What’s Up With the “No E-Bike” Signs on Local Trails?

"A friend saw these signs today, and they make no sense to us," wrote PJ. "Mountain bikers only use pedal assist while going uphill—going downhill, without pedal assist, they're going at the same speed as a friction bike. (Even with pedal assist, you can't go fast uphill as it’s too steep in Santa Barbara.) Wondering if you know anything...." 5

Where in Santa Barbara…?

Know where this photo was taken? Prove it in the comments. 3

Secret Bao Is Opening a Restaurant Downtown

More food news: Prepared foods at Duo Catering & Events; Fatty Vegan menu preview; popcorn recipes from the Lark; Mōr Doughnuts profile; baking Merci's cookies at home; Mesa Verde's amusing menu typo.

Improvements Proposed for the Andrée Clark Bird Refuge

Other recent news: Wider vaccine eligibility, but supplies remain limited; Santa Barbara County's Covid-19 spread is highest in the state; city council moves forward on banning natural gas in new construction; an educated guess about which cities Southwest Airlines might serve; Goleta is testing new streetlights; the argument for keeping Ortega Park's murals; Paso Robles is subsidizing gift cards to help local businesses. 1

Newsletter: January 17

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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.