California Has Made Building an ADU Much Easier

"The state of California wants to ensure more housing get built quickly," writes broker Scott Williams. "This is one of the biggest opportunities in real estate since my career began in 1977."

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.