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A Montecito Classic Ready for Its Next Act

Noteworthy new listings also include a cute, stylish 1920 bungalow near the hospital; 4,200-square-footer in a 55-and-over community; 1970s architecture on the Mesa; and a moongate in Hope Ranch Annex.

The State Street Parklet Conundrum Continues

Other recent news: The design of the Highway 101 interchange at Hot Springs Road and Cabrillo Boulevard; progress for the proposed State Street hotel; cannabis odor scrubbers seem to be working (but still aren’t required); Santa Barbara residents vent about cruise ships; a book about Rincon Point; leather goods shop opening on Coast Village Road; the latest on the battle over Hollister Ranch beach access; new barber shop in Goleta; fancified motels in Paso Robles and Cayucos.

Bellosguardo Is Opening for Tours

For $100, donors and supporters can get a peek inside Huguette Clark’s estate on a tour created by “Empty Mansions” author Bill Dedman.

New Restaurant Confirmed in Montecito’s Upper Village

More food news: Caruso’s was awarded a Michelin star; the Dutch Garden’s lunch menu; Rori’s Artisanal Creamery is celebrating its 10th anniversary with free scoops of a special flavor; Cold Stone Creamery has closed; Peasants Deli is opening an arcade annex; the Ballard Inn has halted dinner service; Organic Soup Kitchen’s Holiday SouperMarket and Soup Tasting Party.

Longtime Favorite Toma Is Under New Ownership

After 20 years, Tom and Vicki Dolan are retiring, handing over the reins to a new pair of owner-operators who have no plans to mess with the tuna cones.

Oceanfront Mansion on Padaro Lane Sells for $30 Million

While the real estate market has pretty much ground to a halt since Thanksgiving, there have still been a few notable sales, including a Summerland three-bedroom with lots of views; houses from 1890 and 1930 on the same San Roque street; and a funky fixer/teardown on Mission Canyon Road.

Shop Local Gift Guide, Part 4: Montecito Mercantile and Diani Living

Next up in the Shop Local Gift Guide: Montecito Mercantile and Diani Living—and of course both stores have far more than whatever happened to catch my eye. So get out there and browse!

Proposed 66-Room Hotel Entails Demolishing the Press Room

Two years ago, SIMA began the process for a large apartment building fronting State and Ortega—and then pulled the plug when the city council agitated for more affordable housing. The solution? Make it a hotel.