The Restaurants Slated to Open in Coming Months

More food news and notes: Flor de Maiz's menu is now online (including happy-hour options); Blackbird's shift to Bar Blackbird appears not to be happening; how to make salted nuts; an easy way to feed houseguests.

What’s Next for Montecito’s Triangular Vacant Lot

Other recent news: An oceanfront patio in Isla Vista collapsed into the ocean; tornado touched down in Ventura on Christmas; firefighters rescued an injured paraglider; enhancements at the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network.

Newsletter: December 30

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.

More Details About Corner Tap Room, Opening on the Mesa

Other food news: Profiles of Merci Montecito and Forno Classico, which makes pizza ovens; Yume Sushi has a new name and location; Dave's Dogs Grill has a new outpost on Milpas.

Highway 101 to Remain Clogged with Traffic Because of I-5 Closure

Plus: Everything is half off at Botanik in Summerland; the beautiful 1937 Chester Carjola house on Pepper Lane has sold; a talk about India's amazing stepwells at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.

The Battle Over Access to Hollister Ranch Beaches

More local news: Photos from the recent drone show in Solvang; New York Times travel columnist visits Santa Barbara, declares it "almost too pleasant"; a good Samaritan left scarves in Chase Palm Park; Goleta massively misbudgets for new sidewalks.

This Is What a $100,000 Rental Looks Like

Plus: The stars are coming out for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival; Oscar-shortlisted documentaries being screened at the Riviera Theatre; San Ysidro roundabout meeting; new Goleta space for Coast Supply Co.

Brainstorming New Locations for the Saturday Farmers’ Market

More local news: Two mountain lions spotted along Arroyo Burro Trail; Santa Barbara County to raise prices for annual park passes; Montecito Sanitary District's new building makes progress. 1

Newsletter: December 23

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.

Montecito’s Prestigious Picacho Lane

When you slow down for a stroll, you see so much more. In this installment: Picacho Lane, one of the most desirable streets in Montecito. 2