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Santa Barbara Might Tighten Restrictions on Single-Use Plastics

The City Council will weigh new rules regarding plastic carry-out bags at grocery stores, Mylar balloons, plastic and Mylar confetti, and small “disposable” water bottles. Moreover, restaurants would have to use reusable foodware for food and beverages consumed on site.

Butterfly Lane Tuscan Sells for $2.3 Million Off the Initial Asking Price

Last week’s sales also include a Spanish hacienda on 10 acres in the Santa Ynez Valley; the 1926 Spanish Colonial in San Roque with a double-decker shed; Summerland three-bedroom on a double-wide lot; and Conejo Road contemporary for a $300,000 loss.

New Jeff Shelton Building Proposed Downtown

Plus: Summerland boutique to close; new European eyewear/apparel shop on State Street; Folly has expanded; Maker House’s handsome pop-up; Armando Ramos art exhibit.

Where in Santa Barbara…?

Know where this was shot? Prove it in the comments. (Update: The house wins!)

The 2025 Shop-Local Gift Guide, Part 1

This holiday season, let’s make an effort to spend our money here—because if we want wonderful independent shops, we need to support them. Besides, it’s fun! In this edition: Domecíl, The Daisy, Chicken Little, Italian Pottery Outlet, and Art Essentials.

The Argument Against the Paseo Nuevo Deal

Other recent news: The land under the former Nordstrom store is now excluded from the proposal; SBIFF’s downtown multiplex got named; Zoe Bikini to close; new fees and requirements possible for Santa Barbara massage therapists; adaptive reuse of an old airport hangar and two Quonset huts; an update from Edhat.

An Old West Town in Wine Country

Having only ever gone to Santa Ynez for a meal and maybe a brief stroll, I dragooned my husband into spending a night there. The 24-hour trip felt like much longer, in the best possible way.

Homes for the Holidays: A Pair of Standout Properties

Take your pick between a peaceful retreat above Rincon Point and a rare condo duplex in the Peabody School District.