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.

A Cool Contemporary House on a Golf Course

The week's other top price reductions: Southern-style passion project on Picacho Lane; views-vs.-80s-design on the Riviera; 1928 Tudor on three prime Montecito acres; and the 1929 estate that always reminds me of the board game Clue.

Cannabis Industry Figures Launch Campaign Attacking Laura Capps

Other local news: DEA agents raid San Ysidro Pharmacy; city to eliminate left turns onto Cliff Drive; two Independent endorsements; how Montecito sewage becomes "brand-name fertilizer"; half-naked trespasser; Trump likely to veto act preserving Los Padres National Forest areas; wildfire-mitigation map; fact sheets proposed for newlyweds.

Roost Restaurant Has Closed

More food news: Scarlett Begonia is moving nearby; a profile of the Daisy on State Street; delicious brown-butter breadsticks; Sunshine Café no longer serves dinner; Bree'osh has begun baking baguettes.

Double-Wide Beachfront Compound With a Midcentury Vibe

Built in 1956, the house on Miramar Beach hasn't changed hands in so long that last year's property taxes were all of $7,573.

Newsletter: February 13

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.

Courtyard vs. Penthouse at the Villas at Olive Mill

Highlights of this weekend's open-house lineup: Knoll-top property on Coyote Road; redone 1914 house in the Lower Riviera; fixer on a flag lot near the Montecito Club; and an 85-acre ranch by Lake Casitas.