Nordstrom Will Close Its Santa Barbara Store

Given the state of retail even before the Covid-19 nightmare, this can hardly come as a shock—except perhaps to Paseo Nuevo, which assured everyone just last week that "Nordstrom isn't going anywhere."

Montecito Compound With a Dreamy Garden

The week's other top price reductions: Half of a historic 1930s building downtown that got split into condos; 10,000-square-foot property now $2 million less; sweet house with freeway issues; what $2.5 million buys in central Montecito; one of the cooler houses in Hope Ranch.

New Hotel Coming to Lower State Street

Other local news: Hollister Ranch fire has burned 200 acres; how the I Madonnari festival will work this year; UCSB pushes all summer classes online; Goleta now requires face masks in any essential business; Randall Road Debris Basin update.

Field + Fort and the Pickle Room Are Reopening

More food news: Acme Hospitality's depressing survey about the possible future of dining out; the emerging network of groups helping to feed the vulnerable; early hours at Dune Coffee Roasters; new pizza at Bettina.

Riviera Midcentury With Quirky Interiors

Other noteworthy new listings: A mix of contemporary and exotic way up the mountain; Vegas-style neoclassical with 35-car motor court; privacy near San Ysidro Ranch; cute downtown cottage with even cuter artist studio.

The County Seeks Volunteers for Covid-19 Response Team

Plus: "For lease" sign at Treat skincare in Arlington Plaza; cleaner trailheads thanks to Montecito Trails Foundation and MarBorg; changes proposed to the city's Historic Resources Ordinance; grants to arts non-profits; SBIFF interview with the writer-director of "The Half of It."

Newsletter: May 6

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First Look at the New Design for Ortega Park

Other local news: Plum Goods on State Street has closed; Goleta is considering a one-percent sales-tax increase; antibody tests available, but they're unreliable; developer Ed St. George on how to fix Santa Barbara; embattled cultural center finally shuttered.

Joe’s Café and Lucky Penny Are Reopening

More food news: The Carpinteria outpost of Crushcakes has closed for good; Arlington Theatre will be selling popcorn; many more Starbucks cafés have reopened; flashing ban at Old Kings Road; online concert by the Manor Bar's musician-in-residence.

The Amazing Trees of Cabrillo Boulevard

Santa Barbara is a city of wondrous trees, but for sheer personality, you can't beat the trees along Cabrillo Boulevard. Gnarled by wind and time, they look sculptural, like gigantic bonsai.