The State Street Parklet Conundrum Continues

Other recent news: The design of the Highway 101 interchange at Hot Springs Road and Cabrillo Boulevard; progress for the proposed State Street hotel; cannabis odor scrubbers seem to be working (but still aren't required); Santa Barbara residents vent about cruise ships; a book about Rincon Point; leather goods shop opening on Coast Village Road; the latest on the battle over Hollister Ranch beach access; new barber shop in Goleta; fancified motels in Paso Robles and Cayucos. 12

Bellosguardo Is Opening for Tours

For $100, donors and supporters can get a peek inside Huguette Clark's estate on a tour created by "Empty Mansions" author Bill Dedman. 3

New Restaurant Confirmed in Montecito’s Upper Village

More food news: Caruso's was awarded a Michelin star; the Dutch Garden's lunch menu; Rori's Artisanal Creamery is celebrating its 10th anniversary with free scoops of a special flavor; Cold Stone Creamery has closed; Peasants Deli is opening an arcade annex; the Ballard Inn has halted dinner service; Organic Soup Kitchen's Holiday SouperMarket and Soup Tasting Party. 2

Newsletter: December 7

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Longtime Favorite Toma Is Under New Ownership

After 20 years, Tom and Vicki Dolan are retiring, handing over the reins to a new pair of owner-operators who have no plans to mess with the tuna cones. 2

Oceanfront Mansion on Padaro Lane Sells for $30 Million

While the real estate market has pretty much ground to a halt since Thanksgiving, there have still been a few notable sales, including a Summerland three-bedroom with lots of views; houses from 1890 and 1930 on the same San Roque street; and a funky fixer/teardown on Mission Canyon Road. 1

Shop Local Gift Guide, Part 4: Montecito Mercantile and Diani Living

Next up in the Shop Local Gift Guide: Montecito Mercantile and Diani Living—and of course both stores have far more than whatever happened to catch my eye. So get out there and browse! 1

Proposed 66-Room Hotel Entails Demolishing the Press Room

Two years ago, SIMA began the process for a large apartment building fronting State and Ortega—and then pulled the plug when the city council agitated for more affordable housing. The solution? Make it a hotel. 15

Newsletter: December 4

The Siteline newsletter is the best way to follow the website. To subscribe, click the link at the bottom of this post. And you can unsubscribe at any time.

An Oceanfront Fixer in Hope Ranch

Noteworthy new listings also include a meaty lot in a Montecito gated community; 81-acre survivalist hideout; Hope Ranch teardown; backwoods energy on East Valley Road; prime views on Alameda Padre Serra for under $3 million; and a 1926 Craftsman in the San Roque spider web. 3