100%! And for all the feigned concern over lack of action and cost, this is a tactic to override a decisive 6-1 vote that represents the will of the majority residents and would require a costly special election.
I suggest Mr. Knell put his energy behind something actually controversial and counter-productive to the future of Santa Barbara being implemented by city council... rent control. (The answer to providing affordable housing for residents is to build housing).
Let's also remember that the majority of the cost for the State Street Master Plan is utility upgrades needed to support additional housing downtown.
I'm so sick of rich old men like Knell refusing to accept that they aren't going to get their way for once in their miserable lives. 80% of residents want State Street to stay car-free. If the surveys really were bad, why was the public comment right in line with the results? If these miserable old farts really wanted what was best for State Street and the city, they would let progress happen instead of forcing things into limbo YET AGAIN.
My family lived in that Bel Air Knolls Colonial in the 90's. We were told that the original builders used the exact blueprints from a house in the southeast regardless of what made sense for the property here in SB. Hence fewer bathrooms than would be expected and the best views being given to a non-master bedroom (which was my bedroom, so I didn't mind!).
Good job the Jim Knell of SIMA for trying to overturn the State Street Master Plan. I don't know if reintroducing cars again or not is the answer but clearly the State Street Master Plan is nothing more than a plan to waste more taxpayer funds. How many times have we seen State Street change in over 6 years and it's still a mess. The current cooks clearly can't cook.
I’ve always found Matt Kettman’s reviews/articles to be honest, and interesting. I look forward to them weekly!
We took almost the exact Highlands trip last May.
The Farmhouse was an amazing stay. I’d add biking to the menu, as it provided for a wider area to explore.
The Fish Shop was probably my favourite meal out. The Fife also shuttled us there and back (and we got to see King Charles’ personal house on the way) .
Our biggest surprise was not once seeing salmon on any menu in Scotland. Maybe they export it all! Thanks for your Highland Highlights!
You are absolutely correct. The Ranch was badly deteriorated, the plumbing failing, the electrical system hopelessly lacking and run down and neglected. If it looks the same, it is because he made sure the feeling and authenticity were kept intact. He hired the best people to restore and retain all of the charm. He also restored the Coral Casino to its former beauty and charm with Peter Marino. It had been very badly remodeled by Marriott, and was literally falling apart when he bought the Biltmore. Every time it rained, there were 70 buckets around catching leaks; and the light tower was li lisiting precariously. He spent $165 million just to restore the Coral Casino to its original design for the most part. I am part of the people in Montecito who are very grateful for what he has done in this community.
DITTO! Beyond tacky
Several of us recently gave Elwood another try, since we'd found it overpriced. They made big announcements about redoing everything, from the offerings to the pricing, but in my opinion very little actually changed. The cocktail prices hadn't budged, and the dinner menu still sat well above the casual neighborhood level they say they're aiming for. It's still gorgeous and the service was great, if slow, but it remains squarely special-occasion territory. I felt a bit duped, though I guess they know what they're doing. If I want the gorgeous view, the Boathouse will do, and it's much closer to (my) home.
What has happened to the Fish restaurant that was to open in Stella Mare. I think it was to be called Bogavante?
I'm in favor of more places in SB recognizing the Chumash heritage, happy to hear that's being considered for Calle Cesar Chavez!
"Cheap bordello" is correct. Please bring back the old Plow and Angel !
I've had many lovely fireside dinners in the original . Never go now.
The city council selected Limuw. It's pronounced just like "Limuw the Emu" ads on TV. I guess it's better than Si Se Puede.
That is just totally incorrect. I worked at the ranch before and after he purchased it. He rebuilt and remodeled every single cottage, both restaurants and improved the grounds and landscaping. There were run down and janky things going on at the "old" ranch, including the wine cellar being, literally, a plywood shed with no temperature control. It is is now an underground state of the art wine cellar.
Check out https://nextdoor.com/city/goleta--ca/for lots of public comments on Ellwood. No comped meals involved.
Ellwood would do itself (and its patrons) a huge favor if their service were improved. They are coasting on the view. Take away that great view and Ellwood is very ordinary.
SYR is indeed beautiful and was beautiful before Ty bought, as were all his other properties. He really hasn't made too many changes at the ranch and I think that's a good thing. Let's hope his conversion of the timeless Plow & Angel into a cheap bordello is the last of it.
Regarding its "best hotel in the US" distinction, I'm pretty sure Forbes is pay to play
How can you possibly say he "ruins everything he touches?" Take a tour of the San Ysidro Ranch. It was just voted, deservedly, the "best hotel in the US". It is exquisite. I cannot imagine anything being any more beautiful, tasteful, appropriate and comfortable. Let's take a deep breath and see how it turns out.
Jalama Canyon Ranch is one of the more beautiful and serene prices of property. My husband and I got married there 16 years ago - first ever wedding they had hosted! I think we paid $2k and by the next summer it was about 7x that amount. Story goes that they eventually shut weddings down altogether because of a grumpy neighbor.
If only there was a way to avoid being pepper sprayed by a federal agent.....oh wait.
I generally agree with the comments but I still hope that this look works. I think Erik was right to hold back comments for now. There's no reason to weigh in every time on every thing that happens, which gets exhausting to read. Some of us are just looking for information and we will form our own opinions.
The Biltmore is kind of its own neighborhood, so perhaps the property can kind of set a theme that we are able to buy into. Admittedly, there are some risks being taken. The Coral Casino, the only other prominent building in the vicinity, kind of looks vintage California club complete with a lighthouse. Not so tropical. So we'll see if the themes are not too disparate that they cannot mind meld us. I also agree people should be allowed latitude with their property - up to a point. Where the public is involved in the design, i.e. the views from the street, it seems that something appropriate and fitting for the neighbor is not too much ask. Now, as I said, this will be the neighborhood. Let's hope it it makes us smile when complete. Tropical motifs can do this as they remind us of a simpler place and time, of relaxing, living in the moment and best of all taking a break from our hectic lives. And it doesn't do this, may it slowly grow on us...
Funny how everyone think they knows it better than actual designers, design boards and real architects
Why don’t you let people decide what they do with their own property? they pay the bills. The biltmore is
Not a public building, it’s still just a private owned hotel as far as i know…
That's a good answer!
Every day I walk by the Biltmore and every day it gets tackier. Can't believe anyone thought this was a good idea. Wouldn't be surprised if after it's done or nearly so, they realize their error and scrap it all and start over. The project that never ends. Thanks Erik for keeping us in the loop on so many interesting developments, we appreciate you.
Maybe we should wait to see the finished project. With continual changes who knows how it will turn out. I know Beanie Baby money is flowing into SB. Thats a lot of work for trades and associated.
