Poor De La Guerra Plaza Can’t Catch a Break

Other recent news: The city council rejected most of the proposed changes to State Street Promenade; the Rincon Multi-Use Trail moves forward over gliders' objections; the buyer of Montecito's Casa Leo Linda revealed; changes to the way the Santa Barbara Unified School District is elected; state assembly candidate drops out of race; Miramar developer Rick Caruso is thinking about running for mayor of L.A. 2

Newsletter: January 26

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Hot Tub Heaven on Hot Springs Lane

There weren't many other major sales last week—just two in Hope Ranch—but don't think for a second that the market is cooling.

A New Hotel in the Works on De La Vina Street

Plus: The Head and the Heart and Disclosure play the Santa Barbara Bowl; more details on the solar array proposed for the Bowl; checking in on the Drift hotel planned for State Street; Highway 101 construction update; baby giraffe born at the Santa Barbara Zoo.

Venus in Furs Has Closed

More food news: Another winery is moving in next to the Cheese Shop; Mexican seafood restaurant opening in Old Town Goleta; Broad Street Oyster Company is looking for a permanent space; signage at the Hotel Californian's forthcoming tasting room; Jeannine's on Coast Village Road is taking a break; Oat Bakery is now opening earlier on weekdays; Calvary Chapel is working on a restaurant; Phoevermore in Carpinteria has closed; dinner under a different name at the Patio Cafe. 1

The Side Streets and Alleyways of Upper Oak Park

Years ago, my first real walk around a Santa Barbara neighborhood—beyond the usual spots—was in the area behind Cottage Hospital, and I was delighted by what I found. When I recently returned for a stroll, I wondered if the area would still deliver. 11

Newsletter: January 23

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.

Where in Santa Barbara…?

Know where this was shot? Prove it in the comments. (Update: We have a winner!) 2

The Return of Cruise Ships to Santa Barbara

Other recent news: A car drove onto the State Street Promenade; the future of the oil industry, including the offshore platforms, in Santa Barbara; the Kimpton Goodland Goleta hotel will be rebranded after getting sold; Victoria Street might reopen to two-way traffic again; Mayweather Boxing + Fitness will debut soon; a decrease in bird species seen around here.

The Montecito Tea Gardens Property Is Back on the Market for $78 Million

Noteworthy new listings also include a sweet Summerland farmhouse; more-or-less turnkey Hope Ranch compound; low-key charm on Pepper Hill; "straight out of a romance novel" in Montecito; rural funk on Las Canoas Road; and more. 2