Meet the Santa Barbara Zoo’s New Snow Leopard

Other recent news: City Council to allow more housing downtown and decide fate of Westside hotel; new barber shop downtown; visitor's center opened on State Street; wind farm proposed south of Lompoc; La Cumbre Plaza art pop-ups; Los Padres forest gains 800 acres; local paints Mickey Mouse on rocks and leaves them for people to take.

The List of Recyclable Plastics Has Shrunk

Plus: The rise of "South American Theft Groups"; four-story, 21-unit rental complex planned for De La Vina Street; Patti Smith charity performance; closing prices for two houses profiled on this site; Olive Mill roundabout design.

This 1927 Montecito Estate Is Heading to Auction

There's a lot to like about the location, but the house—currently listed for $7 million—isn't in great shape, and anyone hoping to tear it down might face objections from the county. So this ought to be interesting....

Los Agaves Is Opening a Oaxacan Spinoff Across from the Beach

More food news: S.Y. Kitchen is said to be taking over the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn restaurant; first look at the interior and menu of The Daisy, opening tomorrow on State Street; all-day restaurant coming to E. Cabrillo; new tenant for the Little Door space; Yume Sushi is back from the dead.

Newsletter: November 18

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Improvements to California’s Insurance of Last Resort

Other recent news: Private helistop rejected; final election results; has the cannabis industry bought favor with Carp school officials?; power company settles public-entity fire/debris flow claims; San Ysidro roundabout; Funk Zone parking vote; Montecito watershed masterplan; Carp dog park.

The Lark’s Parent Company Is Taking Over Paradise Cafe

More food news: The Wine Cask on Anacapa is rumored to have a new owner; local chef trying to cultivate heirloom corn; "Fantastic Fungi" documentary screening; Roost's tasty chicken dish.

This Oceanfront House Just Got $1 Million Cheaper

The week's other top reductions include a New England–style house with a huge lawn; a Toro Canyon adobe; an unfinished aerie on Gibraltar Road; and one groovy porte cochere.

Mulling Alternative Uses for the Oil Platforms

Plus: Womenswear boutique Rêver Atelier is having an opening party this weekend; Olive Mill roundabout discussion; Los Padres Forest Association wants your photos for its calendar; details on the Debris Flow Risk Map reveal.

The New Cocktail Bar from the Folks Behind the Lark

When you go to a cocktail bar, you're not just buying a drink—you're buying an experience. Pearl Social delivers on looks, music, and mixology. But one key aspect is iffy....