Why Does “USA” Get Written on the Street?

"On recent walks, I've noticed 'USA' spray-painted on the asphalt, along with markings for utility companies. What does it mean?" —E.

Supermarkets Are Adding Sneeze Guards to Checkout Lanes

Other local news: Santa Barbara County now has 26 cases and is telling where they are; jail discharging inmates early; high-school student starts group to do shopping for seniors; Downtown Organization director is leaving; progress for the Rincon Bluffs Preserve.

Another Catering Company Is Now Making Individual Meals

More food news: Sea Stephanie Fish is delivering seafood throughout the area; Bree'osh's bakery on De La Vina is open and selling flatbreads, quiches, and more; Sama Sama Kitchen has started delivery; the Good Lion's to-go cocktails should be available this week. 1

Trail Etiquette and Social Distancing

Plus: The Santa Barbara Bowl has postponed its May concerts; the new La Playa Inn on Castillo Street; two-bedroom vacation rental available at the Mill; when every day is a holiday.

Santa Barbara County Now Has 24 Confirmed Cases of Covid-19

Other local news: Hospitals devising plans to cope with surge of patients; county estimated to lose 6,870 jobs as a result of the pandemic; a better way to track cannabis taxes; Oprah Winfrey is social-distancing from her partner; penguin allowed to explore zoo grounds.

Newsletter: March 25

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Four Recently Listed Properties Worth a Look

Including a George Washington Smith Tudor from 1900, an unassuming cottage in the Upper East, a pretty kitchen in Montecito, and a Carp fixer with wide ocean views.

The Harsh Toll on Santa Barbara’s Many Undocumented Workers

Other local news: East Beach volleyball nets taken down; we're at 83% of normal rainfall for the season; online programming from UCSB Arts & Lectures; mechanical failure at the News-Press.

Four Sources for Grocery Items

Handlebar Coffee Roasters, Barbareño, Metropulos Fine Foods, and Tri-County Produce (which often has locally made hand sanitizer). More food news: Dune Coffee Roasters will bring breakfast to you; The Good Lion is working on to-go cocktails; the Miramar resort has closed, including its restaurants.

The World War II POW Camp West of Goleta

Plus: BUNS, a nonprofit dedicated to rabbits and guinea pigs; Antica Furnishings's closing sale; School House Road sells quickly for the asking price; real-estate inspections put on hold; fitness videos from Variant Training Lab.