To all The Who agree with this post, get out and vote to change the leadership in charge of these decisions. Vote for conservatives for a change. They listen to the people waaaay more often than the Leftists currently at the helm. Doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results is the definition of insanity. It time to make a change!
What can we expect when Council member Sneddon says she never wants to see another horse on State Street? The Fiesta Parade was the largest equestrian event west of the Mississippi.
I am completely for reopening State. As a native born it is extremely sad to have lost this vital artery through the heart of Santa Barbara and to not see its reopening happening despite the millions spent in consultant studies that did really nothing to improve it in its closed state. I really have not much reason to frequent it at all and especially would like to see parades go up and down it again
This is exactly what I believe to be true. It’s time for the citizens of Santa Barbara, montecito and Goleta to take a firm stand and change this. Insanity to have had this take place. This is not a street for just ages citizens. It’s a street for all citizens. Bikes and skateboards can use the bike lane. Skateboarding has the beach area.
I’m still in shock that this town filled with educators and smart people let this happen.
Last night I walked from Canon Perdido up State St for a number of blocks and shared the sentiment of this piece (however, a tip of the hat to the almost 50 year old Chase Restaurant...still great!) The number of speeding e-bikes or cars racing through the Carrillo intersection in a travesty (although I suspect parking tickets continued to be robustly issued).
While there are some attractive and classic commercial architecture downtown, there are far too many empty or underutilized storefronts. Online shopping is a factor no doubt, failed City leadership focuses on issues like controlling private property, increasing government revenue and unilaterally re-distributing that revenue to a large and protected class of illegal "residents".
We get what we vote for...and to the detriment of Santa Barbara...which comes in the form of a majority City Council with such Leftist social engineers as Sneddon, Santamaria, etc. I'm not overly optimistic about Santa Barbara's future and strongly support the idea of not just voting, but participating and contributing.
They have a distinct advantage...union money, ironically fueled by taxpayers dollars...and lots of it.
Correction. We were a town of smart, highly functioning individuals.
Now we are at town full of smugly self satisfied individuals that have been “educated“ in a school system that has taught them to value their own esteem over self evident truths proven throughout the entire course of human history.
As I read this article, it reminds me of many conversations my wife and I have had on this subject. Although we now live in Santa Ynez, we have always enjoyed the beauty and history of Santa Barbara. Many times saying "I wonder what it was like 50 years ago". Over the past twenty years we have seen a steady decline in the cleanliness, too many homeless, a resurrection of the funk zone, and now the closure and cultural change of State Street. We no longer come to State Street. If we come down, it is only to the Funk Zone. We wish policies would change to re-open State Street, push for a clean up and more business friendly environment. We sincerely hope it can. We will then with pleasure tell our friends to come visit again, and we can get back to the theaters and activities with relish.
Articles such as this one seem to be appearing with regularity. They identify the problem problem but so far I haven’t seen any proposals that resonate with city council members and city staff. It’s so it’s the leadership problem. To be honest, I am way too along in years to get involved in such an effort. But I would like to see some ideas that might stir leadership to do something to bring back State Street. What will it take to overcome the lethargy that is manifested in the heart of our city? We know there is a problem. We have identified it. Now, let’s fix it.
You long were a leader in historic preservation in this town. Mr Jackman. Thank you so much for your efforts to preserve what you could and enliven our history for so many. Yes, many of us long on the front lines, also became wearied by government inertia.
The decision makers have now been exposed as marching to a very different drummer - their own political self-preservation; not protecting the deep roots of our own community. Missing has been the link between their own political self-preservation and necessary supportive cash flow needs in support of the overall health of the entire community.
With increasing city budgets meeting declining city revenues, it is now crunch time. How will this company town work together on this critical issue? How long will they continue to spend on State Street, and never reap any returns from State Street? What will they do to destroy Santa Barbara entirely, just to support their own personal cash flow demands?
The corrupt, power hungry elected SB officials only care about their ability to lord over our community, not about our history or what makes Santa Barbara the jewel it is…Tax Day coming up. With my property tax & Fed & State Tax assessments I’m in a coma…I really can’t believe the checks I’m sending to the government…with all this fraud! WHY???
Preserving history is contrary to wiping out regional identity - which seems to be prolific these days. Same big box housing going up EVERYWHERE across the country. All it takes to re-open State Street is the removal of the temporary barricades that keep vehicles out and the horrific walkway experiment…and a re-striping job. Sure would be cheaper than any other recommendation that has been presented to date. Vote those out that aren’t on board!
A shout out also to The Pearl Chase Society, another local volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation of our unique architectural heritage. They can be credited with protection of even the smallest unique store fronts on State Street, along with showcasing historic residences found throughout this area during their former highly-popular historic homes tours.
There is a lot to love in this town. Thank you for encouraging others to also see this built environment with new eyes. As well as underscoring each new generation must also undertake this task as well, if this architectural legacy is to be preserved for future generations.
I like this write up. Has me a little sad though. At its heart it's actually glorifying the builders, the architects, the creatives. We don't have that anymore. Take a step back and looking at our society as a whole, we're just maintainers. Restorators. We don't build. We don't create. We don't inspire awe with new and fresh ideas. We recycle. We lean into nostalgia. We think the best times are behind us. That's depressing.
Our City Council is lost in an endless cycle of defeat over State Street. What had started as a “temporary” closure in response to Covid hysteria has now turned into a slow motion degradation. How is it that the City Council has missed this obvious point: State Street that was perfectly functional for over a century without a closure but now suffers because of the closure they mandated in 2020. Is this really that hard to figure out?
CM: At the very least, State Street should be a main transit corridor for everyone - cars, bikes, shuttles, pedestrians.
It should be a focal point for access and activity. Not the neglected tomb which has become repellant for most. We should all feel we own State Street, as we move around this town in any direction. It should be a point on the map that says this is the living, breathing heart of Santa Barbara.
You asked what it should look like. I answered what it should feel like. May these two directions find a common expression. Isn't that what architects do - put the art into the built environment, not just provide functional structures?
To all The Who agree with this post, get out and vote to change the leadership in charge of these decisions. Vote for conservatives for a change. They listen to the people waaaay more often than the Leftists currently at the helm. Doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results is the definition of insanity. It time to make a change!
What can we expect when Council member Sneddon says she never wants to see another horse on State Street? The Fiesta Parade was the largest equestrian event west of the Mississippi.
I am completely for reopening State. As a native born it is extremely sad to have lost this vital artery through the heart of Santa Barbara and to not see its reopening happening despite the millions spent in consultant studies that did really nothing to improve it in its closed state. I really have not much reason to frequent it at all and especially would like to see parades go up and down it again
This is exactly what I believe to be true. It’s time for the citizens of Santa Barbara, montecito and Goleta to take a firm stand and change this. Insanity to have had this take place. This is not a street for just ages citizens. It’s a street for all citizens. Bikes and skateboards can use the bike lane. Skateboarding has the beach area.
I’m still in shock that this town filled with educators and smart people let this happen.
Cynically waiting to see the next forest of yard signs: TEACHERS SUPPORT CLOSED STATE STREET.
I believe you put your finger on a significant contributing factor: "...this town filled with educators and smart people...".
Educators yes, smart people no.
Last night I walked from Canon Perdido up State St for a number of blocks and shared the sentiment of this piece (however, a tip of the hat to the almost 50 year old Chase Restaurant...still great!) The number of speeding e-bikes or cars racing through the Carrillo intersection in a travesty (although I suspect parking tickets continued to be robustly issued).
While there are some attractive and classic commercial architecture downtown, there are far too many empty or underutilized storefronts. Online shopping is a factor no doubt, failed City leadership focuses on issues like controlling private property, increasing government revenue and unilaterally re-distributing that revenue to a large and protected class of illegal "residents".
We get what we vote for...and to the detriment of Santa Barbara...which comes in the form of a majority City Council with such Leftist social engineers as Sneddon, Santamaria, etc. I'm not overly optimistic about Santa Barbara's future and strongly support the idea of not just voting, but participating and contributing.
They have a distinct advantage...union money, ironically fueled by taxpayers dollars...and lots of it.
Correction. We were a town of smart, highly functioning individuals.
Now we are at town full of smugly self satisfied individuals that have been “educated“ in a school system that has taught them to value their own esteem over self evident truths proven throughout the entire course of human history.
As I read this article, it reminds me of many conversations my wife and I have had on this subject. Although we now live in Santa Ynez, we have always enjoyed the beauty and history of Santa Barbara. Many times saying "I wonder what it was like 50 years ago". Over the past twenty years we have seen a steady decline in the cleanliness, too many homeless, a resurrection of the funk zone, and now the closure and cultural change of State Street. We no longer come to State Street. If we come down, it is only to the Funk Zone. We wish policies would change to re-open State Street, push for a clean up and more business friendly environment. We sincerely hope it can. We will then with pleasure tell our friends to come visit again, and we can get back to the theaters and activities with relish.
Articles such as this one seem to be appearing with regularity. They identify the problem problem but so far I haven’t seen any proposals that resonate with city council members and city staff. It’s so it’s the leadership problem. To be honest, I am way too along in years to get involved in such an effort. But I would like to see some ideas that might stir leadership to do something to bring back State Street. What will it take to overcome the lethargy that is manifested in the heart of our city? We know there is a problem. We have identified it. Now, let’s fix it.
You long were a leader in historic preservation in this town. Mr Jackman. Thank you so much for your efforts to preserve what you could and enliven our history for so many. Yes, many of us long on the front lines, also became wearied by government inertia.
The decision makers have now been exposed as marching to a very different drummer - their own political self-preservation; not protecting the deep roots of our own community. Missing has been the link between their own political self-preservation and necessary supportive cash flow needs in support of the overall health of the entire community.
With increasing city budgets meeting declining city revenues, it is now crunch time. How will this company town work together on this critical issue? How long will they continue to spend on State Street, and never reap any returns from State Street? What will they do to destroy Santa Barbara entirely, just to support their own personal cash flow demands?
Too deaf, dumb and blind to see the damage they’ve done. They, the City Council.
The corrupt, power hungry elected SB officials only care about their ability to lord over our community, not about our history or what makes Santa Barbara the jewel it is…Tax Day coming up. With my property tax & Fed & State Tax assessments I’m in a coma…I really can’t believe the checks I’m sending to the government…with all this fraud! WHY???
Preserving history is contrary to wiping out regional identity - which seems to be prolific these days. Same big box housing going up EVERYWHERE across the country. All it takes to re-open State Street is the removal of the temporary barricades that keep vehicles out and the horrific walkway experiment…and a re-striping job. Sure would be cheaper than any other recommendation that has been presented to date. Vote those out that aren’t on board!
Wonderful article, thank you.
A shout out also to The Pearl Chase Society, another local volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation of our unique architectural heritage. They can be credited with protection of even the smallest unique store fronts on State Street, along with showcasing historic residences found throughout this area during their former highly-popular historic homes tours.
There is a lot to love in this town. Thank you for encouraging others to also see this built environment with new eyes. As well as underscoring each new generation must also undertake this task as well, if this architectural legacy is to be preserved for future generations.
I like this write up. Has me a little sad though. At its heart it's actually glorifying the builders, the architects, the creatives. We don't have that anymore. Take a step back and looking at our society as a whole, we're just maintainers. Restorators. We don't build. We don't create. We don't inspire awe with new and fresh ideas. We recycle. We lean into nostalgia. We think the best times are behind us. That's depressing.
It’s considered an ‘improvement’ because it trades car convenience for an 'experience'
- Less convenient - fewer locals bother coming.
- Retail (non-restaurants) suffer
- Not everyone wants to walk blocks just to run an errand
- Designed more for tourists than residents
Bottom line: _Ridiculous_!
Our City Council is lost in an endless cycle of defeat over State Street. What had started as a “temporary” closure in response to Covid hysteria has now turned into a slow motion degradation. How is it that the City Council has missed this obvious point: State Street that was perfectly functional for over a century without a closure but now suffers because of the closure they mandated in 2020. Is this really that hard to figure out?
What should State Street look like?
CM: At the very least, State Street should be a main transit corridor for everyone - cars, bikes, shuttles, pedestrians.
It should be a focal point for access and activity. Not the neglected tomb which has become repellant for most. We should all feel we own State Street, as we move around this town in any direction. It should be a point on the map that says this is the living, breathing heart of Santa Barbara.
You asked what it should look like. I answered what it should feel like. May these two directions find a common expression. Isn't that what architects do - put the art into the built environment, not just provide functional structures?