A Tasting Room With Roof Deck Is Opening in the Funk Zone

More food news: Two more new cottage-industry food endeavors; Loquita and Santa Barbara Sailing Center are partnering on outings; profiles of Section Wines and Rascal's vegan food; the Lark's satisfying braised beef cheeks. 1

An Updated Debris Flow Risk Map Has Been Released

Plus: Trailhead kiosks have started popping up; new plant shop in the works; snow in the forecast at two Santa Barbara malls; progressive new sticker company; Carpinteria Street Bridge to be replaced. 1

Part 2: “I Could Eat It for Breakfast Every Day”

More dishes—including apple fritters, a French dip, chicken soup, and omakase sushi—that food-obsessed locals say are worth seeking out. 2

Newsletter: December 20

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Jumbo House on a Double Lot in Birnam Wood

Notable closings of the last seven days also include a new-build in Hollister Ranch, a big price for Bel Air Knolls, midcentury-contemporary hybrid below the 101, a couple of Mediterraneans, and more.

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.