Silvers Omakase Is Aiming for the Stars

The former Seven Bar & Kitchen space in the Funk Zone has been converted to a plush jewel box, the better to spotlight the cooking of chef Lennon Silvers Lee. "You’re coming for the best sushi experience you can have in the United States," promises cofounder Lisa Green.

Newsletter: February 4

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Where in Santa Barbara…?

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

Classic Santa Barbara Style at Casa Belmonte

Casa Belmonte is a beautifully redesigned and renovated home where modern design meets traditional Mediterranean elegance, and it encompasses everything the Santa Barbara lifestyle has to offer—all within five minutes of downtown, the Mesa, Shoreline Park, and the beach.

A Sweet Spread on Ortega Ridge

Noteworthy new listings also include a jazzed-up Bel Air Knolls midcentury; a pretty, sophisticated renovation in Alta Mesa; 1925 house on Chapala with a massive closet; one of the first homes in San Roque; five-star bathroom; and more.

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art Canceled an Exhibit Because It Wasn’t Diverse Enough

Other recent news: Voting underway for a downtown Community Benefit Improvement District; recapping the meeting about the Carpinteria Bluffs hotel project; the Coral Casino reopened; water damage has temporarily shuttered the Granada Theatre; the X Games are returning to Ventura; Modoc Road multi-use trail update; the Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinic’s new Westside clinic was allowed to be a bit taller. 29

What’s Next for Franceschi House?

Plus: The Romero Canyon trail has partially reopened; Lyle Lovett at the Lobero Theatre; Natalie Merchant at the Santa Barbara Bowl; Transition House bought an eight-unit apartment building; the Biltmore is seeking approval for a large slate of improvements; the work-in-progress State Street undercrossing; proposed changes at the Montecito Club and La Cumbre Country Club. 6

Newsletter: January 31

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 SOMOfunk Block in the Funk Zone Has Been Sold

The word on the street is that the new owner is leaning away from a wholesale redevelopment like SOMOfunk. 9

Striking New Contemporary Sells for $7.825 Million

Last week's sales also include 1980s Hope Ranch oceanfront; two on Eucalyptus Hill; off-market Mesa four-bedroom; Riviera house after six price cuts; Hedgerow fixer; and more. 2