From Penthouse to Pavement in Mexico City

Even though I spent many years as a travel magazine editor, I had little sense of what to expect from CDMX. And what I did expect was wrong: the city is calmer, cleaner, greener, safer, and altogether easier than I thought possible for a metropolitan area of 21 million people. 7

Newsletter: January 30

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The Sportsman Lights Up on State Street

More food news: Word on the street about the plan for the Mackenzie Market building; likely new owner for two Stearns Wharf restaurants; a "dessert adventure" at Alessia Patisserie & Cafe; Ray's Liquor on the Westside is closing after 34 years; the 7-Eleven on Milpas is reportedly in flux; things are looking grim at Juice N Things in Carpinteria; activity at a State Street restaurant space. 6

Where in Santa Barbara…?

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

Between a Rock and a Hard Place in San Marcos Pass

Noteworthy new listings also include an architect's delight in Painted Cave; farmhouse style on E. Mountain Drive; 1983 lines in Bel Air Knolls; white boxes in Summerland; a pair of Montecito cottages; Mission Canyon funk; a fruit orchard in Goleta; and more.

A Visit to the Montecito Tea Gardens

Plus: The Harlem Globetrotters are coming to town; two worthwhile jazz shows at the Lobero; Alt-J and Portugal. The Man add a second show at the Santa Barbara Bowl; the Kimpton Canary hotel will undergo a rolling renovation. 2

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.