Amen. The lack of cars is not the cause of the change that started back in the 2010s and really games during Covid. Small retail is dead unless there is a critical mass of residence living within a couple blocks.
The reality is that what we need from our small town central areas is entirely different from what it had been historically. We don’t need to shop for day-to-day things, we need food and entertainment. That’s where the best areas of State Street and the fun zone really shine, they’re providing that. The tourists love it too is a plus and not a minus.
Also, would they just hurry up and open that Lama Dog and Sama Sama already? I’m dying of waiting.
I agree Nathan. Zero privacy. Zero curb appeal. The inside doesn't flow. On the upside it has defensible space in case of a fire!
Happy to see this area being reimagined. My question is WHEN is the proposed opening date?
I walked past 2401 Medcliff many times while it was being reborn as one of the worst properties on the Mesa. I’ve never been inside, but that landscaping was the sour cherry on top. Not only is it hideous, but imagine the hassle a future owner will face should they wish to change it (given the number of dump trucks required to haul away that much weight in river rock).
correction: 400 block, not 300
Just spent time in Noe Valley, Walnut Creek and Lafayette. Busy on sidewalks, restaurants, shops all while having cars on street. It was amazing to compare it to the mess on state street downtown. Santa Barbara is failing
Cars weren’t the magical solution when State street faced these exact same issues prior to the closure to cars. Article from 2018:
https://www.independent.com/2018/07/26/fight-state-street/?amp=1
Cars apparently aren’t the solution for the 300 block which is open to cars, but is the worst block by far
Cars don’t improve access, since all the parking lots are accessed by roads currently open. Better visibility won’t make us suddenly want to go to the sock and hat store, Banana republic, Gap, etc. We all know what’s there. We all have smart phones.
Cars won’t reverse the global trend of e-commerce, and how successful retail is now centered around food/drinks, entertainment, and outdoor spaces. That’s what makes the funk zone stand out, and thats why Satellite and Wylde works are some of the best spots on State. And that’s the goal of the state street promenade, but it’s been a half- attempt.
Our mayor’s constant war against outdoor dining, food trucks, parkets, the promenade, etc is making this goal fail. His obsession with cars is a distraction, holding state street back, and preventing real solutions. In fact, he’s making it worse. It was so nice when there was more outdoor dining at the Daisy, Sama Sama, Bouchon, and Public Market.. but cars ruined that
But as Sky G pointed out, it’s really a zero sum game until more housing is added near State.
The State Street comment is accurate. It's a shame the landlords of Santa Barbara are evil and will not make State Street an affordable place to do business. Is it true that a lot of State Street buildings are owned by foreigners - specifically Saudi Arabia?
Further to this, don't forget about Dutch Gardens and Goodland Wines further up on State Street which pulls a huge crowds everyday they are open!
A lovely dissertation on State Street with a lot of truth except for one point, reopening to cars is essential to State Streets success.
Visibility and access are everything to business and limiting it to bikes and foot traffic will never work.
It will continue to be a disaster.
Well said and completely agree.
No, but thanks for guessing!
The city parking entrance off Carrillo behind Marshals ????
Would really love to see some more reasonably priced (not cheap and poorly made - we have plenty of those in our town, mid range please - e.g.. Club Monaco ) clothing/shoes/accessories stores and for love of God please let's not be afraid to get stores that sell clothing with color. Getting bored and very tired of bland colors schemes and their monochromatic looks.
Glad to see this area getting attention
Too bad State Street is now the red headed step-daughter .
Hopefully someday a ray of light will inspire our Council to take the binders off our historic center
Dave was a great guy and loved the restaurant. Glad I got to know him. They have bocce leagues on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and 8 teams a night play. Really unique and very fun. Hopefully that will continue under new owners. It’s a real SB institution and a wonderful place to hang at the bar or bring the whole family to the back patio.
Well spoken. I agree.
Woop woop!! Stoked for Shoppe Amber Interiors and Jemma!!
There are some bright spots on State that do cater to locals - Arigato, Bibi Ji, Sama Sama, The Daisy - generally higher quality higher price point destination restaurants - how do we get more of these and less Baja Sharkeez? The market should gradually steer us in that direction.
It’s exceedingly dull. I was at the Calabasas shop a couple years ago and couldn’t find one thing to get excited about. I don’t get it. I’m not sure how the drab beige greige look has managed to hold on for so long.
Total agreement! LA vibe is stale, obnoxious.
There’s a Westside LA vibe knocking on Montecito’s door with all it phony pretense.
Loved your walk through our beautiful neighborhood! On your photo just above the Knollwood trail pic is our side driveway at 825 lilac dr. It’s mostly used by our gardeners truck. It leads to our private trail to the top of the property. btw, last time I walked the knollwood trail it was overgrown with poison oak.
I completely agree. There needs to be a fresh new and cohesive approach to State Street. At this point, I really don't care if there are cars or not. Cars are not going to suddenly make the street vibrant again, and a complete closure won't work because it relies on a booming economy. The only way to revive the street is by moving housing into it and opening stores that cater to locals and the people living there. And what's standing in the way of that is City Planning and sky high rents. We need visionaries instead of bureaucrats and fresh, enthusiastic planning. Tourists will continue to come for the climate in SB, but that doesn't mean we have to build for them. The diminishing numbers of bed tax are a warning sign that the city needs to stop building hotels and create more housing. Quit reminiscing about the past and create the future.
Congratulations to the Bitar Family! The Via Maestra Enoteca is a charming addition to San Roque Plaza. The decor is very reminiscent of the authentic enotecas of old Italy. Their selections of wine are exceptional, and what a fun way to enjoy a glass and relax in between shopping. Thank you for the months of hard work and innovation to bring this inviting new business to our community!
CT,
Your observations are spot on. The LA creep has expanded. I understand that changes are inevitable, but sad nevertheless for this native son…
