Sweet Hope Ranch Oceanfront Goes for $2 Million Over Ask

Last week's sales also included a 50-acre lot on the far side of Toro Canyon; a contemporary Riviera for $7.25 million; an adorable 1929 Hedgerow house; a successful flip on Bella Vista; an "Aspen-inspired retreat" in San Roque; and more.

A New Paper and Crafting Store on Upper State

Plus: Mujeres Makers Market's Dia de Los Muertos celebration this weekend; adult-only nights at MOXI; women's fashion brand Dôen is opening in Montecito; LAX now has reserved parking; what looks like a Riviera footpath on Google Maps. 2

The Miramar Resort Is Adding More Shops and Another Restaurant

More food news: Secret Bao is on a break; the new restaurant at the Ice in Paradise rink; the Goleta outpost of Tap Thai has opened; Better Burrito update; Pacific Health Foods in Carpinteria has remodeled; Bettina's clam pie; what to do with used corks. 4

Newsletter: October 31

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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