What It’s Like to Live in a Windowless Dorm

Other recent news: The county redistricting process continues; outgoing mayor proposes two-percent cap on rent increases; Garden Street apartment complex sent back to the drawing board; update on the Highway 101 wildlife corridor in Gaviota; Santa Barbara will have holiday events in lieu of a parade; the tree of the month is the windmill palm; "The O.C." and "Gossip Girl" creator sells in Hope Ranch.

Has Victor the Florist Closed for Good?

"Have you heard anything about what's happening with Victor the Florist? It's a Santa Barbara landmark—it has been here forever." —J. 4

The Chef of Sushi Bar Montecito Is Striking Out on His Own

More food news: Checking out Riviera Bar; plans for a "kosher-style Jewish deli" in Santa Barbara; profiles of local companies Mizuba Tea and Got Paella; Bettina's sourdough turkey. 5

Newsletter: November 28

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Where in Santa Barbara…?

Know where this was shot? Prove it in the comments. (Update: We have a winner!) 8

A California Cottage in the Hedgerow

Noteworthy new listings also include 1980s Mediterranean on Pepper Hill; a Riviera fixer; a house with the feel of a mountain retreat; and a Lower Riviera duplex.

Mixing Business and Pleasure in East Beach

The East Beach neighborhood has two totally different personalities: the east side of Milpas is primarily residential and hotels, while the west side tends toward the commercial and industrial—and is far funkier than the Funk Zone. 6

22-Room Hotel in the Works for Chapala Street

Plus: The Butterfly Lane freeway undercrossing is about to be closed for at least six months; "for lease" sign on the Restoration Hardware space; Sullivan Goss's "100 Grand" show; vacation rentals at Jeff Shelton's El Zapato building; a new company that sells shares in vacation homes has its first listing here.

Newsletter: November 24

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Why Are the City’s Parking Lots Scanning License Plates?

"While parking at the city lot at Anacapa and Haley, I was surprised to see a message on the monitor saying my license plate was being scanned. When did this start? What are they looking for?" —F. 2