Alma Fonda Fina to Become More Casual

More food news: Skyfield will no longer include a restaurant; new sparkling wine bar downtown; New Year's Eve peek at The Grand on State; the inaugural Coffee Culture Fest is this spring; checking out Room Service Coffee and Buena Bodega in Ventura. 10

Newsletter: December 21

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Where in Santa Barbara…?

Know where this was shot? Prove it in the comments. (Update: We have a winner!) 4

Nineties Mediterranean in Park Highlands

Noteworthy new listings also include a spec reno above Foothill Road; East Mesa floops; neighboring properties with a gate between them; San Roque cutie with impressive yards; and a 1900 ranch house in Solvang. 5

Santa Barbara County Is Facing Big Budget Shortfalls

Other recent news: Santa Barbara starts on the path to rent stabilization; reforming the way that the harbor's boat slips are sold; the Hilton's 73-room expansion gets the go-ahead; indoor volleyball facility in the works; Diablo Canyon nuclear plant can operate through 2030; no more identifying buyers of local real estate. 13

That’s Life in Death Valley

Death Valley has an obvious branding problem: it’s more interesting, more varied, more alive—in a geologic sense—than you might imagine. And the refurbishment of the National Park lodge means staying there is no longer an endurance test.

Newsletter: December 17

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Another Small Hotel Proposed for Downtown Santa Barbara

Plus: An effort to reduce freeway noise; new vintage shop in the Oreña Adobe; farewell to a beautiful overpass; give directly rather than to charity muggers; more changes to the Biltmore; new volunteer opportunity at Bellosguardo; the big apartment complex under construction on E. Haley Street. 3

Bar Lou Is Closing This Week

Despite a flurry of interest after it opened in November 2024, the restaurant never gelled with local diners. 26

Bluff-Front Hope Ranch Estate Finally Sells—for $22 Million Off the 2017 Asking Price

Last week's sales also include East Valley Road off-market; Loma Alicia townhouse; West Mesa midcentury; mini-compound near the APS roundabout; classic Barry Berkus on the Riviera; Mission Canyon spec reno; Summerland for a loss; and more. 7