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. 25

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

The End of the Isla Vista Food Coop Downtown Market

More food news: The Grand on State update; status of the Chick-fil-A in Noleta; The Copper Coffee Pot has opened; Ghirardelli debuts next weekend; owners of The Harbor Restaurant are suing the city; "jet set après ski dining experience" coming to town; Himalayan Kitchen closed for maintenance; Pacific Pickle Works profile; Merci's chocolate caramels. 10

Newsletter: December 14

The 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.

Where in Santa Barbara…?

Know where this was shot? Prove it in the comments. (Update: We have a winner!) 1

Highway 101 Construction Will Move North Starting This Spring

Other recent news: New emergency dispatch center; U.S. Women's National Team to play a game here; automotive garage to close; Goleta post office on the path to getting renamed. 4