Secret Bao Aims to Soft-Open This Week

More food news: Bettina is starting up table service; the Funk Zone Bier Garten has opened; an intriguing new restaurant in Lompoc; a new bagel flavor from Bagel Boiz.

More Occupations Are Now Eligible for Vaccinations

Other recent news: American Airlines will start limited service between Santa Barbara and Chicago; actor Bryan Cranston listed his beach house; county sheriff's department questioned about rate hike; water agencies want the right to sell surplus water; more on the push for Coast Village Road improvements.

It’s Just Like Being Outside

Thank goodness for homeowners’ quirks—looking at real estate would be a lot less fun without them. 2

The Wayfarer Hotel Has Been Rebranded

Plus: Prominent new Miramar Beach house in the works; Montecito frame shop is closing; new sidewalks on Hot Springs Road; Hollister store has opened in Paseo Nuevo.

Newsletter: February 28

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Natalie Portman Sells 10-Acre Montecito Property for Healthy Profit

The local real estate market is even hotter than it was six months ago: everything is selling, often going into escrow before officially being listed and selling above ask with a quick close. So if you think you might want to sell—and you have somewhere else to live—now is the time.

Santa Barbara County Rarely Punishes Covid-19 Scofflaws

Other recent news: Carp hotel moves forward; partisan conflict in the county redistricting commission; the history of the Granada Theatre building and the plan for a backlot plaza; protesters try to stop development near the San Marcos Foothills Preserve; Highway 1 repair timeline; artist Jane Gottlieb's passionate embrace of color. 1

Gelson’s Is Being Bought by a Japanese Conglomerate

More food news: Pizzeria Mozza and Restaurant at Meadowood pop-ups at the Ojai Valley Inn; an effort to farm purple sea urchins; big new parklet at Mony's; opening date for Sear Steakhouse in Solvang; the Tavern at Zaca Creek brought on a new chef.

State Street Promenade Extended for Another Year

Other recent news: Santa Barbara city and county elementary schools to reopen; proposed charter school denied; Funk Zone rooftop bar moves forward.

Is This the Most Impeccable House in Montecito?

Other notable new listings include a 1919 villa on Mission Canyon Road, an idiosyncratic contemporary the architect built for himself, a Lower Riviera charmer, and a 9.5-acre equestrian compound outside Carpinteria.