BURNING QUESTION: WHY IS FRANCESCHI HOUSE IN A HOLDING PATTERN?
“My fiancée and I think that it would be wonderful to see Franceschi House restored,” emailed N., “but it seems that efforts over the last 20 years have been unsuccessful. We’d love to understand in more detail what has caused the house to get stuck.” Here’s where the project stands now.
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FOOD STUFF
••• Innovative food concept to open on State Street (above).
••• Jeanine’s outpost in La Arcada has closed.
••• La Paloma is now serving lunch.
••• Chicken-wing chain opening at La Cumbre.
••• Panera Bread closed.
••• Bell’s confirmed its expansion into the vacant lot next door.
••• Mosby Vineyard and Winery is for sale.
→ Read the post.
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ODDS & ENDS
••• Changes coming to the area around Stearns Wharf.
••• Abercrombie & Fitch on State Street is closing, to be replaced by Hollister.
••• Aquarium shop opening in Montecito.
••• One of Santa Barbara’s two Game Stop stores is closing.
••• New Montecito bridge almost completed.
→ Read the post.
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HOT PROPERTY
The residential market remains on fire, with another $75 million in real estate changing hands last week (and that’s just the properties over $2 million). Notable sales included Hope Ranch oceanfront for $25 million, a midcentury fixer that sold for $1 million over the listing price, a Birnam Wood chateau, the Park Lane conundrum, and many more. See what sold and for how much.
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NEWS ROUNDUP
••• Santa Barbara’s electric bikes should be rentable within weeks.
••• Who’ll get vaccinated after healthcare workers.
••• The buyer of Ellen DeGeneres’s East Valley Road house.
••• A new group hopes to revitalize downtown.
••• The Pea Soup Andersen’s building in Buellton is for sale.
••• Democratic Party of Santa Barbara County chair will step down.
••• School district votes to pause failing grades.
••• The tree of the month.
→ Read the post.
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Recent Comments
The residents surrounding Elings should be more concerned about the salaries of the staff and how little is actually spent running the park and enriching… — Spank
I so agree with you—it was so tacky. He did the same thing to the once-charming Plow and Angel—early 20th century bordello style for both… — Anne
The two kitchen island trend is so weird. It never looks good and always looks like a glitch in the simulation. — BW
Perhaps I should have been more clear. It doesn’t bother me in the least that you (and others) don’t like going to State Street. To… — Doug B
Speaking from Austin, TX. We had an invasion of red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) about 50 years ago. They built mounds in lawns and… — Wastrel
Sam, you nailed it, I hope more residents of SB read or hear about this before the city council. I just watched "Newsmakers with JR"… — Dan O.
Stupid question, but will the consultants be paid from the withhold wages of the city stuff who were hired to do that job in first… — ZM
I wish I could upvote or like this! Funny, sad, and too much truth in it. — BW
Erik, thank you for being the only member of the media to point out that the precise location where the scary imported fire ants have… — Master Gardener
While tourism remains Santa Barbara's largest industry, what many people don't know is that writing studies and reports for the city is now #2, and… — SkyG