October 16, 2025
News Roundup
Paseo Nuevo Redevelopment Hits a Roadblock
Other recent news: Update on the apartment complex behind the Mission; SpaceX launches likely to increase; cannabis taxes continue to disappoint; converting downtown commercial buildings to residential got easier; new Santa Barbara Police Department headquarters delayed; rent stabilization ordinance faulted for lack of transparency; Lower Tunnel Trail reopened. 9
October 9, 2025
October 2, 2025
A Better Look at the Redevelopment of Paseo Nuevo
Other recent news: The county may make it possible to build bigger; Sable Offshore wants to install a facility in federal waters and transport oil by barge; remembering writer Ashleigh Brilliant; estimate for reopening Highway 1 in Big Sur; the tree of the month is the African tulip tree. 14
September 25, 2025
An Update on the Bucket Brigade’s Montecito Sidewalks
Other recent news: The Santa Claus Lane makeover includes a single railroad crossing; a setback for Sable Offshore; 59-unit housing development could be in the works for Calle Real; UC Santa Barbara has leased 105,000 square feet on Los Carneros Drive. 8
September 18, 2025
Indoor Pickleball Chain Has Plans to Open in Goleta
Other recent news: Update on the bill to stymie the development behind the Mission; Dos Pueblos Ranch has a buyer; Jensen Guitar & Music to close; new hotel in an unwieldy location; downtown Ventura zone will remain off-limits to cars; California considering strict defensible space rules. 10
September 11, 2025
State Legislative Move Could Block the Development Behind the Mission
Other recent news: Downtown parking lots may shift to "pay-on-foot" model; possible redesign of the Earl Warren Showgrounds; 956-unit Noleta complex to start construction; new pedestrian signal on Las Positas Road; Santa Barbara offering rebates for lawn replacement. 10
September 4, 2025
August 28, 2025
A Record Number of Students at UCSB
Other recent news: Staircase marketing at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art; city might buy Cacique Street homeless center; Tecolote Bookshop celebrates its 100th anniversary; ship simulator at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum; Metrolink service from Ventura County delayed; possible alien invasion. 13
August 21, 2025
August 14, 2025
City Council Approves 90-Unit Apartment Complex on Milpas Street
Other recent news: Library plaza picnic tables nixed; Gifford Fire update (and why the smoke hasn't been a problem here); developer slams city council; 24/7 cannabis operation denied; single-seat ultralight aircraft demo in Carpinteria. 8
Burning Questions
- Why Are the Railroad Tracks Being Expanded Along Padaro Lane?
- Will You Explain the Plan to Adapt the Waterfront for Climate Change?
- Why Did the Rosewood Miramar Beach Install Gates?
- How Long Will This Big Pipe Be at East Beach?
- Is Cabrillo Boulevard Going to Be Widened Under Highway 101?
- Was There a Fisherman Inn in Downtown Santa Barbara?
- What Are Those Old Buildings at the Corner of Castillo and Montecito Streets?
Recent Comments
Very interesting. If Yardi is paying anywhere near $120M + $35M + $5.7M for almost 250k empty square feet, this is going to take a… — NuemanJ
I think some folks who would consider this is a windfall for Yardi may be overlooking two things: 1)The cost to Yardi to buyout AB's… — StanThompson
Just realizing I did not address your first point. The buildings on the property have been up for sale, and their value is also depressed… — SBradley
I think that the city's representation of this land as having ‘zero value’ is confusing because it sums together the value of 2 distinct things… — SBradley
No idea whether this is a good deal for Yardi or not. Paseo Nuevo has been available for sale since 2020 with no buyers -… — NuemanJ
I wish this same logic worked for Thrifty ice cream! According to the BLS inflation calculator, something that cost 5 cents in 1970 should cost… — Doug B
I'm unclear how bike lanes are related to maga. For that matter please explain how freeways and rail lines are remotely maga in a state… — Bettye Jones
Worth knowing about the Paseo Nuevo deal: the city is skipping the required competitive bidding process for this public land transfer by using the state-approved… — SBradley
This write up is such a biased take that sides with a handful of people. I imagine the people groaning about this project have a… — Yesenia G.
And if the anti's are worried about pollution, the answer is obvious. Electrify the entire LOSSAN Corridor. Cleaner, quieter, and allows for faster trains. And… — Judy's Older Brother