
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
That offramp closure is absolutely nuts. It's for 8 months ??? — MB
Has Sandpiper made any progress in getting approvals and support needed for the renovation? I saw an ad in the Independent that days “coming soon”,… — Pete
I am not Mexican nor a farm worker and I’m still insured by that comment. Wow… just wow. Roy — Roy
Yes, it closes June 29, as mentioned here: https://www.sitelinesb.com/county-to-consider-building-more-workforce-housing/ — Erik Torkells
The Rite aid on Fairview is also apparently closing, according to signs posted around the shopping center — Ryan
The court house has a ton of those kind of paintings. Just guessing now… — Zeljko
I love the third window avocado jalapeño smashburger and it’s a fun scene to bring kids and/or grandkids. — AFC
The site is owned and run by someone who leans liberal (as I do) and I’m not sure what the exclamation point person gets out… — AFC
Up your butt with a rubber duck as my Uncle sam would say! : - ) — Christine!
The Sando Truck will be in the parking lot. — Erik Torkells