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.

Newsletter: February 24

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A Makeover for Eastside Neighborhood Park

Other recent news: There's a giant red platform stiletto in a field near the 101; remembering when a Japanese submarine fired on Goleta; former mayor Hal Conklin won't rule out running again; new downtown satellites of UCSB and Westmont College.

Montecito Family Seeks Same for School-Eligible Rental

Plus: Eye of the Day sale starts next week; the former Big Yellow House is no longer yellow; Lotusland is reopening; rental listing touts helistop; Santa Barbara Public Library launches online confabs. 1

El Encanto’s Restaurant Has a New Chef

More food news: Hibachi Steak House & Sushi Bar is likely closing soon; Revolver's impressive muffuletta; closing date for one of the Starbucks outposts on State Street; profile of Dean coffee shop by the airport; Sun & Swell Foods's pandemic pivot; another great dive-bar diorama. 1

New Housing Community Proposed Next to the Polo Fields

The Santa Barbara Polo Villas would comprise 25 single-family dwellings and 15 condominiums on an 11.48-acre lot. 8