Hope Ranch Oceanfront Sells for Nearly Half Off the Initial Ask

The week before last, hardly anything closed, and I started to wonder whether the hot market was cooling down. Last week, however, it roared back to life. Here are the 12 closings of note.

The Home of Ellen Degeneres and Portia de Rossi Was Burglarized

Other recent news: Rumored layoffs at the Biltmore; 16,000-square-foot mixed-use development opens soon in Paso Robles; progress in farming shellfish off Ventura; a push for manufactured fish reefs off Goleta.

The March of the Montecito Mediterranean Mansions

They're dropping from eight figures to seven. The week's other top adjustments: Two Montecito properties around $5 million have raised their prices; spec renovation inching toward reality.

The Bell’s Folks Are Working on a Second Restaurant

More food news: Mesa Burger's Coast Village Road outpost has opened; a second Sweet Wheel Farms farmstand; $2 afternoon cold brews at Low Pigeon; your best cheese bet now that C'est Cheese is gone; Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf on De La Vina has closed; will Magic Castle Cabaret reappear?

Newsletter: July 24

The Siteline newsletter is the best way to follow the website. To subscribe, click the link at the bottom of this post. And you can unsubscribe at any time.

A Block of W. Victoria Street Is Now Closed to Traffic

Other recent news: An apparent "Karen" moment in the Gelson's parking lot; interview with the director of "Palm Springs"; interim community development director chosen; Habitat for Humanity's store is closing; Dara Road development debate. 1

Sorrell Design Is Closing Up Shop After 41 Years

Plus: The Miniso store on State Street is closed; Giannetti Home is leaving its pretty downtown location; police detain man who fell asleep in his car while holding a gun; Santa Barbara Historical Museum will reopen as an outdoor museum. 1

1925 Lower Riviera Cottage With Four Decks

Other noteworthy new listings: Another massive Mediterranean mansion in Montecito; teardown next to the Pepper Hill lair-in-progress; Hope Ranch compound with putting green; move-in-ready in Summerland; on the seventh fairway in Birnam Wood; new-build near the San Marcos Preserve; contemporary design in the Sea Meadow enclave.

The Locals Who Have Donated the Most to Trump and Biden

Other recent news: Orlando Bloom found the collar of his lost dog; city parking machines now take credit cards; banner year for county crops; UCSB Arts & Lectures events have been rescheduled; city council votes to spare troublesome Westside tree.

Climbing the Back of Eucalyptus Hill

A delightful stroll from Montecito to Santa Barbara via Eucalyptus Hill Road, with detours on many side streets. 2