March 7, 2024
News Roundup
The Deal to Transform Paseo Nuevo Is Taking Shape
Other recent news: The owner of nearly all local movie theaters declared bankruptcy; Roy Lee appears to have dislodged Das Williams; Garden Street hotel moves forward; the buyer who paid $32 million for the DeGeneres/de Rossi flip; updated FEMA flood maps expected soon; the Macy's store at La Cumbre is spared for now; Ellwood Marine Terminal to be restored to its natural state; Ellwood Mesa has reopened to the public; wind farm near Lompoc begins operations. 9
February 29, 2024
Santa Barbara Water Rates to Go Way Up
Other recent news: Proposed Garden Street hotel will only have 60 employees; Santa Barbara–based Jackpocket acquired for $750 million; a Wells Fargo branch has closed; the reinvented River Lodge motel outside Paso Robles has opened; the tree of the month; sewage spills affect Goleta Beach and Miramar Beach. 3
February 22, 2024
The Biltmore Has Finally Set a Reopening Date
Other recent news: Cruise ship visits could be limited to 20 per year; fallen palm trees at Refugio State Beach; "beer spa" could be opening here; the effort to restart ExxonMobil's oil operations; Goleta wants to reroute pedestrian bridge funds to roundabouts; rehabbing Carpinteria's Alcazar Theatre. 15
February 15, 2024
The Effort to Build a New Pedestrian Bridge Over Highway 101
Other recent news: The spectacular Pepper Hill house finally got published; Santa Barbara's new city administrator; some of the issues people have with county supervisor Das Williams; two school fields opened for after-hours use; understanding Santa Barbara’s Measure A; Carpinteria Avenue mixed-use development moves forward. 8
February 8, 2024
February 1, 2024
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
January 25, 2024
January 18, 2024
A Bunch of Big Apartment Developments Got Pushed Through a State Loophole
Other recent news: The proposed La Cumbre Plaza project includes a food hall; Santa Barbara city council made it easier for the police to get parking lot data; former professional tennis player Maria Sharapova bought in Montecito; Corot exhibit at Westmont; Leadbetter Beach Park has reopened; new 24-hour dental urgent care. 17
January 8, 2024
December 28, 2023
Zoe Saldana Bought a Classic Montecito Estate
Other recent news: Photos of last week's storm and its aftermath; West Beach closed due to sewage spill; county to consider limits on roosters; effort to restore reef habitats; northbound Gaviota Rest Area open for real; Santa Ynez couple arrested for attack on the U.S. Capitol. 13
Recent Comments
Hold up… $525,000 for Whiskey Richards as a freakin sublease?? And my friend said the rent is going up from where its at now??? No… — Garrett
Surprisingly that corner is a busy spot. Used to be the Visitor Center for many years until moved to State Street. The SB Trolley Tours… — Mary
The house didn't sell for the asking price. The dropped it 250k (1 /4 million). Even the new price seems very high. — rds
The stone building at 1 Garden street has always been a favorite. Before it was here it was next to Rare Society on State street.… — Dan O. Seibert
Milios looks very promising cant wait to give it a try! — Don
The bell and the signage is gone. That doesn't give much confidence that this classic-shape Taco Bell will look much the same after a remodel.… — apzer
I thought Blackbird was a pretty good restaurant overall. This new incarnation is not something I would be interested in trying. There are too many… — Giovanni Sammartino