Governor Newsom Backed Down on Threat to Close Our Beaches

Other local news: Apartment complex proposed for lower State Street; hospitals to resume elective procedures and surgeries; interview with police chief Lori Luhnow; the war between winemakers and cannabis farmers; more on Carp's great white sharks; county seeks grand jury volunteers; Santa Barbara Foundation's new CEO; Music Academy of West's pandemic plan B.

Four Restaurants Are Reopening for Takeout

Two at the Montecito Country Mart, and two in the Funk Zone. Also: Chuck's Waterfront Grill and Endless Summer confirmed that they closed for good.

If Santa Fe Had Ocean Views…

Other noteworthy new listings: Two properties on Coyote Road, one of which defies description; a big, appealing house in the Ennisbrook compound; and a Tudor cottage downtown fit for Beatrix Potter.

A Fast, Dramatic Flip by Ellen Degeneres and Portia de Rossi

Four months after closing on the Hedgerow property, Portia de Rossi and Ellen Degeneres have fixed it up and put it on the market with a name befitting an old house and a price befitting a new one—which is only appropriate, given the house incorporates two 18th-century barns shipped over from England.

New Tenant in the Works for Chuck’s Waterfront Grill and Endless Summer

More food news: City requires patrons of restaurants and other "essential" businesses to wear masks; Taqueria Santa Barbara opened downtown with a nice backstory; Three Pickles deli reopened; rendering of the Cabrillo Pavilion restaurant.

County Hospitals Say They’re Equipped for a Covid-19 Surge

Other local news: Quest Diagnostics is now offering an antibody test to qualified customers; woman killed by train in Montecito; sharks spotted off Santa Claus Lane beach; Montecito Water District says it'll be "drought-proof" by summer; Tesla charging stations in Goleta; the man for whom Hollister Avenue was named; "mighty" trees down in Chase Palm Park; city close to extending Paseo Nuevo lease.

Newsletter: April 28

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First Look at the Blockbuster Development Proposed for the Funk Zone

Nearly all of the structures on the block will be torn down to make way for a complex done in a mix of architectural styles, in an effort to fit into the neighborhood—and locals get first crack at the 144 apartments. Take a look at the renderings. 3

Ca’ Dario’s Montecito Outpost Has Opened

More food news: But the nearby Mesa Burger is still getting built out; Low Pigeon is selling six-serving bottles of cold brew concentrate; The Lark and Bell's are making meals for the vulnerable; delicious focaccia.

Tuscan-Style Villa on Ten Acres in Montecito

The week's other top price reductions: Funky mini-compound near the Inspiration Point trailhead; spectacular views in Bel Air Knolls; buildable lot on E. Mountain Drive; 1929 duplex downtown.