Covid Cases Keep Rising as Vaccinations Start

Other recent news: ICU availability is declining; bike docks have begun being installed on State Street; the mysterious death of a man at Campus Point; winery raises more than $100,000 for the Foodbank.

Part 1: “I’ve Never Had More Delicious Fries, Anywhere”

Locals who obsess over the food scene recommend the dishes—including butter chicken, porchetta bruschetta, and a croque monsieur—that they swear are worth going out of the way for. 2

Governor Newsom Is Ignoring the County’s Request

Other recent news: Solvang now says it will enforce the stay-at-home order; Deborah Schwartz is running for mayor of Santa Barbara; cannabis farmers who are trying to mitigate the stench; a pair of white-faced saki monkeys join the Santa Barbara Zoo; naked man on sidewalk.

This Is Secret Bao’s Last Weekend at Handlebar

More food news: First impressions of the new Japanese restaurant Teru; the new Santa Barbara Restaurant Coalition is helping restaurant workers; Mexican and Guatemalan tamales from Elubia's Kitchen; Hook & Press's strawberry sufganiyots; another Bibi Ji recipe.

Southwest Airlines Is Coming to Santa Barbara Airport

Plus: Someone reportedly got a very good deal on 207 oceanfront acres; bikini company started by local college student; writing program for underserved women; Plum Goods holiday pop-up shop.

Will Someone Pull Off a $13.5 Million Flip?

Noteworthy new listings from the past seven days also include a nice spread on Riven Rock Road, a midcentury fixer in Montecito, two appealing San Roque cottages, and more.

Newsletter: December 16

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.

Covid-19 Cases Spike in Santa Barbara County

Other recent news: San Luis Obispo County allows outdoor dining with restrictions; police are investigating the death of an anti-vaccination activist; Unity Shoppe seeks fresh fruit; profile of Ojai's Porch Gallery.

Why Is There a Train Station Inside This State Street Storefront?

"In the storefront between the Christian Science Reading Room and Open Air Bicycles is a replica of a train station. Is it old or new? Why does it exist?" —C. 1

Santa Barbara’s Police Chief Is Stepping Down

Other recent news: Amazon's State Street office building sold for a hefty sum; a paean to Montecito; Indio Muerto Street was renamed; new fancified motel in Solvang; the tree of the month is the Brazilian pepper.