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

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.

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

Where in Santa Barbara…?

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

The “Victor the Florist” Signage Has Been Removed

Plus: Olive Mill ramp closures have been pushed back; an explanation for the activity at Rancho San Carlos; State Street survey; The Great Junk Hunt flea market is on in Ventura; Brett Young to play the Santa Barbara Bowl; Marshall Brown collages at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. 4