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.

Mony’s Has Decided to Close for a Few Weeks

More food news: Aperitivo's new Pasta & Vino Club; the recipe for Bibi Ji's succulent chicken tikka; fresh merch at Dune Coffee Roasters; $25 entrées at Bouchon; Cajun Kitchen on De La Vina won't be reopening; Barb's Pies introduced a vegan pizza; black corn from Sweet Wheel Farm; Dima Sama's frozen dim sum dinners; popcorn perk at the Lark.

Newsletter: December 13

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Another $50 Million in High-End Real Estate Changed Hands

The week's noteworthy sales include a funky fixer way up the hill, a 1980s villa in Ennisbrook, a Birnam Wood château, a 5,248-square-foot house on the Riviera, and more.

Reconstruction Underway of Bridge Near San Ysidro Ranch

Plus: Trailhead improvements, including kiosk maps; more drawings of the apartment building proposed for Santa Barbara Street; new De La Vina bridge in the works; Amtrak will be reservation-only around Christmas.

Solvang Is Refusing to Enforce the Stay-at-Home Order

Other recent news: Landlords now owe tenants evicted without cause three months' rent; most timed parking restrictions are still in effect; playgrounds are allowed to reopen; the sad story of Randy and Evi Quaid; the Hope Ranch solfatara came back to life; new tiny homes for the homeless in Isla Vista; tree-removal brouhaha; poaching is way down in Channel Islands waters. 1

The Miramar’s Food Truck Is Back in Action

More food news: High-end takeout from Caruso's and the Stonehouse; Revolver now offers limited delivery; Sama Sama Kitchen is selling Asian pantry items; breakfast barbecue this Saturday at Bell's; Lemon & Coriander has closed; candied cocoa nibs at Twenty-Four Blackbirds.

Sign a Petition to Get the Central Coast Its Own ICU Standard

Plus: New eyewear store coming to Montecito; revised debris flow risk map to be revealed; Museum of Contemporary Art pop-up gift shop; Jeff Shelton patterns now available on fabrics; where to donate building materials.

When an Architect Gives Himself Free Rein

Notable new listings this week also include a San Roque fixer staged to the hilt, a Birnam Wood house in need of new surfaces, and a single-level four-bedroom in Park Highlands. 1