Should This Block of State Street Be Closed to Cars?

Other recent news: Carpinterians will get to vote about the proposed Surfliner Inn; new candidates for the state assembly; UCSB will let professors decide whether to teach in person, while SBCC is going remote; vigilante trail closure; trapeze school likely to remain in Vera Cruz Park; Santa Barbara County moves forward on buying a Goleta motel for the homeless; UFOs appear to be drawn to the Channel Islands.

A New Tenant for the Sears Building at La Cumbre Plaza

Plus: A peek inside the roller rink opening on State Street; the Magic Castle Cabaret space is said to be getting a new chapter; Hueneme Supply Co. is moving into the old Tent Merchant compound; updates on Highway 101's Sheffield ramps; recycling centers have reopened; major price cut on Ortega Ridge; good housepeeking at a historic $95,000-per-month rental. 1

A “Retro-Swanky” Steakhouse Is Opening in the Funk Zone

Inspired by Vegas steakhouses of yore, the San Diego–based Rare Society restaurants feature tufted-leather booths, seafood towers, and steaks grilled over an open flame.

Newsletter: January 12

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Montecito’s 1918 Hacienda de Piedras Sells for $17.5 Million

Last week's sales also include a Toro Canyon aerie offloaded by a former Disney executive; 1935 Monterey Colonial; French-country three-bedroom in Birnam Wood; 1970s Hope Ranch; 39-acre farm near Glen Annie Golf Club; sweet-as-pie Hedgerow house; Harbor Hills two-bedroom for well over ask; Brinkerhoff Avenue house from 1885; and more.

Local Developers Aim High at La Cumbre Plaza

The father-and-son team of Jim and Matt Taylor is leading the charge to rethink La Cumbre Plaza: their goal is a major city-center-style complex, possibly with a park and even a pedestrian bridge. 12

A High-Concept Brewery Is Opening in the Funk Zone

More food news: Broad Street Oyster Company's debut got pushed back a few days; a barbecue restaurant is opening in Old Town Goleta; the interesting dinner menu for the Dutchess in Ojai; a new beer-and-wine bar in Los Alamos; praise for the soups at Erewhon and the frozen lasagna at Vons. 1

Is Santa Barbara Going to Introduce Residential Compost Bins?

"Lots of Southern California cities are starting to provide compost trash cans to help cut back on CO2 emissions caused by food waste disposed in landfills and comply with California's SB1383 law. Couldn’t find anything online about it happening here." —C. 1

Newsletter: January 9

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A New Chapter for the Santa Barbara Public Market

Other recent news: Ortega Park renovation is in limbo; did a YouTube personality intentionally crash a plane near New Cuyama?; Santa Barbara Unified School District makes Covid testing mandatory and pauses all extracurricular activities; company found financially liable for 2016 Sherpa Fire; old trolley tracks uncovered; two new ventures for Acme Hospitality; Gaviota's Dos Pueblos Ranch sells for $25.5 million.