Newsletter: May 29

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.

Should All the Parklets on State Street Be Removed?

Other recent news: Covid infections are up but the healthcare system is handling it; the Garden Street Hotel in the Funk Zone moved forward; the county finally tightens some cannabis regulations; this year's county cannabis tax revenue is forecast to be 40 percent less than expected; local media discovers Pacaso fractional-ownership and its opponents; rules adjusted for irrigation wells; a new two-mile trail east of Ventura.

Where in Santa Barbara…?

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

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi Have Listed One of Their Hedgerow Houses

Noteworthy new listings also include the historic Gaviota Coast ranch once owned by John Travolta; Rametto Road house with sweeping views; a sweet throwback in San Roque; a villa on Las Alturas; a 1948 cottage stylishly redone; and a bit of Moorishness on E. Cota Street. 1

Mizuba Tea Co. Brings Japan’s Best Teas to Santa Barbara

Lauren Danson started Mizuba Tea Co. back in 2013, and she has been supplying our city with heritage Japanese teas ever since. We talked to her about what makes authentic matcha, how Mizuba came to be, and where to find it locally.

New 16-Unit Apartment Complex Proposed for State Street

Plus: UCSB is offering tours of its Munger Hall mockup; the Hidden Oaks Golf Club has changed hands; free outdoor movies at the courthouse; Bob Dylan and Oliver Tree at the Santa Barbara Bowl; notable TV Hill house for rent; Hermosillo Road is getting a better bike lane; the Montecito Trails Foundation launches the Hot Springs Stewardship Project; what's up with True Love Always? 6

The Bell’s Folks Are Opening a Bar in Los Olivos

More food news: Montecito vegan market to close; the Press Room gets a reprieve; Aspen restaurant now said to be taking the former Cava space; Merci's burger pop-up is coming back; profile of Bar Le Côte executive sous chef (and half of the Gomez y Gomez pop-ups) Luis Gomez; in praise of Pacific Pickle Works. 2

Newsletter: May 25

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.

French Regency Compound in Birnam Wood Goes for $15 Million

Last week's sales also include a Glen Oaks carriage house for $13 million; $8 million in the Hedgerow; a French Normandy fixer; a house behind the CVS on Coast Village Road; and more.

Harry and Meghan Are Said to Be Working on a Reality Show

Other recent news: The Independent declined to endorse a candidate for county sheriff; Santa Barbara Police Department is having trouble hiring; Montecito's history of debris flows; free Covid testing and treatment from the state; some park activity fees will be going up; Arroyo Hondo Preserve has reopened to the public; the tree of the month is the jacaranda.