BURNING QUESTION: WHY IS FRANCESCHI HOUSE IN A HOLDING PATTERN?
“My fiancée and I think that it would be wonderful to see Franceschi House restored,” emailed N., “but it seems that efforts over the last 20 years have been unsuccessful. We’d love to understand in more detail what has caused the house to get stuck.” Here’s where the project stands now.
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FOOD STUFF
••• Innovative food concept to open on State Street (above).
••• Jeanine’s outpost in La Arcada has closed.
••• La Paloma is now serving lunch.
••• Chicken-wing chain opening at La Cumbre.
••• Panera Bread closed.
••• Bell’s confirmed its expansion into the vacant lot next door.
••• Mosby Vineyard and Winery is for sale.
→ Read the post.
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ODDS & ENDS
••• Changes coming to the area around Stearns Wharf.
••• Abercrombie & Fitch on State Street is closing, to be replaced by Hollister.
••• Aquarium shop opening in Montecito.
••• One of Santa Barbara’s two Game Stop stores is closing.
••• New Montecito bridge almost completed.
→ Read the post.
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HOT PROPERTY
The residential market remains on fire, with another $75 million in real estate changing hands last week (and that’s just the properties over $2 million). Notable sales included Hope Ranch oceanfront for $25 million, a midcentury fixer that sold for $1 million over the listing price, a Birnam Wood chateau, the Park Lane conundrum, and many more. See what sold and for how much.
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NEWS ROUNDUP
••• Santa Barbara’s electric bikes should be rentable within weeks.
••• Who’ll get vaccinated after healthcare workers.
••• The buyer of Ellen DeGeneres’s East Valley Road house.
••• A new group hopes to revitalize downtown.
••• The Pea Soup Andersen’s building in Buellton is for sale.
••• Democratic Party of Santa Barbara County chair will step down.
••• School district votes to pause failing grades.
••• The tree of the month.
→ Read the post.
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Recent Comments
Not sure about the fire insurance costs at Park Lane, but Ingrid in Casablanca in the Home Theater? Winner! — Judy's Older Brother
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Thats's a quirky area. Used to live up there. Monte Vista School is on Hope and Hope school on La Colina. — Don
It's more complicated than that. From the report by the county Auditor-Controller’s Office: “A recurring pattern was identified in which sheriff employees used leave balances… — Erik Torkells
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The majority of city council just wants to throw a band-aid on a gunshot wound and kick the actual fixes down the road. — Jeff
Why would anyone want to put money into housing right now in the City when the powers that be want to limit what a landlord… — JMac805
That church should've been housing. Can't imagine anyone living around there would want a hotel — apzer
Speaking of Tondi: I miss those gelatos especially his vegan fruit flavors but more than that I miss the friendly and talented owner. Does anyone… — Rick Perkins
So great to see the Brewhouse adding the coffee shop in the secondary bar area! What a cute place and a nice complement to the… — Emma