News has moved quickly the last few days, so some of what’s directly below isn’t as fresh as it was upon publication.
NEWS ROUNDUP 7/1
••• Santa Barbara city beaches will stay open for the holiday weekend (but L.A. and Ventura counties are closing theirs). Note: see 7/2 roundup below.
••• City considering changes that might help developers downtown.
••• New design for the big project at Milpas and Ortega.
••• Ban extended on recreational shooting in Los Padres National Forest.
••• Police seek paving scammers.
→ Read the post.
NEWS ADDENDUM 7/1
California governor Gavin Newsom ordered 19 counties—including Santa Barbara—to halt indoor operations immediately at restaurants, wineries, movie theaters, museums, zoos, and more. And bars must close entirely.
NEWS ROUNDUP 7/2
••• County beaches limited to active use for the holiday weekend.
••• Massive spike in new Covid-19 cases.
••• The city of Santa Barbara will close many beach parking lots and forbid barbecues and hammocks.
••• Rumors that the Four Seasons Biltmore is getting sold or renovated.
••• Bob Hazard on the water deal.
→ Read the post.
·················
JUST LISTED
The week’s noteworthy new listings: Lutah Maria Riggs midcentury with major potential; Riven Rock farmhouse begging to be moved; another Mediterranean-style villa; big views on Coyote Road; dueling condos on Hammond’s Beach.
·················
FOOD STUFF
••• Bars that serve food in the same transaction can stay open.
••• Allen Construction is building restaurant parklets for free.
••• The Daisy has postponed its return.
••• Noemi is now open on weekends.
••• Secret Bao’s roasted pork bo ssam (above).
••• Insomnia Cookies opening on State Street.
→ Read the post.
·················
ODDS & ENDS
••• A new app for exploring the Channel Islands and a new trail on Santa Rosa Island.
••• Proposed demolition of small Shoreline Drive house to make way for something larger.
••• Lotusland invited first responders for a visit.
••• Silk masks from Catherine Gee.
••• Anti-fog spray at Occhiali.
••• Commode camouflage.
→ Read the post.
·················
Please forward this to anyone who might enjoy it. Click here to subscribe.
·················

















Recent Comments
Interesting. Where are those two things different? — Instant Alligator
Sounds to me like we have a problem with the voters. How do you solve that? From what I understand, the largest voting group are… — Instant Alligator
Good! — Roger
Chinese Lantern Tree is so invasive and messy, its a bad street tree. Certainly be a beautiful tree in the landscaping, but it has its… — TINA
My parents cut down their Chinese Lantern tree over 30 years ago, and I still marvel at all the shoots the old root system still… — Heidi
Well- why not give the Chumash the Channel and let them operate Sable? Bring out the money making machines! I’m positive they would find a… — Christine!
Right, I was excited about that. — Vic
The grocery store "compostable" bags are awful and take a very long time to actually degrade. Suggestions: 1. Take your own bags to the Farmer's… — Pat
No and no.... — Erik Torkells
FOLLY is one of the most adorable shops in Santa Barbara and the owner Alyssa is darling! A fantastic place for gifts! — C