Regarding downtown SB and Paseo Nuevo mall. This town was built on a "Spanish theme" after the 1906 earthquake. Someone suggested a grocery store, but why not anchor with a food hall like those in Spain - a permanent farmer's market - selling fresh produce, fresh pastas, bakery goods, chocolate purveyors, fish mongers, butchers, cheese shop, etc. The farmers wouldn't have to set up stalls twice a week... and downtowners could shop any day of the week!
Because appealing to logic and reason instead of feelings and emotion won't get you elected.
I agree completely with the guys above. Now why can't people like yourselves be running the show? The current cast of characters are destroying this once desirable area. No more housing talk! Fix what is there. No discount stores. Sad state of affairs on and around state street.
To Jonny, Jefferson A., Sean and Andy, thank you.
You speak with logic and real world credibility, something lacking in most of the city council. Mayor Randy, and council members Alejandra and Eric get it. The others led by Kristen rely on emails, surveys and public comment.
Erik, I agree the hangars are a metaphor for the terror of change (and of course no change is not possible - what we get is deterioration). But I'd add that they're a great example of our elected officials' inability to be decisive and sensible (dilapidated hangars... Franchesi Park... State St... it's a pattern).
To our elected officials: we elected you... now hire experts, make the right decisions quickly, and stop governing by survey. Visit cities in San Diego and Orange County with far lower taxes, too many people, and less natural beauty, but clean streets, well-maintained public spaces and enough police on the roads, and you can tell we're doing something very wrong.
I totally agree with you that a grocery store as an anchor would be a great addition. I think that can be easily incorporated (if it isn't already) into the mixed-use plan that will also increase housing.
And I wouldn't be too quick to dismiss ideas like mini speed bumps. For both pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy a car-free State Street, incorporating those elements into the design of the bike lanes would naturally slow down bikes better than inconsistent (non-existent?) rule enforcement and make the experience better for everyone. As a now frequent e-bike rider on State Street, I want to continue to safely enjoy the bike lanes and not let a few irresponsible riders ruin it for the rest of us.
Am I the only one that’s wondering what the people behind the harbor restaurant are thinking.? What is the deal with that menu and the prices.
Seriously?
Foodie
Spot on Johnny, S.B. did the pedestrian mall when they closed streets and built Paseo Nuevo. In addition to the two anchors being empty, I walked the paseo from the back of the old Nordstrom's towards CPK last week and nearly that entire section was vacant. Not to mention, where do they think the $100M+ for the promenade would come from? And even if we could source the funds, is that really the best use of those funds? Imagine how many affordable apartment units $100M could build. Use those funds to build affordable housing downtown, it would be a big help on the housing front while revitalizing the area at the same time. But, we have a public who makes decisions on feelings more than logic and a city council that caters to those feelings because they want to be reelected.
Yes, let’s just super glue some “mini little speed bumps” down and call it a day. A brilliant suggestion from our esteemed leadership.
It’s hard to understand why the focus isn’t on revitalizing Paseo Nuevo, which already embodies what the city envisions for State Street: a beautiful, walkable paseo. Anchoring it with a quality grocery store and more restaurants—rather than discount chain stores—would significantly enhance the mall. Yet instead of building on what’s already there, we’re talking about tearing it down for housing and attempting to recreate on a sloped, asphalt thoroughfare. While I support more pedestrian-friendly corridors, the current approach isn’t working. Next time you’re down there, take a walk through Paseo Nuevo and compare it to the perpendicular section of State Street—ask yourself which we should be investing in to become the lively car-free experience we all envision
Pretty amazing how you can allow your eating experience influenced by how a stranger is dressed. Like we teach our annoying kids, don’t let anyone else affect your happiness. My stunning date and the steak tartar were phenomenal but the guy wearing sandals three tables over ruined the night… get over yourselves!
Locals “should cook at home”??? And Montecito should accommodate the tourists??? This is crazy talk! You are clearly a newbie to the neighborhood. These restaurants should accommodate the locals, we are the ones who frequent them and go when the tourists aren’t here. I’m so sick of having to make reservations well in advance in my neighborhood to get dinner, who plans that far in advance. I want to go on the fly that day. I think local restaurants should always save a percentage of tables for locals, they would not survive without us. And I agree with the previous poster that just because we are in an affluent neighborhood doesn’t mean we don’t want fast casual food like our beloved Little Alex’s that was booted from the space.
Been excited and waiting for years. Looking at that menu I expect we will see many tourists and a gift shop selling key chains and T-shirts.
I think the proposed improvements to the Tinkers building look great and is very good for Summerland and their continued growth and beautification. Hoping someone will purchase and renovate the building across the street with the dumpy liquor store.
Soul Bites is in a TERRIBLE LOCATION. 30k won't fix that problem. They would be wise to take any funds and move to a food truck or a much better location.
If only Wexler's would improve the taste and quality of their food. I've tried them 4x and every single time, I'm disappointed from old bagels (not fresh and I know Yetz's bagels very well) to tasteless corned beef to barely getting butter and cream cheese on the old bagel to tasteless cole slaw. I'm a NYer and these sandwiches don't come close to a NY Jewish deli experience. I do however, like the rye bread they used.
Agreed, this menu is perfect for Isla Vista. Not at all what I expect from the Oku people.
Agreed! Fresh, crunchy coleslaw is a easy to make and adds a lot of yum to a meal. I also couldn't believe how bad their coleslaw was ... high school cafeteria quality
Jeeze Happy Cat looks like a gut bomb
I'm wondering why Wexler's price point was so high. Is it because they have to transport everything to Santa Barbara?
I'm really glad the new owner took notice and cut the prices at Wexler's. I went for the first time a few weeks ago and thought it was way overpriced. I thought the Reuben was good but nothing special. The coleslaw was not good, nor was the Russian dressing (how hard is that to make?!).
Wexler's will have a mighty fight to make it.
Grew up in Silverlake long ago and Tam OShanter is unchanged. East side has always been cool-we had Neutra, Launtner and Schindler building houses and Anais Nin married to my junior high school science teacher!
I had the pleasure to eat at Alma over the weekend and the food is EXCELLENT. The tuna tostada and the ceviche with coconut milk is head exploding delicious.
Village Hardware, upper village Montecito
I don't take comps, much to my husband's chagrin, and none of the establishments knew I'd be writing about them.
