First Confirmed Case of Covid-19 in San Luis Obispo County

Other local news: A running tally of tests given here and cases by state and country; Santa Barbara schools close indefinitely; UCSB suggests students leave campus; farmers' market stays open, for now; social-distancing guidelines for restaurants; Mammoth and Big Bear shut down.

Palm Springs Style on a Montecito Golf Course

The week's other top price reductions: Adorable 1911 cottage off East Beach (↓$400K); hilltop castle (↓$105K); sweet seclusion where Diana Road meets Diana Lane (↓$100K); two-week price-chop on Conejo Road modern (↓$200K).

The Inaugural Santa Barbara Culinary Experience Has Been Postponed

More food news: Foster's Freeze said to be on its last legs; Chick-fil-A's lame response to its traffic issue; chef-owned Lemon & Coriander in Goleta; dormant plaza in Montecito's Upper Village; non-alcoholic cocktail mixologists; three home winemakers.

Social Distancing Comes to Santa Barbara

The Riviera Theatre is limiting audience size; the public library is canceling events; Slightly Stoopid is coming to the Santa Barbara Bowl; MarBorg will soon rent hand-sanitizer stations; Cottage Hospital has COVID-19 test kits; toilet-paper hoarding continues; a free house.

California Is Discouraging Gatherings of 250 or More People

Other local news: UC Santa Barbara has moved to online classes through April at least; Santa Barbara City College has switched some classes to online; second COVID-19 case in Ventura County; Earth Day event postponed; SLO farmer's market canceled; gang members convicted of post–debris flow crimes, including a Montecito home invasion; bad behavior on the rise in area schools.

What Are Those Poles in the Ocean Near the Ritz-Carlton Bacara?

"During lunch at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, I spotted these four columns just offshore. I only recently moved here, and maybe this is obvious to people who've lived here longer, but what are they?" —A. 2

Newsletter: March 12

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Cielito Spec Renovation Mostly Done Right

Highlights of this weekend's open-house lineup: French-inspired architecture in Montecito's Golden Quadrangle; widescreen mountain views off San Antonio Creek Road; and two old gems that are a hoot to explore.

Five Percent Increase in Santa Barbara County’s Homeless Population

Plus: Two high-end rentals, one with a helistop and an Airstream trailer; the county keeps sending out Spanish-language alerts; new book on everyday homesteading from Heritage Goods & Supply; three recent sales of note.

Santa Barbara Is Asking Cruise Lines to Stay Away

Other recent news: Laura Capps conceded to Das Williams; fire near Highway 154; new video-streaming service at Goleta Valley Library.