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

Updates on the Forthcoming Montecito and State Street Taquerias

More food news: Two new restaurants aren't happening after all; Black Sheep 2.0 is shooting for mid-December; Pepe's Mexican Restaurant has reopened; ice cream and cereal bar is getting close to opening; Peasants Feast was awarded Bib Gourmand status; profile of Menchaca Chocolates; Good Lion Hospitality and Sama Sama are partnering on a Ventura venture; different opinions about the state of San Ysidro Ranch's Stonehouse restaurant.

Shop Local Gift Guide, Part 3: Field Trip and Mācher

Shopping online is boring! Shopping in person is fun! Go find great things for the people you care about at our many terrific independent stores, including Field Trip and Mācher. 2

Newsletter: November 30

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.

First Impressions of Corazón Comedor

The first of many new endeavors from Corazón Cocina founder Ramon Velazquez specializes in hearty, homestyle food—tamales, quesadillas, and tacos—some of which is made by his mother. 10