••• Artist Cassandria Blackmore is relocating her gallery from 1275 Coast Village Road to a private space open by appointment. No word yet on what might take its place, but given the way things are trending, I wouldn’t be surprised if another national chain rolls in.
••• To wit, the word on the metaphorical street is that Free People will leave State Street for the former Montecito Athletic Club space at 40 Los Patos Way. (It’s part of The Post, although it doesn’t look like it.) This remains unconfirmed: while a staffer at the store confirmed that a move is imminent, she couldn’t say to where; the media relations department at parent company Urban Outfitters ignored an inquiry.
••• The agenda for tomorrow’s meeting of the Historic Landmarks Commission has a few interesting items. First, the Montecito Club would like to tear down [UPDATE: possibly just part of, according to a commenter] 1045 Summit Road, a Spanish Revival and Moorish Revival house built in 1918 and apparently not used for much in a long time. It’s on a separate 2.97-acre parcel that got sold to the club’s owner in 1959 (and with the club when it changed hands in 1973 and 2004). What owner Ty Warner wants to do with the property is anyone’s guess.
••• Second, the Santa Barbara Public Library is hoping to install furniture on the new plaza outside the Central Library. I don’t know about the style and color…. The backup option is turquoise.
••• And third—this is on the consent agenda, which is worrisome—the forthcoming Ghirardelli Chocolate Company shop at 509 State Street is proposing to put giant mosaics of sundaes on the side walls of the front terrace.
••• The recent revamp of the Ritz-Carlton Bacara brings with it the unwelcome news, says L., that the $201 facial-or-massage offer for locals (Sunday through Thursday) is no longer being offered. Meanwhile, a 50-minute massage now costs $336, which includes a “16% Staff Charge and 6% House Charge.” What, you may ask, does that mean? “The entire Staff Charge is distributed to service personnel; the House Charge is retained by the Hotel to cover administrative, non-labor costs and is not a tip, gratuity, or service charge for employees.” And “all prices and charges are subject to applicable taxes, currently 8.75%.” So if you tip 20%, a 50-minute massage will end up costing around $436. UPDATE 7/31: “We have relaunched our local’s spa promotion through October 31, 2025,” says a spa rep. “50-minute relaxation massage, 50-minute stress relief, or 50-minute custom facial: $202; signature manicure and signature pedicure package: $243.” It’s valid Sunday through Thursday.
••• Returning to the Riviera Theatre August 1-3: the Cat Video Fest, which is just what it sounds like. It’s also at the Ojai Playhouse on August 2, where I’m sorry to say you’ve missed the chance to see Oh, Hi in Ojai. (Update: All is not lost, as Oh, Hi plays at the Ojai Playhouse again on August 1.)
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Ty Warner wanting to tear down a historic house is par for the course. I was hoping for furniture at the library but something in the shade and tables/chairs would be more conducive to reading than a picnic bench in the sun. Lastly, the Ghirardelli mosiacs are ghastly. I’ll be interested to see the outcome from the Historic Landmarks Commission.
Dear Elizabeth W: as is usually the case, Siteline gave out wrong information. The residence is planned to be completely restored to its former glory. One section is structurally comprised and will be removed in order to replace with a bedroom and deck.
This is verbatim from the Historic Landmarks Commission agenda: “(Review of a Phase 1 Historic Resource Report for a Spanish Colonial Revival/Moorish Revival style residence and sandstone retaining wall built in 1918. The historic evaluation is required due to a proposal for demolition.)” Perhaps that only refers to one section of the house, but you can certainly see how one might misread it. As for the broader attack, my goal is to be accurate, and as such, I appreciate being corrected. I would much prefer to be accurate from the start, but the Warner organization has always refused to comment, so I no longer bother asking. If there’s an opportunity for better communication, please just let me know.
I’m noticing that lately there has been a change in tone to the comments skewing nastier and negative here on Siteline. For me, that tone is completely against why most of us are here. This is a fun, smart, and hyperlocal site that is very much appreciated.
100% We love Siteline!
Agreed. We have Nextdoor and Edhat for that crap, let’s keep Siteline sane and civil.
Also agree. Siteline without the meanness!
I agree 110% . Kindness, please. Siteline is a treasure.
You what would be perfect for the sterile new library plaza? A public ping pong table!
Yes!
By the time the SB Biltmore opens, it would have been closed for a decade. Hard to believe this was permitted by the County, let alone the indicator about TW’s mental health.