Unprecedented Number of State Street Retail Vacancies

Other recent news: The county hints that it might start allowing people 65 and up to get vaccinated; mural debate stops Ortega Park from getting renovated; city council member Eric Friedman to run for re-election; what's up with the old Army Reserve property at Las Positas and State Street; proposed charter school for "community-oriented, outdoor learning."

The State Street Undercrossing is Getting a Jeff Shelton Makeover

While the main impetus for the change is safety—the sidewalks and bike lanes will be dramatically widened—architect Jeff Shelton's signature use of color and pattern might just turn the undercrossing into a destination. Take a first look at the renderings. 1

A New Home Design Store on State Street

Plus: Jewelry chain coming to Coast Village Road; Edith Caldwell Abode is closing soon; a thorough Covid-19 update from Sansum's medical director; Scorpion Anchorage has reopened; Saturday Night Live's very funny Zillow ad.

An Intriguing New Addition to State Street

More food news: $10,000 grants for small independent restaurants; meadery opening downtown; a steakhouse is opening in Solvang; Coastal Coffee Collective takes on instant coffee.

Newsletter: February 7

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This Hedgerow Seller Played the Market Like a Fiddle

Notable closings also include a Park Lane flip for a tasty profit; Hope Ranch teardown on five acres; fast sales over ask on the Mesa and in the Hedgerow; and a slew in the twos. Plus: several off-market sales from the past month or so.

A Bike Shop Is Opening on Coast Village Road

Plus: Imminent soft opening of Idyll Mercantile's plants-and-more shop; upcoming open-air market at Folly on Santa Claus Lane; how to foster a beehive; the Santa Barbara International Film Festival anoints eight new award winners.

Miniature Dioramas of Santa Barbara Dive Bars

More food news: South Coast Deli is opening in San Roque; the Blue Owl is under new ownership; rumors of a new Mesa ice cream shop; Mackenzie Market and Yanni's Greek & American Deli have reportedly closed; Rancho San Julian's Elizabeth Poett has a new TV show; Clevr's "instant superlattes"; lunch at La Paloma Cafe; the appealing Frontside Cafe in Ventura. 1

20,000 Honeybees Colonize State Street Office Closed for Covid-19

Other recent news: Recent rainfall did little to help fill reservoirs; city council approved Sea Level Rise Adaption Plan and bikeshare expansion to the Waterfront; 23 miles of Highway 1 closed for months; the Inn at Zaca Creek is open; furniture maker John Spivey; fighter jets training over the Central Coast.

The Haley Corridor Is Keeping It Real

When I mentioned to some friends that I was going to explore the Haley Corridor on foot, they laughed in that knock-yourself-out way. But I loved it: the area feels like a backstage counterpoint to the show over on State Street. 2