••• UCSB will let professors decide whether to teach in person, while SBCC is going remote.
••• Vigilante trail closure.
••• Trapeze school likely to remain in Vera Cruz Park.
••• Santa Barbara County moves forward on buying a Goleta motel for the homeless.
••• UFOs appear to be drawn to the Channel Islands.
→ Read the post.

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WHERE IN SANTA BARBARA…?
Know where this was shot? Prove it in the comments.

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