New Hotel Coming to Lower State Street

Other local news: Hollister Ranch fire has burned 200 acres; how the I Madonnari festival will work this year; UCSB pushes all summer classes online; Goleta now requires face masks in any essential business; Randall Road Debris Basin update.

Field + Fort and the Pickle Room Are Reopening

More food news: Acme Hospitality's depressing survey about the possible future of dining out; the emerging network of groups helping to feed the vulnerable; early hours at Dune Coffee Roasters; new pizza at Bettina.

Riviera Midcentury With Quirky Interiors

Other noteworthy new listings: A mix of contemporary and exotic way up the mountain; Vegas-style neoclassical with 35-car motor court; privacy near San Ysidro Ranch; cute downtown cottage with even cuter artist studio.

The County Seeks Volunteers for Covid-19 Response Team

Plus: "For lease" sign at Treat skincare in Arlington Plaza; cleaner trailheads thanks to Montecito Trails Foundation and MarBorg; changes proposed to the city's Historic Resources Ordinance; grants to arts non-profits; SBIFF interview with the writer-director of "The Half of It."

Newsletter: May 6

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.

First Look at the New Design for Ortega Park

Other local news: Plum Goods on State Street has closed; Goleta is considering a one-percent sales-tax increase; antibody tests available, but they're unreliable; developer Ed St. George on how to fix Santa Barbara; embattled cultural center finally shuttered.

Joe’s Café and Lucky Penny Are Reopening

More food news: The Carpinteria outpost of Crushcakes has closed for good; Arlington Theatre will be selling popcorn; many more Starbucks cafés have reopened; flashing ban at Old Kings Road; online concert by the Manor Bar's musician-in-residence.

The Amazing Trees of Cabrillo Boulevard

Santa Barbara is a city of wondrous trees, but for sheer personality, you can't beat the trees along Cabrillo Boulevard. Gnarled by wind and time, they look sculptural, like gigantic bonsai.

California to Let Many Stores Reopen as Early as Friday

Other local news: The News-Press lost another editor-in-chief; swimmer off Padaro Lane bitten by something, likely a shark; a clearinghouse for masks.

Can You Explain How Sundowner Winds Work?

"Sundowners have been my main topic of research in the last few years," said Dr. Leila M. V. Carvalho, professor of meteorology and climate sciences at UCSB. She kindly agreed to explain the science behind the winds. 1