Fox News says what?
Agreed. Not one mention from the city how they would pay for all this (they are in a budget deficit as it is) or made any comment about what the economic benefit to downtown would be. We already have wide sidewalks more the adequate to handle pedestrian traffic on all but the busiest of parade days (which we don't have on State anymore), pre-covid we already were able to shut down portions of the street for events and markets, and like or not vehicles slow down e-bikes and are necessary for out of towners to explore our downtown. I just don't get why SB is spending millions of dollars to develop a plan they have not idea how to fund and execute. Before noon State Street is very sleepy, no need for a closure, and if you watch who does ride their bikes downtown, it's commuters and kids, not people going downtown looking to shop and dine - which is what we need to be encouraging in our economic core. All this money and effort would have been, and will continue to be, better spent on adding more housing units downtown.
It doesn’t seem that complicated? The opening at night is for deliveries, maintenance, and service, similar to how it’s opened for that at night today.
For crying out loud—no new taxes! Trim the programs, trim the services.
*Meant to write “passed on the RIGHT.”
These draft plans are ridiculous. At this point, just revert things to what they were.
I was a promenade proponent pre-COVID. Attended the town halls and city council meetings where the topic was broached well in advance of 2020. Even in 2020 when it was first closed, it wasn’t that bad. I am a cyclist and used it regularly until 2022, by which point e-bike traffic had taken over and after being passed on the left too many times, I no longer felt safe riding.
I had dinner on State Street twice this week. Last Saturday at Joe’s we watched two teen boys circles the block at high speed, ignore red lights, and almost run over a chihuahua on a leash. I had dinner two nights ago at Sama Sama and it was quiet. In both instances though I had my 2 year old with me and she’s a runner so I never really feel that safe having her down there.
They should drop any mention of a promenade and call a spade a spade. It’s an e-bike highway.
Have you seen the transformation taking place at the log Mackenzie market building? Wow
Thanks Sierra! Is Lucca /the bank project moving forward?
Christine,
I just want to clarify your post above: Ed St. George is a client of Radius, not a part of Radius. I am his leasing agent and have our Radius LEASING signs in the windows at Founders Market. Feel free to reach out to me if you would like deeper insight on his projects.
Find my contact info at: https://www.radiusgroup.com/team/sierra-falso/
DRE Lic #: 01276646
Agreed, why this town always sells out to the tourist trade is sad. This should be a town built for residents, not visitors.
The best part of this "anti men" is- the Grandmother of one of the investors is Aleene Jackson- who has a long history being a strong female, operating a self started business- Aleene's Creative Living/Tacky Glue. She made Industrial Way famous long before Industrial Eats/Figueroa Brewing came in
More and more hotels.
The anti-AirBnB crowd is quiet, curiously. The city used to claim the “housing emergency” was the reason homeowners could not rent short term…but new hotels? No problem.
It’s gross. Restricting property rights for the small guy only.
Adam Abrams turns out great food! Great to hear he is with the Good Lion peeps!
With 9 out of 10 stores downtown focused on women's apparel and accessories, god forbid there's a tiny space in the back of a building focused on what "gentleman" might be looking for in a retail experience. If you think this jives with "zeitgeist" , makes you "cringe" and hope it (a female owned business) fails, wouldn't that make you a "misandrist"?
We were at Intermezzo on a Thursday evening a few weeks back and the staff was all new to us. Our server said that, for now, they were only open Thursday-Sunday with a streamlined menu. Only part of the dining room was open, as well as the bar and front sidewalk tables, and she said the rest was reserved for private events. Wine list was small. Everything was still delicious.
I wonder if Hedley made it for the old Fisherman's Inn at Avila Beach (long gone), although he wasn't the owner.
Dinner at Intermezzo before BFG show at Lobero was a disaster. Some high profile guests may have had priority service in the dining room ( I hope so for their sake) while in the packed bar, many tables had diners, including us, chasing down the one over-spent waitperson and bartender for orders, checks and drinks. Our 40 minute wait ended with an apology that our order "was put in, but never made" and a random offering of food--salad, fries and eventually a cold pizza (not our original order)--was delivered so that that we wouldn't leave hungry and still make the show. No charge for the meal, but honestly we'd have preferred to pay for a stressless dinner experience! With Intemezzo's iconic location, what a shame that they can't figure it out!
Erik. Glad to hear someone gave you a tip! You deserve it. That said, if you don't need the cash, you (and anyone else for that matter) can send it to me! :)
I think that guy just collects old Santa Barbara signs if you also look there is a talk of the town sign there also
Seriously?! "A Bar for Gentlemen of Character" how quaint and absolutely out of sink with the "Zeitgeist"!
Honestly as a female I cringe at the thoughts these words offer up...and may it bomb big time...get my drift??
Well Alex,
Unfortunately you will never understand the mind set of us locals. We do not want to make big bucks out of our natural surroundings. We want our children and grand children to experience nature pure. We teach them to be stewards of the earth, i.e. to treasure and protect it , not how to exploit it for our personal gain. Your vision for our natural environment will never be our vision.
I thought Dario's properties were all still managed by the court-appointed receiver. Has that arrangement ended?
I’m curious to find out what it’s like staying overnight at the Mission Inn. When I’ve pumped fuel at night I’ve noticed they use natural gas flames to light the building. In my opinion the reflection look like the entire place is on fire. Curious the look from inside the room at 2am as a drunk tourist.
Watch out.
We all know Dario Pini's reputation.
Drover's Doughnuts is a nice addition to the Calle Real Shopping Center. Nice Barista Bar, Breakfast Sandwiches, and yes, delicious doughnuts. Thanks J.D. and the friendly lunchtime staff.
