The Three Reasons to Visit Paso Robles Now

Neither the new hotel, the popular art installation, nor the popular new restaurant is enough to justify the two-hour drive on its own, but they add up to a satisfying getaway.

Newsletter: February 10

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Two More Shows Announced at the Santa Barbara Bowl

Plus: The Ashley Road bridge in Montecito reopens this week; sneak preview of acclaimed film "Portrait of a Lady on Fire"; Lotusland's winter break is over (and it has murals for sale); "master flipper" does well in Cielito.

Restaurant to Open at the Base of Amazon’s New State Street Office

More food news: Sama Sama Kitchen's lunch menu; Mosaic Locale is now permanent; Mizza serving breakfast; new Turkish bakery/café; Pascucci relocating soon; Gioia opening on State Street; Mala Town in Isla Vista has closed.

1918 Upper East Gem Hamstrung by Bed-to-Bath Ratio

The week's other top price reductions: Architectural exotica on the Riviera and in Hope Ranch; studs-up redo that would look like a better deal on a fancier street; what might be the best value in Upper Montecito.

The Round Tower Under Construction on East Valley Road

Other recent news: The standout candidate for state assembly; design changes to the San Ysidro roundabout; new database of city building projects; Goleta's first cannabis store has opened; Noletans oppose housing for mentally ill and homeless; king tides are coming up; rescued barn owl released.

One of Downtown’s Very Best Strolling Streets

With the mountains in the distance, the variety of architecture, and the quirky details, it was E. Canon Perdido that made me realize what a rewarding walking city Santa Barbara is. 1

Newsletter: February 6

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.

Nothing Beats Your Own Set of Beach Stairs

Highlights of this weekend's open-house lineup also include: A pair of OId World houses on Montecito's Park Lane; potential cuteness on what was once the Arcady estate; 1928 Tudor in San Roque.

Troublemaker Arrested at the Library

Plus: Large vacant lot south of the freeway is on the market; Gaviota rest area has reopened; Arts Fund Gallery's Funk Zone space is for rent.