A Coordinated Effort to Improve Downtown Santa Barbara

Plus: A visit to the magical Rose Story Farm; the Las Aves complex claims another building; upcoming productions of "The Nutcracker" and "A Christmas Carol"; Anacapa Island to reopen for day use and overnight camping; mysterious transaction of a State Street building.

L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele Opens Today

More food news: The spiffy new Brass Bird café in Carpinteria; Handlebar has abandoned its plan for a Milpas outpost; La Lieff Wines tasting room in the Funk Zone is open; several 7-Eleven stores are said to be closing; addictive candy from Santa Barbara Pistachio Company. 27

Newsletter: November 9

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The Return of the Black Sheep

Just a few months after closing his original Black Sheep, Ruben Perez is partnering with chef Jake Reimer on a new incarnation in the former Venus in Furs space.

Montecito Mansion With Observation Tower Sells for $11.5 Million

Last week's sales also include the zealously decorated one in Upper San Roque; 41 acres with two houses off Highway 154; Bel Air Knolls midcentury; and more

The Neighborhood Bar Has Closed

More food news: Checking out the Mesa's new ice cream shop; Loquita's newish chef; the Organic Soup Kitchen retail counter; L.A. chefs popping up in Los Olivos, Lompoc, and New Cuyama; jazz trio at Revolver; Juice Ranch's Solvang outpost aims to soft-open this week. 11

A Huge Probation Office Is Proposed for Downtown

Plus: An itty-bitty hotel in the Funk Zone; Leadbetter Beach restroom to get refurbished; a survey about the State Street Promenade; the makeover of the Vons Montecito is said to finally be on; Alameda Park gazebo renovation; new show at My Pet Ram gallery. 1

Newsletter: November 6

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.

The Battle of the Biltmore Rages On

Other recent news: County supervisors approve Modoc Road trail plan; the Catherine Gee boutique moved to State Street; more on the recent transaction involving Tri-County Produce; federal judge rules against Santa Barbara’s "sit-lie" ordinance; paltry midterm voting so far.

Where in Santa Barbara…?

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