Newsletter: December 1

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Former Mount Calvary Monastery Sells for Half Off the Original Ask

Last week's notable sales also include an impressive price on the Mesa; Spanish Colonial Revival on Palomino Road; recent remodel in Hope Ranch; and a relative bargain on the back of Eucalyptus Hill.

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

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!) 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.