Wildflower Season Has Started Early on Anacapa Island

Plus: The Santa Barbara Bowl is looking for volunteer ushers; Montecito water update; Turnpike Road onramp to reopen after sinkhole repair; new book by the niece of Lotusland founder Ganna Walska; "late night screenings" of Bong Joon-ho's "The Host."

Paradise Cafe Is a Classic Reborn

New owner Acme Hospitality—the company behind the Lark, Loquita, et al—has upgraded the experience without ruining what makes the restaurant special.

Newsletter: February 20

The twice-weekly Siteline newsletter is the best way to follow the website. To subscribe, click the link at the bottom of this post. And you can unsubscribe at any time.

$25 Million Time Capsule Overlooking Butterfly Beach

Highlights of this weekend's open-house lineup: Montecito contemporary with private beach path; party pad with Pacific views; one of the more dramatic infinity pools in town; new-build Brutalism.

Are People Really Allowed to Set Fires in the Middle of Montecito?

"Recently, there have been a few intentional fires in the middle of Montecito, which surprises me, given the area's vulnerability. And then there's the matter of air quality—the smoke drifts all over and makes breathing difficult." —T.

A Pretty Spot to Dine Outside in the Funk Zone

More food news: San Diego wine shop taking over the former Savoy Wines space; the Santa Barbara Vegan Chef Challenge is coming up; Rascal's is helping Rudy's develop a vegan menu; amaro ice cream.

The Argument for Taller Buildings in Santa Barbara

Other local news: TV anchor pushes teen, goes viral; county to send fewer weather alerts; five blocks of De La Vina will be narrowed to one lane; state assembly debate; Lotusland's plant health care coordinator; Goleta sidewalk project update; sewer lateral software.

The Glamorous Oeuvre of Longtime Biltmore Photographer Hal Boucher

Hal Boucher was hired in 1949 to be the Biltmore's house photographer—and he continued in that role for over 70 years.

Newsletter: February 17

The twice-weekly Siteline newsletter is the best way to follow the website. To subscribe, click the link at the bottom of this post. And you can unsubscribe at any time.

The Santa Barbara Bowl Announced Two More Shows

Plus: Rob Lowe's one-man show at the Granada; the county needs pool workers for the March 3 election; sweet Montecito house sold; what happens to boats that run aground here.