Highlights of the Spring Arts Season

When it comes to the arts, Santa Barbara continues to punch well above its weight. In coming months, you can enjoy world-class gallery and museum shows, sublime classical music performances, exciting musical theater, and even visits to artists' studios.

Merci Is Entering Its Dinner Era

After nearly seven years, Elizabeth Colling and Nick Barainca are ready to take on dinner—but with a totally different experience than during the day. "It's a mixtape of the greatest hits from places in Paris where we thought, 'We have to do this,'" says Barainca. 6

Handsome Hope Ranch Renovation Sells for $8.83 Million

Last week's sales also include a Campanil fixer; the cruciform one on Hidden Valley Lane; spec reno above N. Patterson Avenue; Old California between Mission Canyon and Cielito; Rancho Guacamole; and more. 3

Yetz’s Bagels Opens in Goleta Tomorrow

More food news: An update on Renaud's Bistro on upper State Street; Mesa frozen-yogurt shop will apparently reopen; Santa Ynez's Lucky Hen Larder will close next month; Queen Cup Coffee is now focusing on Los Olivos; Bite Club profile; Corazón outpost could be coming to the harbor. 2

Newsletter: February 22

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Where in Santa Barbara…?

Know where this was shot? Prove it in the comments. (Update: We have a winner!) 1

Chic New Construction Off Picacho Lane

Noteworthy new listings also include the 1,000-acre Naples section of the Gaviota Coast; handsome finishes behind Pepper Hill; generous proportions in Birnam Wood; "European country manor" in Hope Ranch; Montecito farmhouse likely to get snapped up; San Roque stunner; Alameda Padre Serra floops; and more.

A Rare Single Level in the Golden Quadrangle

Quietly set off prime Picacho Lane, this newly constructed estate is a disciplined yet soulful expression of architecture—where proportion, light, and natural materials define the experience.

ICE Agents Caught Lying to Oxnard Police

Other recent news: 72-room hotel approved in Carpinteria; Open Air Bicycles update; half of Carpinteria cannabis farms miss the scrubber deadline; the widening of Mission Creek; Cottage Health's partnership with a local high school; downtown building nominated for the National Register of Historic Places. 4

The Manifold Splendors of Mid-State

If no specific visual pops up when you think of the area, it's probably because you're more likely to drive there rather than walk. Your loss. 7