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
Any news on Lucky Hen Larder?? — Christine!
Yes I did mention that, and it gives me no pleasure to report the trees on State & Mason have declined further. They are holding… — Dan O. Seibert
So, has anyone actually visited Beau, the "story telling bar"? Ironically, their website and entire copy seems to be written by AI, a far cry… — Bill
I love the Canary Island date palm. It’s such a stately and elegant tree. I inquired as to why they were being replaced with method… — BW
I think you are referring to the Tatum project, 106 affordable units with priority for SBUSD employees, they broke ground back in July 2026. A… — Rich
I spend many days a week for my walk along the beachfront in front of the Biltmore. I still love the area but as do… — Maryanne Brillhart
Yes " The Biltmore was such an iconic and beautiful property ". The new palapa " tiki " look is totally out of place.... Disneyland… — JC