I don't think it's an either/or with the city council. I watched the meeting regarding 418 N. Milpas and several comments stood out. But most surprising to me is council members Kristen, Wendy and Oscar all supported my opinions. That was a first. Yes the NIMBY comments were abundant, many pointed out it's 90 units with only 65 parking spots. And I totally disagreed with the majority even though they had the "law" on their side. Reminded me of the song,
"I fought the law and the. . . law won."
I also noticed this, regarding NIMBY comments from the neighbors. Mike Jordan saying, "I like this project on Milpas and look forward to more like it." (loose quote)
Okay Mike, then start planning for some four story apartment buildings in the Cliff drive, Meigs commercial area. Or down the street near City College, or next to 215 Bath street in West Beach. These areas already have too many STVR's. Why not build more multi-story "housing." And if you say no then aren't you a NIMBY?
You’ll never have enough housing to satisfy demand in SB. We should add housing — and there are LOTS of responsible places to do it with positive impact. But maintaining integrity of the town is crucial. Height limits are a key element of that. Mountain views are an existential piece of SB identity. Building high-rise, or greater than 4 stories or so, will impede views with buildings and permanently destroy the charm and aesthetic value of the town.
We could easily 2-3x the housing here by doing it responsibly but there have to be certain values in place.
Spikes- I faintly remember that spot.
Ski Lodge Coffee Shop
Then Spikes
Without significantly increasing the allowed density of units and height of buildings downtown (currently limited to 36 units per acre and 60 feet in height for the central business district, the densest and highest in town) we will never be able to build enough housing to provide any meaningful change in affordability. The CBD is 169 acres (which includes streets and all government buildings like the library, city hall, the courthouse, etc.). Even if you assume all government buildings are moved elsewhere and every inch of the CBD, including streets and parks, were developed for multi-family you'd hit a max of 6,000 units. This is basic math City Council is either ignorant of or ignoring.
City Council needs to stop playing politics trying to appease the NIMBY's and affordable housing crowds simultaneously as it's been going nowhere for decades. Either accept that Santa Barbara will never be affordable and maintain the small town look and feel, or drastically change the City Council imposed limits on density and height.
Roger NIMBY just like they “do downtown” they will do behind the mission. If you’re paying attention, you’ll notice they do whatever they want. They don’t care about parking. They don’t care about what the citizens say. This is in Newsom’s order and mandate, and they have to obey.
Don’t fool yourself. If you support development where it doesn’t affect you what kind of person does that make you.
This is horrible for the east side and Milpas and for the East side and the residence who are being kicked out of their homes.
This is not downtown.
I’m not saying the current set up is perfect, but the city would be wise to keep State Street closed to car traffic. However, the city absolutely needs to make it easier to build more housing vs. hotels - if memory serves, the project was originally intended to be housing, but requirements from the city made that infeasible.
I am okay with development downtown if we absolutely must grow. This structure should have more parking however.
NEVER allow the development behind The Mission to occur, however.
Hello, I see the Biltmore reopening has been pushed to 2026. I contacted them to inquire about an event I wanted to book for April and was told an April opening is not guaranteed. This seems to be taking an inordinate amount of time. Any insights?
Thank you,
Debbie
Excited about Sanguis wines at Sama Sama: we love their wines but don't get to that part of town often.
What was the name of the A frame restaurant on Hollister in the 1960s- 1970s near Fairview in the area of the Twin Lakes Golf course? Thank you
So let's be frank: Gay marriage may not be for long in this country...it's 2025 ;-) . I guess there's always Ireland etc.
Politics aside, the only idea more outmoded and derivative than gay marriage is of course that of marriage itself.
In any case if you choose to put out $712 for a room that was probably half that a few years ago (albeit a different name, but I stayed there numerous times and don't see much difference in the guest rooms today), good for you. The fact is that it's a rip-off, and that is something I'm prepared to write off ecstatically.
Writing about that like it's Ok -- because it really isn't -- is like normalizing highway robbery. I'm from Santa Barbara, I know little Ojai well, and the big (BIG) picture is the ridiculous price gouging going on not just here but everywhere in this country: it' not just New York City anymore! Again, to somehow normalize that instead of questioning it is to be complicit in the escalating cost of living crisis. And I don't think it shows much compassion either but hey, as you say, 2025.
I say: Power to the people! Not to a bunch of investors. Thanks & happy trails! Antoine
I paid my own way. (And I'm a man who has a husband. It's 2025.) I suggest you go check out the property before you write it off.
$712 for one night? Sorry, Ojai is pretty, but one look at those rooms and it screams $212 not a penny more. IF the writer got a comp she ought to say so, too.
Back when I was a kid it was so rare to see a launch. Fun to see them what seems like once a week now. Should be a good one tomorrow night.
Thanks Eric, As always a very reliable sounding review. To use your word "quibble" I'd like to add to the discussion about family friendly places in our area or the dearth thereof. Where do we take our families out to lunch and dinner when we are entertaining nieces and nephews and grandchildren besides the wonderful Padero Grill and its picnic atmosphere? I mean a friendly, casual sit at a table with grownups and practice your table manners place. Our town used to be full of such places. I don't mean walk up to the counter and order. That with a retinue of kids is a nightmare for everybody especially the poor couple waiting behind you. I guess there is the noisy Nugget and some of on the beach places. But I mean restaurant. Via Via was perfect.
Very cool Erik. I saw my first launch when I was in grade school in Phoenix. One evening we were out in the street and somebody said, "What is that?" It was very low in the horizon and it looked like a colored star shape thing that changed shape. We thought LA had just been nuked. When I moved here in the mid 80's the launches were few and amazing if they were after sunset. The trajectory back then was more to the west and the jellyfish effect had rainbow colors. Also, SB being behind VAFB we were looking at it from behind, as it were, so the show was like a corkscrew. And as luck would have it we have another launch tonight!! Wait. . . nope, it's pushed back to tomorrow at 7:05 pm.
Birthday gatherings: Pane E Vino (upper village) checks all the boxes. Great food. Quiet conversations (No loud music). Local. Comfortable. Accommodating staff. Easy parking. Family feel. 10 stars. ❤️
Awesome info, grateful we have these beautiful launches in our backyard- we love being so close to VSFB and being witness to each & every launch.
Lucky’s in Montecito has a small room, perfect size and can be quiet and private.
Call and ask for Jennifer, she is their event planner.
Would you please be specific about the organizations promoting tax fraud and illegal immigration that you refer to? and of the 602 Vacation rentals how many are operating legally? Not all of them. By the way, I don't like Airbnb's, I have one two doors down. But if they are legal nothing can be done.
Unity Shoppe?
Revolver also makes an amazing breakfast sandwich on random Sundays. You have sign up for notifications and be invited to order. It’s a fresh baked poppyseed bun stacked with ham egg and cheese. It’s delicious!!
Nope, but thanks for guessing.
The restaurant is still happening; it has a kind of step-sibling relationship with S.Y. Kitchen. From the last big restaurant roundup: "S.Y. Kitchen’s Luca Crestanelli is opening an Italian restaurant in the former Via Vai space in the Upper Village: 'The core idea is doing what we do best,' he says. 'Simple dishes made with high-quality ingredients. A relaxed and vibrant atmosphere. Comfortable space. Good wine. Good service. Hopefully we can get a liquor license.'"
