Another Retailer Abandons Santa Barbara Promenade
By Bonnie Donovan
World Market will be vacating its location on State Street.
When I inquired whether they would remain in Santa Barbara if a new site were found, the response was affirmative; they are actively searching…
When will the Council – aside from Mayor Randy Rouse – and City Staff acknowledge the significant missteps they've made?
The concept of “Flat, Flexible, and Fun” has taken on a new interpretation; it’s certainly flat, flexible as long as bicycles are accommodated, and as for fun, that’s still up for debate.
The following is a letter I received from a reader who wanted to voice her experience of State Street:
“I moved to Santa Barbara in 1979. For 28 years I lived on Victoria Street, three blocks from State Street, in a two-bedroom, one-bath California craftsman cottage. State Street was my backyard! I walked every day from my home to the pier and back – slightly over four miles roundtrip. State Street was happening! It was vibrant and alive, with interesting shops. I remember Piccadilly Square, the Earthling Bookstore, Beverly's Fabrics, Stampa Barbara, Bebop Burgers. I followed Roy's from a sandwich shop on lower Chapala to his current location on Carrillo. I enjoyed everything State Street had to offer. For my family and friends who came to visit, State Street was a destination! Not anymore. State Street is deteriorating fast. Now when I am on State Street, I get a pit in my stomach and an ache in my heart, because I remember the gem it once was. With every store and restaurant that closes, the ache gets deeper. It's just sad. To Santa Barbara's City Council: is this really what you want your legacy to be? Is this how you want to be remembered? The ones who destroyed State Street? Stop and listen to those that remember, listen to your Mayor!”
I was also forwarded these two Google searches:
“Bonnie, One thing that resonated with some of the Council members was the realization that anyone planning a trip to Santa Barbara and checking us out on Google, who doesn't, would find the following:”
What is the most famous street in Santa Barbara?
“Santa Barbara's most famous avenue, State Street cuts through downtown for 10 blocks and leads right onto Stearns Wharf. It's nearly impossible to miss with its shops, art galleries, theaters, and attractions, including the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.”
What happened to State Street in Santa Barbara?
“Partly due to Covid, but also to closing down the access to cars they have been replaced by cheap souvenir stores and other cheap merchandise. State Street was known for better retail and better restaurants; now those are gone.”
This can't be good for Santa Barbara.
Also, I hear occupancy is the same as pre-COVID. Is the quality of the businesses replacing those who have left the same?
Just some thoughts…
Which brings me to the latest survey done on State Street Promenade.
I had the opportunity to meet the individual who financed a survey on State Street using his personal funds rather than taxpayer money. He engaged a reputable firm, Magid, at a significantly lower cost compared to previous surveys conducted by the city. This survey specifically questioned residents of Santa Barbara County, aligning with one of his primary objectives.
Magid asked 20 questions through telephone interviews.
Here are the results from the survey:
The Santa Barbara community shows significant support for a balanced approach to State Street revitalization.
Moving forward with partial or temporary measures, such as returning State Street to its pre-COVID status while the master plan is being finalized, could be key to maintaining satisfaction and access.
Majority of respondents (56%) support returning State Street to its pre-COVID status while City Council and SSAC, complete their master plan, reflecting a clear demand for immediate action to restore normalcy on State Street.
45% find the cleanliness and upkeep to be only average or below, Improving both the visual appeal and maintenance of State Street.
68% of respondents supporting the expediting of applications for outdoor sidewalk use, the community values enhanced dining experiences and better utilization of outdoor spaces. Prioritizing this initiative can provide support to local businesses, attract more visitors, and contribute to the vibrant atmosphere on State Street.
Significant Regular Engagement Prior to COVID
State Street was a pivotal part of daily and monthly routines for a large segment of the community.
Before the COVID closure, a substantial portion of respondents frequented State Street regularly, with 33% weekly and 63% monthly.
Only a small fraction of respondents rarely (7%) or never (5%) visited, underscoring the street’s overall high importance and potential for re-engaging the community with strategic revitalization efforts.
Returning State Street to its pre-COVID status
Most residents (56%) support returning State Street to its pre-COVID Status, with levels of support being particularly strong among older adults and males.
This demonstrates a clear preference among the community for a return to normalcy while the City Council and SSAC finalize their Master Plan. Addressing this popular demand could help reestablish community confidence and engagement in the area during the interim period.
The COVID closure has directly impacted State Street visitation patterns, with one-third of the population now claiming they are less likely to visit.
They asked them to share suggestions and observations for State Street…
Traffic and Accessibility
Open back to cars – bikes are dangerous as they don’t care.
Better access by car in more places.
Commit to making it a true walking mall (all sidewalk, no street).
Cleanliness and visual appeal
Clean the Streets, homeless is a huge problem
Sidewalks and public beaches cleaned and sanitized daily.
Sprucing up the visual appearance of State Street will have a huge impact bringing people to the area as it will be more appealing.
Parking and infrastructure
Better parking options for people with disabilities
Having more affordable and available parking.
Parking is the biggest problem I have come across.
Shops, Dining and Entertainment Vacancies
Stop property owners from raising rents so normal people can own a small business.
Additional variety of shopping and cuisine in empty locations.
Fill up the stores.
Repealing Title 31
Nearly half of respondents support repealing Title 31, with only 12% opposed, suggesting that the repeal is unlikely to upset the majority and may bolster community trust and satisfaction.
Though some residents acknowledge aspects of State Street’s visual appeal, there is a strong inclination for improvements in cleanliness and addressing homelessness concerns.
Targeted efforts to enhance both aesthetics and upkeep could increase overall satisfaction among visitors of State Street.
Overall, there is strong support across demographics for Council support for outdoor sidewalk use under the city’s Outdoor Dining Licensing Program.
Landscape renovation to accommodate outdoor dining has strong support among key demographics.
Awareness of City Council and State Street Advisory Committee developing a Master Plan.
The only reason I heard about this survey was because Council Member Oscar Gutierrez made a comment during the City Council meeting saying this gentleman that paid $13,000 for this survey should have just donated that money to the City. Mayor Rowse replied that it was just because Gutierrez didn’t like the outcome of the survey.
So, city staff teams up with outsiders to push State Street once called Pedestrian Promenade, then, Promenade now Grand Paseos and they call their new team Grand?
•••
Santa Barbara City Housing Crisis Ad Hoc Committee Community Workshop – Monday, October 14th – 5:30-7:30 pm at the Cabrillo Pavilion.
We need bodies here! This Committee has been working for about two years in gathering information on ways to address the local affordable housing crisis. It is important we have residents in the room because more than likely the tenants’ group will have a large contingency there hoping to get 2% rent caps, higher inclusionary zoning percentages, creation of a rental board, and more. We need to make sure this is a balanced conversation. Below is the workshop agenda and you can find more information HERE:
Workshop Agenda:
Welcome & Introduction of the Housing Crisis Ad Hoc Committee
PowerPoint Presentation of HCC Findings
Public Comment on HCC Agenda Items
Breakout Discussion Groups & Report-back to HCC
General Public Comment
Closing Remarks & Next Steps
Bonnie, I do not know how five or six council members that excludes Randy Rowse can make the decision to close down State Street, it’s ridiculous, all these arguments back and forth complaining about what to do, I say put it on the ballot, let the citizens of our beautiful city decide what needs to be done sense our city council and all their consultants can’t figure it out and get the job done, although I’m for opening up State Street put it before the voters and let them decide,
If they vote to keep it closed I’m fine with it,
I just don’t want five or six people making the decision for the whole city, because obviously they can’t figure it out .
Bonnie, right on…as usual. You do what most media folks in this town don’t do—dig. Thank you for finding a study which should have been made public. Regardless of where you stand on the state street issue (and it’s not simply cars v bikes) Randy’s questions are always sound: What do we do until “then”? Aren’t we putting the conceptual cart before the funding horse? Anyway, reasonable folks can disagree but I for one vote to do SOMETHING because indecision is the definition of poor leadership. Thanks!