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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Recent Comments
Any news on Lucky Hen Larder?? — Christine!
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I think you are referring to the Tatum project, 106 affordable units with priority for SBUSD employees, they broke ground back in July 2026. A… — Rich
I spend many days a week for my walk along the beachfront in front of the Biltmore. I still love the area but as do… — Maryanne Brillhart
Yes " The Biltmore was such an iconic and beautiful property ". The new palapa " tiki " look is totally out of place.... Disneyland… — JC