••• On March 13 (online) and 16 (in person), Santa Barbara’s Public Works Department will host two meetings about “Castillo Street Undercrossing Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility Improvements.” You know, the intersection that’s always wet.
We heard from the community in 2022 to investigate elevating the bike lanes to sidewalk level within the undercrossing to get the cyclists out of the roadway which has been plagued with standing water due to the high ground level water table that has penetrated through sections of the undercrossing’s slab. After further coordination with Caltrans, the City is able to propose multiuse paths in the undercrossing. Please join us to see the latest proposed improvements including multiuse paths, separated bike paths, street trees to provide sidewalk separation, new lighting facilities, sidewalk widening and repair, and changing the 400 block of Bath Street to a one-way street.
••• SB Funk Zone Live is a new effort to create a monthly event along the lines of First Thursdays: “Celebrating art, music, wine, and dining, the Funk Zone will open its doors late from 5-8 p.m. [and] each registered venue will have an art element included; nonart venues are asked to feature a local artist, band, or poet. SB Funk Zone Live series dates are March 29, May 31, July 26, September 27, and December 6.”
••• The First Republic bank branch at State and Anapamu will close on May 24. I also hear that Chase (which acquired First Republic, or what was left of it, last year) recently renewed the lease on the First Republic space, with the intention of turning into a Chase Private Bank branch (versus the normal Chase branch a block away at State and Victoria).
••• In Los Olivos, the dirt-road block of Jonata Street between Nojoqui Avenue and Grand Avenue finally got paved.
••• No one guessed last week’s Where in Santa Barbara…? It’s 939 State Street, at the corner of Carrillo.
••• Christian singer-songwriter Lauren Daigle plays the Santa Barbara Bowl on August 28.
••• I thought this was interesting….
Have you noticed the curb cuts that have been integrated into recent City of Santa Barbara Public Works projects?
Curb cuts redirect rain into a roadside planter (or bioswale), where it can be retained and infiltrated, preventing it from carrying pollution into nearby creeks. pic.twitter.com/MJe71fq9il— City of Santa Barbara Creeks Division (@SBCreeks) February 28, 2024
••• Mate Gallery‘s new shop at the Montecito Country Mart—it’s between Panino and Orlebar Brown—has opened, and it feels great. Not just because it’s bigger, but also because owners Matt Albiani and Ron Brand have given the space real personality. You’ll find more of everything, including old favorites and lots of new stuff. Go check it out.
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Best BBQ at 716 State Street reflects the establishments name. The tri tip sandwich was medium rare, piled high and very satisfying. I’ll be back.