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!
Clearly you were the one that was triggered Jonny.
Build down, not up.
Imagine being triggered by this.
At no point have I claimed that Siteline is non-partisan. I very much believe in the rule of democracy and oppose authoritarianism.
Your article about No Kings Day is inflammatory ……nobody is threatening to deport American Citizens. Tone it down! And if your emails are supposed to be non-partisan and informative, you shouldn’t even be promoting this event.
I hear El Encanto has been sold!
I bet you laugh at your own jokes really loud
Did they say where the sign up list is to put deposits on the apartment behind the mission?
I knew I had seen this somewhere downtown but couldn't remember where. Good memory you have.
Wow. That is so much worse than I had expected. Right on Los Olivos street? They would to have to tear down the rock wall. Absolutely disgusting.
Unlikely to ever get built. No sane lender would finance this project. Community hostility would deter most buyers of finished units. The developer is playing a game, hoping a white knight will buy the land. Or maybe the city would initiate a condemnation.
How about a SALUD CARBAJAL TWO FACED DAY? Interesting to read on @Noozhawk yesterday that they are almost completed with the EIR report for the construction of a new launchpad for SpaceX at Vandenberg. How long has Salud been begging us to call & harangue Vandenberg and tell them how “loud and scary” the rocket launches are and how he’s against Elon Musk bringing jobs to the central coast. What a joke, he’s known about this the whole time!
