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

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 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.

Newsletter: January 16

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.