Another $75 Million in Real Estate Changed Hands This Week

The residential market remains on fire, with notable sales including Hope Ranch oceanfront for $25 million, a Mediterranean sprawler that went for nearly $6 million off the initial ask, a midcentury fixer that sold for $1 million over the listing price, a Birnam Wood chateau, the Park Lane conundrum, and many more.

Why Is Franceschi House in a Holding Pattern?

"My fiancée and I think that it would be wonderful to see Franceschi House restored," emailed N., "but it seems that efforts over the last 20 years have been unsuccessful. We'd love to understand in more detail what has caused the house to get stuck." 3

Changes Coming to the Area Around Stearns Wharf

Plus: Abercrombie & Fitch on State Street is closing, to be replaced by Hollister; aquarium shop opening in Montecito; one of Santa Barbara's two Game Stop stores is closing; new Montecito bridge almost completed.

Innovative Food Concept to Open on State Street

More food news: Jeanine's outpost in La Arcada has closed; La Paloma is now serving lunch; chicken-wing chain opening at La Cumbre; Panera Bread closed; Bell's confirmed its expansion into the vacant lot next door; Mosby Vineyard and Winery is for sale. 1

Santa Barbara’s Electric Bikes Should Be Rentable Within Weeks

Other recent news: Who'll get vaccinated after healthcare workers; the buyer of Ellen DeGeneres's East Valley Road house; a new group hopes to revitalize downtown; the Pea Soup Andersen’s building in Buellton is for sale; Democratic Party of Santa Barbara County chair will step down; school district votes to pause failing grades; the tree of the month.

Newsletter: January 13

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Maximized Views on Alta Mesa

Noteworthy new listings also include a 1936 house rich with period detail on a hidden downtown street, a Coast Village project, "not your typical Westside offering," and a Neoclassical-Mediterranean hybrid.

Covid-Test Bus Parked in Santa Barbara for Two Weeks

Plus: Dylan Star boutique has temporarily popped up in Paseo Nuevo; ongoing construction of the Las Positas/Modoc Roads bike and pedestrian path; proposed Montecito house to have a freestanding "tea room"; ADU seminar; where to donate books? 2

A New Fancy Food Store in Montecito

More food news: Chick-fil-A reopens today; Gelson's has expanded; Mesa Burger and its siblings are offering 50% off to medical workers; menu R&D at Bell's spinoff Bar Le Côté; Gipsy Hill Bakery's toaster tarts and Triple Chip's everything bagel babka; shrub maker Broken Clock Vinegar Works. 1

Covid Cases Continue to Surge in Santa Barbara County

Other recent news: Grand Montecito estate's new owner revealed; detectives seek help identifying Goleta gunman; UCSB students helping to search for the remains of a teenager who perished in the debris flow; cat reunited with owner after three years; longtime employee purchases Pet House store; Channel Island Surfboards is being bought back by the founders' son; shooting ban extended in Los Padres National Forest.