250-Room Funk Zone Hotel Shows Signs of Life

Plus: Al Franken will be at the Lobero; Trombone Shorty's Voodoo Threauxdown coming to the Santa Barbara Bowl; the history of Santa Claus Lane; funky Hope Ranch barn house gets another big price cut; container ships off the coast.

When Will Santa Barbara Junior High’s Flagpole Be Replaced?

Last January, the school's wooden flagpole had to be removed after someone tried to cut it down with a saw. The pole was believed to have been there since the 1930s.

A Popular Malibu Seafood Restaurant Plans to Open in Santa Barbara

More food news: Corazón's outpost at the Project has closed; a local restaurant requires vaccination proof for indoor dining; Padaro Beach Grill reopening forecast; XO Burger expands its hours; a profile of Sideyard Shrubs; Peasant Deli's soft-opening pop-ups; the area's Habit fast-food joints have been sold.

Newsletter: December 19

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Cannabis Tax Revenue Continues to Decline

Other recent news: Upgraded security technology coming to the Santa Barbara airport; Montecito YMCA's new buildings face pushback; Laguna Blanca School has accepted more students than it's allowed to have; the many ways the proposed Munger Hall would affect the campus; Goleta looks at ways to temper the effects of the SB 9 housing bill; a gym has opened the former Sizzler space in Old Town Goleta.

Where in Santa Barbara…?

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

The Historic Home for Which Olive Mill Road Was Named

Located on one acre in the sought-after Golden Quadrangle, 200 Olive Mill Road was founded as an olive-crushing mill and then turned into a residential estate.

A Fresh Look for One of Montecito’s Oldest Houses

Noteworthy new listings also include a five-building Montecito compound with midcentury funk; single-level in Hope Ranch; an attempted flip for $4 million more than the owner paid three months ago; a Toro Canyon lot with permits; nice views on Coronada Circle; and more.

Where Pilates Meets High-Intensity Training

Plus: Groundbreaking for a 28-unit apartment building across from the farmers' market; a renovated and rebranded Malibu hotel; clarification about an Equestrian Avenue townhouse; the Miramar's Christmas tree promotion; a new organization called ARTS District Santa Barbara; El Rancho Carpintero's custom hats. 1

What’s the Point of This Light Pole?

"On W. Carrillo Street at the 101, there's a standard light pole. In addition to the usual light, it has two orange lights, one red light, and one green light. I thought they might be related to the train tracks, but they appear to be too far away. I have Googled this endlessly and cannot figure out what it is. Do you know?" —G. 1