I live nearby in Montecito. I go up there quite a lot. Never have I seen a fire up there. There are a lot of local people who not only enjoy the hot springs, but also keep an eye on the place, and keep it safe. They also pick up litter.
The hot springs is a healing place for people. It has been for centuries before the white man came on the scene. Let's not take a healing place away because of fears. The people who are irresponsible and likely to start fires tend to hang around roads.
I'm glad there's a lot of good people up there looking after things. There's even a highly responsible man from the Montecito Trails Foundation who likes to soak and relax there.
But if you're worried about fires , be more concerned to people who hang out closer to roads. It's good to have responsible watchdogs in the woods. And most people who visit the hot springs are pretty nice and can keep an eye on any bad apples who go there. Hikers and backpackers are generally good people, and a helpful presence in the wilderness. Volunteers can also be recruited to keep an eye on things during fire season.
To have a fire anywhere in the backcountry I believes requires a permit. The Forest Service probably only gives out such a permit shortly after a rain when there is no chance of a forest fire. The only other time a fire is considered appropriate is to save a person from freezing. If someone breaks a leg, and is likely to get hypothermia, he can make a fire to stay warm, and also to signal people. Young people should be properly trained in how to make a fire safely, and how to put it out safely. Boy scouts have been teaching this for a long time.
Because there's for danger with flooding? Or the Hot Hot springs is gonna cause a conflagration?
Thanks for covering that (sarcasm)
Agreed. Unfortunately the bureaucrats are only reactionary so the fire will have to happen before the city/county does anything to prevent it
So funny, that adult bookstore has been there forever. A friend started a Moped City store in the 1970’s and it was next door to the “bookstore”.
The “Hot Springs” issue is very concerning… with about 100 people heading up to the springs each weekend day. It is waiting for a fire to be started and major damage to the people living in the in the area. Something needs to be done to protect the neighborhood from having a catastrophic fire event.
I totally agree that we don't need a bunch more hotels on State St. I think mixed-used buildings would work well to revitalize downtown. Small retail spaces for mom and pop businesses, along with restauants, bars, etc. on lower levels, and some workforce housing on upper levels. A few more town squares that are inviting. Maintain a low-profile with no more that 3 story building heights to keep the city's charm and mountain views.
Excellent comparison: The Pierre LaFond green space was also formerly a gas station (Union 76)
"Raccoon-like animals called coatis are a year-round nuisance"
They are coatimundis, and they are a part of the same family as raccoons, so they're genetically related. And I'm sure humans are nuisances to them, as they were probably there long before the development. ;-)
To all those Carpinterians, please keep the Bluffs as they are. No developement!
That Cuesta Road house was on the market for like 12 hours before it went pending. Not sure why, the accepted offer wasn't that much over asking.
I’m not ok with every one being against developing in Carpinteria. Please do your homework before you start giving your opinions that are your personal feelings and not what’s best for community.
I thought that got voted out last year? No should be able to develop that area. It's beautiful.
That Buena Vista property is gorgeous, there's a 20-minute virtual showing video on Vimeo here: https://vimeo.com/779409575
I hate to see our quaint community become a resort town. I love those bluffs. ?
Please- for the love of God, if you have no snow driving experience (that’s me!), stay off Figueroa Mountain road. Thank you
Wow what a great addition to Carp this would be. An organic farm, new restaurant and coffee shop, and upstaged walking trails?! How are people opposed to this when the bill of acreage will be preserved and open to public even though it’s private land. Hope to take my kids here when it opens
We can’t “bring back what worked” because what worked were bigger retail spaces that no one wants anymore. As you point out, retailers today want smaller footprints; the existing architecture of State Street makes that very difficult to pull off. I’m also curious about your statement that State Street needs “less housing.” There is a nominal amount of housing on State Street as it stands so I’m curious as to why you think we need less?
There is literally a giant parking lot within spitting distance.
Thanks for the history, Art. I was born in the ‘80s so I don’t quite remember and it seems too young to remember the exterior pre-Anthropologie. Do you recall what business it was prior to Anthropologie going in in what I think was the late ‘90s? It’s a great building.
We love Bibi Ji
SB doesn't need another hotel with a rooftop pool and bar, what it needs is a good rooftop restaurant open to the public. That would be a unique draw in SB.
Apna on State St is incredible!
SB needs more small retail store spaces that are affordable like in the past. State street needs less housing. The appeal to state street was the mom & pop store feeling that gave it uniqueness. It attracted people to want to peruse and explore. Hotels and big brand name stores are no different than any other US city. It’s driving people away. I used to love state street, now in my mind it is dead. Bring back what worked, don’t fuel what fails. Bring the charm and character back to state street. Also where will delivery trucks park? And what is a shared room hotel, are we calling this the upper state street hostel?
Local in Montecito will have a lovely Easter brunch from 10-3! All the usual favorites plus a few Easter specials and great cocktails to go with them.
There are pickle ball dating sites which tells you where this so called “sport” is coming from. So bring your wine coolers and get ready to mingle and annoy everyone else in the neighborhood with the horrendous noise! Advice to pickle ball players: Stay home and play the adult version of Twister( clothing optional).
