Indoor/Outdoor Living Way Up Park Lane

Highlights of this weekend's open-house lineup: Midcentury Hope Ranch house on the market for the first time in 50 years; killer Alta Mesa views; a fourth house for sale on Torito Road; cute San Roque cottage done right.

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi Bought Another House

Two houses and a condo, actually. Other recent news: Uber is letting drivers at Santa Barbara Airport set their own fares; indoor-cycling studio at the La Cumbre mall; Southern California Edison accused of dumping debris into Mission Creek; Eastside Library reopens.

Cooking With the Smurfs

Thank goodness for the quirky decisions that homeowners make—without them, looking at real estate would be a lot less fun.

A New Restaurant Is Under Construction on Anacapa

More food news: Tyger Tyger's interesting dinner specials; the Carpinteria outpost of Little Dom's appears to be delayed; Lab Social's fancy new ice; Sumo oranges at the farmer's market.

Another Day, Another Crash on Highway 154

Including one involving a bear. Other local news: Hollister Ranch owners sue the state over beach access; California sues the federal government over oil and gas leases; assisted-living facility approved for Carpinteria.

Newsletter: January 20

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The Closing Price for the Picacho Lane Estate Auction

Plus: The city has trained a webcam on the harbor; the Carpinteria phase of the Highway 101 project will start soon; Japanese-Craftsman hybrid on the Mesa sold; a wish for the former Sears at La Cumbre Plaza.

The Owners of Montecito’s Croydon House Are Facing a $1.5 Million Loss

The week's other top price reductions: The castle-house with a crenellated tower; likely teardown above Hendry's Beach; Bella Vista estate with views for days; Hope Ranch contemporary.

Bristol Farms Construction to Restart After Two-Month Delay

Other local news: Snow forecast for the Grapevine, which could mean traffic here; the stalled state of the Bellosguardo Foundation; burn-area sediment will be dumped at beaches in Goleta and Carp; Montecito resident working on a walking-path map; Westerlay Orchids is expanding. 1

Paradise Cafe Has Reopened With a New Menu

More food news: The best breakfast deal in town; Sweet Wheel Farm & Flowers cart has moved out of Summerland; a peek inside the Ca' Dario opening in Montecito; Lazy Acres bulk spices; new chef at Public Market beer hall.