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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Brick and Mortar establishments pay a lot in this city to follow all of the rules, pop ups should be taxed at double/ triple the… — Greg
Pretty sure? — Don
It's about time and way overdue......block her please! — JM
Erik for the win! Thank you!!!! — Dave
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you are clearly the one that is misinformed. Tell me where they refrigerate their meat to meet code? Tell me where their hot water stations… — jimbo
Stica’s lasagna looks delicious! Always helpful to know about high quality To-Go catering options. Time, energy and cost of shopping, cooking, and managing dinners are… — Nina M.
Based on your repeated comments here, it seems you are confused on the subject matter- perhaps figure out what the subject at hand is....Permitted food… — christine!
Did the Saladino house sell furnished? I presume many of the pieces in the house are original to the property - or are these old… — Paul
City staff has said otherwise if you've ever attended any meetings on the subject. Grand Jury agreed https://www.independent.com/2025/07/01/santa-barbara-grand-jury-calls-for-stronger-enforcement-of-street-vendors/ Members of the jury visited food trucks… — Jefferson A.