I’m curious to know how banning hotels would increase available housing. We can’t possibly build enough housing to accommodate every single person who would like to live here. The housing availability combined with the desirability of the Santa Barbara area does affect housing costs, of course.
From my observation, it seems that availability (supply) is significantly impacted by non-owner-occupied purchases. As long as there is strong demand for housing in the greater Santa Barbara area, housing is likely to be viewed as an investment, or at least a place to store wealth. This means that wealthy individuals are likely to own more than one home in the area, or at least more than one home in general. Combined with corporate and institutional owners, this is going to significantly reduce the number of homes available, which will continue to increase the value of the homes (the purchase price). This appears to apply even to smaller properties such as condos and apartments.
As an example of this, I live in the City of Santa Barbara on a street with 14 houses. All are single-family 3/2 homes in the 1,800-2,200 sq ft size. Of those 14, seven are owner occupied (our only residence). Six are “second homes” and one is a rental. So, essentially 50% of the homes on my street are not available to purchase and six of seven remain vacant for significant portions of the year.
lol at pining for a Jeff Shelton makeover in one paragraph and lamenting one in the next
What an incredibly rude and ignorant comment. As a new mom I think this is a wonderful idea!
Haven’t you noticed that the more the city meddles with the free market, the worse off the city becomes? It is not the responsibility of the current citizens of Santa Barbara to make sure everyone who wants to live here, gets to live here on our dime. There will be an eternal housing shortage and less and less resources will be available for the current residents. Like water or healthcare.
Moved out a year ago. Its already undesirable, TOO MANY TOURISITS.
The town is old and falling apart
It doesn’t matter how many units you build. There will always be a shortage. Unless the city becomes so undesirable to live in.
You can’t have it both ways.
AB 1287 probably obviates the need for a hotel ban. AB 1287 doubles residential densities while waiving typical zoning requirements (eg private open yard). The requirements for income restricted units are modest. Hard to imagine that hotels can compete economically.
Come try us out. Our menu will grow as soon as we can get fully staffed or our parents from China here.
We renamed that bar "Draculas Den" after the remodel. Just awful.
It's calling for an oversized banner that can be switched up from time to time. I agree with your viewpoint. Progress is good. Things should pay homage but doesn't mean things can' t evolve and adapt.
Had the pleasure of going to Chef Budi’s The Gathering Table for a soft opening last night & it was wonderful! Wish I’d taken pictures of the beautiful interiors & the yummy food. Very well staffed with only a few minor Night 2 hiccups. It’s so great to have Budi back in the SYV restaurant orbit!
I think it’s clever and fits perfectly with the location!
I think dang ( dang burger ) is as terrible as dive. Not sure who they are trying to attract as a customer???
RE: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: A volunteer committee of the city’s successful business owners would produce a perfect plan for this city after 3-4 work sessions. A future city manager with extraordinary credentials would make that plan work.
I love dive restaurant. Usually non pretentious with great food at reasonable prices. SB used to have some great dives on "lower State ST.".
Agreed. Dive = no appeal. Almost as a bad as ‘Dang Burger’. ????????
I thought the same!! lol
Funny, I ate at Jonesy's and the only good thing was the fries. Chicken pieces instead of nuggets would be much better. Cole slaw was dry and flavorless. This was shortly after they opened so I will give them another try.
I also would like to know where the fire ants have been discovered and what their doing to get rid of them.
Great news about the Lobero. It's a fantastic venue but really needs updating. I've always felt that the giant exterior wall(s) could use a colorful mural to brighten up its dull facade. I doubt that the "everything is historical!" crowd that controls SB would allow such a thing though. The old folks here seem to prefer to stare at the same thing year after year, decade after decade. To these people, nostalgia = historically significant.
Anyone who names their restaurant Dive needs to re-examine their head. Who want to eat at a Dive?
Sam, I totally agree with you. The City has a large staff of engineers and planners. If they are not capable of designing and building the projects we need, they need to be fired. Knowing the City intimately from having worked there for decades, however, it is more a question of lacking leadership among management that fosters an environment of pluggers rather than vision and imagination. The City's planning department is a disgrace. They need to cut some fat at the top and invest in some visionary planners as well as bringing in someone who can facilitate a complete overhaul of the antiquated workflow.
“A windowless ‘bunk room’ that Charlie Munger would’ve admired” on 880 Pichacho is priceless. Your quips are the best Erik!
This woman is obviously out of her mind. Irma is one of the sweetest human beings I've ever known.
Mission Audio Video 1910 De La Vina st.
