Is There a Better Neighborhood for a Stroll Than West Beach?

You see so much more when you slow down—in this case, charming architecture of all kinds, lush flora, glimpses of the ocean, and remarkably few people. 1

The WASPiest Estate This Side of Kennebunkport

The week's other top price reductions: Mesa oceanfront compound drops by another million; new-build in northwest Montecito with location concerns; Hope Ranch ranch house; Samarkand contemporary.

World’s Dimmest Thieves Try to Rob the Police Department

Other local news: North County Covid-19 cases outpacing South County; Bucket Brigade mask contest; city threatens to close beaches this weekend; two set designers' neat midcentury home; online Santa Barbara music festival; Planning Commission questions large new cannabis operation.

Send Orchids to a Good Cause

Plus: Bella Vista Drive is closed at Romero Canyon because of debris flow; oceanfront rental on the Mesa; 101 widening delayed by rain; sprucing up your succulents; it might be time to order a custom hat.

A Couple of Ways to Make Easter More Special

From Hook & Press Donuts and Bree'osh. More food news: La Super-Rica is open; changes at the Wine Cask and Intermezzo; everything is 15% off at Twenty-Four Blackbirds; online sale at the Public Market's Wine + Beer shop.

Newsletter: April 9

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Low-Slung Contemporary on Three Montecito Acres

Other noteworthy new listings: A lock-and-leave Ennisbrook Casita; 1926 house on a corner lot in the Upper East; and a San Roque hacienda that has only changed hands once in 85 years.

Models Show Covid-19 Pushing Hospitals Over Capacity

Other local news: 218 confirmed cases in Santa Barbara County; turnaround time for testing has improved; dire drop in city revenue; schools staying closed through the academic year; Zoomers to Boomers growing nationally; what life is like now for supermarket workers.

Quality Grocery Staples at Handlebar Coffee Roasters

More food news: Merci Montecito is giving away chocolate-covered matzoh for Passover; The Lark and Lucky Penny stopped offering takeout; the Honor Bar started delivery in Montecito; some red zones now legal for food pickups; Pieology in Goleta closed for good.

Why Is There a Pressure Cooker Attached to This Utility Pole?

"I was walking on Anacapa Street when I noticed a pressure cooker attached to a utility pole. A couple of days later, I saw a stockpot at Garden and E. Padre. What purpose do they serve?" —P. 1