California Is Discouraging Gatherings of 250 or More People

Other local news: UC Santa Barbara has moved to online classes through April at least; Santa Barbara City College has switched some classes to online; second COVID-19 case in Ventura County; Earth Day event postponed; SLO farmer's market canceled; gang members convicted of post–debris flow crimes, including a Montecito home invasion; bad behavior on the rise in area schools.

What Are Those Poles in the Ocean Near the Ritz-Carlton Bacara?

"During lunch at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, I spotted these four columns just offshore. I only recently moved here, and maybe this is obvious to people who've lived here longer, but what are they?" —A. 2

Newsletter: March 12

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Cielito Spec Renovation Mostly Done Right

Highlights of this weekend's open-house lineup: French-inspired architecture in Montecito's Golden Quadrangle; widescreen mountain views off San Antonio Creek Road; and two old gems that are a hoot to explore.

Five Percent Increase in Santa Barbara County’s Homeless Population

Plus: Two high-end rentals, one with a helistop and an Airstream trailer; the county keeps sending out Spanish-language alerts; new book on everyday homesteading from Heritage Goods & Supply; three recent sales of note.

Santa Barbara Is Asking Cruise Lines to Stay Away

Other recent news: Laura Capps conceded to Das Williams; fire near Highway 154; new video-streaming service at Goleta Valley Library.

Oceanfront in Hope Ranch With a Private Path to the Beach

The property at 4305 Marina Drive has been priced as high as $35 million and sold for as low as $17 million. Now it's back on the market for $27.5 million.

A Pair of Japanese Pop-Ups

Yakitori from the Coterie Club and ramen at the Santa Barbara Wine Collective. More food news: Specials at various restaurants will honor Julia and Paul Child; Egg McMuffin invented in Santa Barbara; Choppa Rolling Ice Cream closed; M. Special taproom forecast; Scarlett Begonia's move around the corner; bar opening on Figueroa.

Newsletter: March 9

The twice-weekly 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.

All the Latest Local Coronavirus Updates

A Grand Princess passenger in Ventura County tested positive; the ship is scheduled to visit Santa Barbara on March 24; why the city resists banning cruise ships; no cases reported in Santa Barbara County; smaller stores more likely to have supplies; giraffe and leopard being transferred to other zoos.