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.
·················
·················
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.
·················
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.
·················
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.
·················
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.
·················
Please forward this to anyone who might enjoy it. Click here to subscribe.
·················
Recent Comments
Interesting. Where are those two things different? — Instant Alligator
Sounds to me like we have a problem with the voters. How do you solve that? From what I understand, the largest voting group are… — Instant Alligator
Good! — Roger
Chinese Lantern Tree is so invasive and messy, its a bad street tree. Certainly be a beautiful tree in the landscaping, but it has its… — TINA
My parents cut down their Chinese Lantern tree over 30 years ago, and I still marvel at all the shoots the old root system still… — Heidi
Well- why not give the Chumash the Channel and let them operate Sable? Bring out the money making machines! I’m positive they would find a… — Christine!
Right, I was excited about that. — Vic
The grocery store "compostable" bags are awful and take a very long time to actually degrade. Suggestions: 1. Take your own bags to the Farmer's… — Pat
No and no.... — Erik Torkells
FOLLY is one of the most adorable shops in Santa Barbara and the owner Alyssa is darling! A fantastic place for gifts! — C