••• In the Funk Zone, a boutique called Snack (above left) is opening at 122 Gray Avenue on August 16, with a party from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Brands on offer include Abysse Official, Bali Tailor, Brue Eyewear, Cou Cou, Her the Label, Hosjberg, Kat the Label, Lu Goldie, Maison Essential, Nagnata, Resume, Saint Valentine, Ziah, and Zulu & Zephyr.
••• And Malibu-based knitwear brand 27 Miles (above right) is opening at 1137 Coast Village Road, most recently Legacy. It will sell both women’s and men’s apparel.
••• I was surprised to see an item on the county Planning Commission’s agenda about “a proposed change of operational hours to 24 hours/day, 7 days/week for cannabis cultivation and processing” at Valley Crest Farms (5980 Casitas Pass Road) in Carpinteria. The Planning and Development Department director’s approval is being appealed by residents who are understandably alarmed at the prospect of a 24-7 cannabis operation in their midst. (Valley Crest is already the defendant in a class-action lawsuit over the stench it produces.) Is there a precedent for 24-hour agricultural operations in the county? Surely the previously approved hours of 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. are enough, particularly in an area that includes many residential properties. If I lived near any cannabis operation, I’d email an objection (by noon on Monday) to [email protected].
••• Planned Parenthood’s annual book sale is September 11-21.
••• A feature-length documentary is being made about the tragic fire on the MV Conception.
••• The Santa Barbara Police Department and Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office occasionally issue press releases announcing the names of suspects they have apprehended, which has always struck me as ill-advised, because what if the suspects turn out to be innocent? Their reputation is ruined, with no due process whatsoever. The excellent HBO Max documentary about Paul Reubens (creator of Pee-wee Herman), who was smeared with untrue allegations, really drove the point home. A famous person is an extreme example, but the potential for damage is the same, and I just don’t see what is gained by identifying suspects.
••• The San Ysidro Ranch‘s botanical garden, at the north end of the property, continues to make progress. White outlines would seem to indicate paths; in the second photo, you can see a bench overlooking the creek; and judging from the third photo, many rocks will be deployed.
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Hello, I see the Biltmore reopening has been pushed to 2026. I contacted them to inquire about an event I wanted to book for April and was told an April opening is not guaranteed. This seems to be taking an inordinate amount of time. Any insights?
Thank you,
Debbie