Newsletter: January 5

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Cottage Hospital Has Stopped Allowing Visitors Again

Other recent news: Mask mandate extended another month; Covid tests are in short supply; the Santa Barbara Arts shop in La Arcada Plaza is closing after 18 years; a profile of AutoCamp, the Santa Barbara–based chain of Airstream hotels; six people recently robbed Macy's; East Valley Road water main construction; the buyers of a Bali-inspired house in Montecito; a new 112-square-mile nature preserve.

Ortega Ridge Farmhouse Sells for $16 Million

Last week's sales also include a 1950s adobe walkable to Hammonds Beach; a 2016 San Roque house that went for well over the initial ask; a six-bedroom house in a Goleta gated community; an unbuilt house in the Boulders; and more.

Seven Ways to Shake Up Your Fitness Routine This Year

The surest way to get results—and actually enjoy yourself—is to mix things up. Try something new in 2022!

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern Has Begun Taking Reservations

Plus: Kismet lingerie-and-jewelry boutique is already expanding; Isla boutique in the Hotel Californian has closed; Maune Contemporary art gallery opens this week; more on a prominent Channel Drive property; book recommendation for people who love Santa Barbara history.

More on the Restaurant Opening in the Former Mollie’s Space

More food news: An exciting new Ojai restaurant debuts this week; JJ's Diner is no more; Padaro Beach Grill has reopened; Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant's downtown outpost has closed; more on Beans BBQ's forthcoming State Street restaurant.

Newsletter: January 2

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!) 1

The State of the Site

A look back at the year’s most popular posts—two of which involved a giant red shoe—and a reminder that feedback is genuinely welcome.

Quintessential Montecito at Butterfly Beach

While the shoreline is the indisputable star of the Butterfly Beach area, there's plenty more worth exploring—including the Music Academy of the West's splendid campus and drop-dead gorgeous Santa Barbara Cemetery. 5