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

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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.

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.