UCSB’s Horrific Dorm Has Become a National Story

Just in time for Halloween, UCSB's monstrous Munger Hall has gone viral, so you're going to need an opinion about the project. Then again, does anyone—except the school administration and benefactor Charlie Munger—think the nearly windowless dorm is a good idea?

Plans for a “Fun, Hip” Youth Hostel in Santa Barbara

Plus: One of the Highway 101 onramps reopens today; an F45 fitness studio is coming to Goleta; part of Bella Vista Drive is closed for a month and a half; personalized bricks available for the new library plaza; two solo shows at Sullivan Goss.

Where in Santa Barbara…?

Know where this was shot? Prove it in the comments.

John Mellencamp Hopes to Flip Toro Canyon Aerie

Noteworthy new listings also include a big, not entirely bland house on 102 acres; a prime spot on Coronada Circle; Mesa house walkable to Elings Park; a spectacular setting way up Gibraltar Road; and more.

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi Bought Twice More in Montecito

Other recent news: Progress for 14-room hotel on State Street; the rain did little to alleviate the drought; the state attorney general classified the Bellosguardo Foundation as delinquent; mayoral candidate Deborah Schwartz vs. the local Democratic establishment; Alisal wants to annex 10 acres for glamping; the restoration of UCSB's North Campus Open Space.

It’s Only Milpas Street (But I Like It)

While Milpas is unlikely to be anyone's favorite street, it sure has a piquant sense of place—not to mention a wide variety of independent businesses, some cute houses, and a mystery at the northern end. (Update: According to comments on Instagram, I was dead wrong about it not being anyone's favorite.) 10

Newsletter: October 27

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Dreamy 1922 Riviera Villa Sells Off-Market for $7 Million

Last week's sales also included a knoll-top property near Toro Canyon; Montecito house with a glamorous semi-circular pool; Hope Ranch Tudor flip; Eucalyptus Hill house with abundant charm; Upper East grande dame that needs updating; and many more.

The New Carp Kitchen & Grocery Has Sandwiches, Salads and More

More food news: First look at the menus for Timbers Roadhouse and Whiskey Joe's, now open in outer Goleta; more on SeaLegs, taking over the old Goleta Beach restaurant space; a profile of Riviera Bar; something "like a Finney's" is coming to the former Outback Steakhouse building; El Pollo Loco is now Pueblo Pollo; Crazy Jim’s taqueria has closed; Costa is a nice place for a drink. 3

When the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern Is Now Expected to Open

Plus: The first exhibit of Huguette Clark’s artwork since 1929; the giant red stiletto's backstory; upgrades to Casa Las Palmas in Chase Palm Park; mystery activity at the corner of De La Vina and Mission; that time Jeff Shelton made a giant pencil; a peek inside the Pepper Hill mound house.