Letter Perfect Is Being Sold After 38 Years

Plus: Solar panels proposed for somewhere above the Santa Barbara Bowl; the design of a standardized plaque for historic landmarks and structures of merit; the Hotel Indigo sold; opening date for "children's fitness center" My Gym; a show of landscapes at Mollusk; the answer to last week's "Where in Santa Barbara...?"

A Restaurant Called “We Want the Funk” Is Opening in the Funk Zone

More food news: Trader Joe's is considering a second Goleta store; the 5% fee that the Cruisery tacks onto bills; Embermill has closed; Wingman Rodeo closed one location but opened inside another establishment; Goleta Coffee Company is closing; Goodland Dining appears to be closed; more on the forthcoming Goodland BBQ; opening date for Peasants Deli in Solvang; Middle Eastern food at a Santa Ynez pool hall. 5

The 28 Restaurants Expected to Open This Year

These are just the ones we know about—there are undoubtedly even more in the works. Plus: Exciting things for 2023 and beyond. 9

Newsletter: January 16

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Frequency Wine Company Has Upgraded to a Great New Space

More food news: Has Embermill closed?; Lilac Patisserie is expanding in a big way; soul food is coming to Lower State; Your Choice's off-menu pop-up is today; Costa Kitchen & Bar has closed for a month; the city is making two dozen State Street restaurants shrink their parklets to allow emergency vehicles to pass; the rebranded Jimboz Lounge reopened; Taqueria Santa Barbara is now serving breakfast. 3

Where in Santa Barbara…?

Know where this was shot? Prove it in the comments. 4

The Cool Midcentury-Style House Overlooking Hendry’s Beach

Noteworthy new listings also include the childhood home of supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid; a Campanil "diamond in the rough"; a Hidden Valley Lane compound; a Hedgerow house for someone who can hold it; 1970s insouciance in Alta Mesa; an 1887 Upper East house in need of everything; the last vacant lot in Birnam Wood; and more.

Should This Block of State Street Be Closed to Cars?

Other recent news: Carpinterians will get to vote about the proposed Surfliner Inn; new candidates for the state assembly; UCSB will let professors decide whether to teach in person, while SBCC is going remote; vigilante trail closure; trapeze school likely to remain in Vera Cruz Park; Santa Barbara County moves forward on buying a Goleta motel for the homeless; UFOs appear to be drawn to the Channel Islands.

A New Tenant for the Sears Building at La Cumbre Plaza

Plus: A peek inside the roller rink opening on State Street; the Magic Castle Cabaret space is said to be getting a new chapter; Hueneme Supply Co. is moving into the old Tent Merchant compound; updates on Highway 101's Sheffield ramps; recycling centers have reopened; major price cut on Ortega Ridge; good housepeeking at a historic $95,000-per-month rental. 1

A “Retro-Swanky” Steakhouse Is Opening in the Funk Zone

Inspired by Vegas steakhouses of yore, the San Diego–based Rare Society restaurants feature tufted-leather booths, seafood towers, and steaks grilled over an open flame.