don't speak about yourself like that- self love is important Sam
I wonder why Mesa Rite Aid isn’t listed as closing? Their shelves have been bare for months and there’s a notice in the pharmacy telling people to move their prescriptions elsewhere.
This guy thinks he thinks!
He also thinks anyone gives a crap what he has to say. A true self-aware-wolf boomer who even at his old age, is still confused by proper nouns.
Maybe they should build some luxury condo units at the old Richard Ahull at 546 miramonte I hear it’s for sale through silent bidding that would be great site for some luxury condominiums, great view and walk to the beach
I'm definitely against authoritarianism as well. I guess the debate is over which side is actually authoritarian. And I'm pro democracy too, but also kind of against crime and chaos. I like the information on this site but I may not keep reading it Erik. The political stuff is getting annoying, distracting and just tiring TBH - and does not comport in any way to your general content. You are just dropping political cant and sucker punches into an otherwise interesting pastiche of local news and events. These interjections are not well thought out, creative, interesting, or original. Nor even mostly true. And they do not promote the most important thing needed right now - building unity and a community where everyone is included. We can agree on a lot of local issues while disagreeing on national ones. Politics is taking over more and more aspects of life unfortunately. And it distorts and eventually empties everything it touches. It does not enlighten nor transform. I realize Progressivism has become a religion and religion, if actually thought to be true, does tend to seep into all aspects of life. That is okay but if it becomes self-righteous, self-congratulatory and unaware, the club has fewer and fewer members eventually. It's your site and you can do what you want. You can preach to the choir but equates to yelling at those not in it. You do clearly work hard and take care in presenting so much great info. You have a knack for presenting local news. Your site has become a digital community meeting place where good things could happen, or not. I suppose the political bromides cater to many locals, but I would advise sticking to issues, local ones at that. I guess you have enough readers so if someone leaves they won't be missed. I realize that not being a Progressive makes for such a terrible person in SB that one could say 'May the digital door hit you on the way out.' Good for you but this is also sad as it creates yet another 8 story silo in our low story, seaside community. I thought journalists were supposed to be Independent? But of course the local paper by that same name is far from it. I suppose there was never truly Independence and it's better to just admit that. Well, either way, you are entitled to write what you want. And I'm entitled not to read it. That is Democracy itself. But I do have suggestions. Maybe consider a political Site if that is a direction you'd like to go.
Agree 100% too
Eric thinks what is gong on in LA is “mostly protests” so just accept that he is partisan but Siteline is a million times better to read than Edhat
Corbusier's brutalist towers in Nantes, France became virtual slums. The locals scoff at them.
Fox News talking point says what?
This project is entirely out of context with its historical surroundings and the general neighborhood. If Bildsten is involved, she should be ashamed of herself. She has a history of proposing projects that are entirely out of context with their immediate neighborhoods, though. So it is not surprising that she would advocate for an entire housing complex that throws her own community's history and sacred places under the bus to achieve it. I can only chalk it up to her personal frustration of living in Santa Barbara, rather than a metropolis where her preferred modernist/brutalist style of architecture might be more fervently embraced. It would be prudent for her to pursue more work outside of the area, rather than destroying Santa Barbara and trying to force feed us what she thinks is great architecture.
ICE is tracking criminals. If they are hiding among strawberry pickers, ICE will go there. These are not nice people. Listen to the people who are processing them.
So Cate, why was ICE in Oxnard yesterday literally in the fields where strawberries are grown?
Yeah Christine!, you're talking about Jan. 6, right?!
You know, perhaps I was triggered by the idea that Erik shouldn't post information—on his own publication, no less—about a peaceful gathering to protest authoritarianism and the rise of a wannabe kingship. In a country literally founded in opposition to monarchy, the right to speak out and assemble in protest isn’t just protected, it’s essential.
I heard the same and big changes are in place. Any more info?
It is completely irresponsible for any firm to take on a project of this scale and design that will ruin the setting and neighborhood of one of the most historic properties in California. Has Ellen no shame? Let her tell us. And Karen - your positive builders remedy stance is such a left-wing, angry cliche. Why would you support a project that will so clearly negatively impact the neighborhoods and skyline of SB? Is it because you believe this property is going to offer affordable housing? No, it will have the minimum affordable units required and the units will be in the back by the garbage cans. Santa Barbara has a long history of design review that has preserved the city’s unique character and historical integrity, where new developments are expected to be sensitive to existing neighborhoods in terms of size, bulk and scale. That is why it is so beautiful and desirable. This project does none of that and irresponsible people like you and the developers taking advantage of the builders remedy, will ruin the city just like they are trying to do in so many charming California communities. And what about the people who live in this neighborhood in low-rise single and multi-family residences? Apart from destroying the charming, small town feel of these communities, a project of this scale will ruin their real estate values. Will the developer come in and shore up everyone’s lost equity? Come on - start fighting for getting the housing project up in La Cumbre and Paseo Nuevo, where multi-unit buildings belong.
Agree 100%.
Violent protestors have revealed their true vision for their America- looting, chaos, violence against anyone in their eyesight and burning police cars. Who wants to live in THAT America?
If she has so much integrity she would not have agreed to design this monstrosity. She would have said "no, thank you, that is not something we would like to be a part of."
Any updates on Lily’s donuts and pops? Weren’t they suppose to have a place on both state and the market?
Robert, correct. Each deported individual is listed along with their criminal rap sheet. It’s wide open public information. These deported illegals were not here to pick strawberries. Rioters/ protestors are free to dig deeper for info. It’s readily available. The folks wrecking public property have personal anger within themselves.
The plans sound atrocious. It’s deeply disappointing a local architect would participate in this in good faith. Bildsten seems very pro-housing from what I gather, but this is a monstrosity. It recalls when Le Corbusier wanted to raze all of Paris and replace it with modernist towers.
I’m disappointed by the unfair criticism of Bildstein Architecture and Planning regarding the 505 E. Los Olivos Street project. Ellen Bildstein, a leading Santa Barbara architect, has dedicated years to our community, not only through her thoughtful designs but also through her tireless advocacy with the American Institute of Architects. Her award-winning firm is local, staffed by locals, and deeply committed to our city’s future. Isn’t having someone living and rooted in our community far better than an outside firm with no stake in Santa Barbara’s character or future?
Dismissing the project as “blocky” or “utilitarian” oversimplifies the challenges of designing a 270-apartment complex while meeting strict city codes, budget constraints, and community needs. The current plans are likely a general massing model that will continue to be developed and refined. This project wouldn’t have been necessary through builder’s remedy if so many development projects, like La Cumbre Plaza, weren’t blocked by the NIMBY mob mentality that stifles housing progress. Development isn’t easy—every building we live and work in was once a project someone fought over. Instead of tearing down a respected firm, let’s engage constructively. Push for better outcomes, sure, but don’t scapegoat a talented local architect who’s been a pillar of Santa Barbara for decades. We can’t afford to lose professionals like Bildstein Architecture.
Thanks for sharing the information on No Kings Day, Erik, and for not backing down on what is blatantly obvious. Trump is a weak, wannabe authoritarian. Our voices matter. See you at the protest!
I am 100% opposed to this development and would boycott the local developers in a minute. However, I do not think anything will deter most buyers and I am really concerned that something hideous will get built there. The people need to be fighting back now and don't stop!
