Unfortunately rational decisions don't apply here.
The avoidance of interaction regarding the Plaza leads the way.
The age of the building will no doubt require extensive seismic retrofitting for a change of use.
Might have to wait for a succession of ownership.
Very true
The Three Monkeys banh mi are legit! So many times when you get banh mi at a place that is....let's call it up-market? - the bread is some French baguette or the like - wayyyyyy too bready. Hats off to them for both the excellent fillings (I tried the pork) and the spot on bread. Pricey, but worth it.
Regina, you are absolutely correct. How many friggin' hotels do we need?
How about making it the new police station? It would save the Saturday Farmer’s Market which must vacate the Cota/ Santa Barbara St. location to make room for the proposed police station.
"Naturally, I also hope that the open-minded, forward-thinking people of Solvang, whom I know exist, vote him out."
And note that Clarke wasn't elected into the position. From the Independent's article: "Last November, Solvang held its first by-district election. Clarke lost his bid to represent District 4 but was subsequently appointed by a divided council to fill the vacant District 1 seat left by then-Councilmember Mark Infanti when he won an uncontested race for mayor."
The Housing Authority, perhaps? https://hacsb.org/
This is a sad story almost inexplicable in this day age. I won’t be spending any of my hard earned dollars in Solvang until this issue resolves, ie., a more tolerant leader is elected. An economic boycott is one small step.
Whoops ???? Was supposed to be an emoji. No dice
Why is the suggestion of a high-end hotel offensive? Adding more rooms of any type ultimately puts downward price pressure on even the cheapest room in town. Which I’m assuming many people consider a positive. Maybe a lot of hotel owners are sock-puppeting on this site ????
Personally, I think it would be a great location for an Architecture School. Perhaps UCSB, Westmont, or even SBCC may be able to develop a BA or MA program. At a time, when retail and offices are leaving downtown, having students and faculty here could invigorate the area and perhaps offer insights into the revisioning of downtown. In a city know for its architecture, what could be more congruent?
WOAH! Where did you read that? You must be new around here.
I have more than 35 yrs of saying “Velkommen - we are glad your here” to so many groups of hetro/homo/gf / cosplaying people- every possible type!!!! Solvang has 50+ years of word of mouth behind its brand. I got my fresh Alas Hancock Spectrum if business 101 is something you want to brush up on?
For tourism to flourish, it needs to be inclusive, not exclusive
Next to where the old one was in the basement of city hall. Anyone remember when it was there? My dad was a policeman
I'm excited about the potential for this property. I wonder if we will see it listed for sale soon. I have been rooting for it to turnover for years. In general, I think we have enough hotels, but I agree this could be a great location for a hotel and would possibly contribute to a better future for the seedy DLG plaza, which would be a net positive for the community as a whole.
Anyone read Solvang’s city charter?
What Solvang needs is more Sally Auger and less over the hill quarterbacking.
At 13- I went to work for a local young man who had recently purchased a well loved restaurant in Solvang. That was 1980- and he continues to run his successful restaurant as a gay man without fanfare- just a man running a business I guess.
I learned a lot at that job- but what really learned =what I saw was he was a human, had relationships, paid his bills, raised dogs, took in family members who needed support. In other words, he was just like most folks- a good man. He still is, and he still puts out a great plate of hashbrowns.
Reading the comments (from mostly SB males) in the Independents/EdHats posts has gotten to be a popcorn eating affair as of late!
You've set such a good example for me in the way you spoke about Robert Clarke specifically and about cancel culture in general. These things leave me bound up in discouragement and outrage, making it difficult for me to deliver commentary as useful as yours. I'm grateful that you and your husband have made your home here, and I value the conversation you've invited. Thank you
Not private developers.
I have one question for Robert Clarke:
"Do you remember the day you CHOSE to be heterosexual?"
Bed Bath & Beyond has filed for bankruptcy shortly after spending $1B in stock buybacks & cash payments to shareholders.
It wasn't inflation. It wasn't labor cost. It is 100% corporate greed.
How about you answer your own question?
I agree and appreciate the coverage.
You folks must have never heard of Guy Dolev
https://www.independent.com/2021/08/11/santa-barbaras-porta-potty-empire-takes-hits-but-wins-vote/
How do you know someone is a Nth generation Santa Barbara local?
They tell you.
The high-end hotel comment is so out-of-touch, come on.
