••• An apartment building planned for 400 W. Carrillo (between Castillo and the 101) goes in front of the Historic Landmarks Commission this Wednesday: “The project consists of demolition of the existing parking lot and removal of 15 mature on site Tipuana Tipu trees, and construction of a three- and four-story residential structure with 63 rental units. Parking for the residences would be provided in a combination of surface lot and garage parking. The apartments are proposed as 100% rent-controlled moderate (80-120% AMI) and middle (120-160% AMI) income affordable apartments operated by the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara. Modifications are requested for the proposed density and exceeding the 45-foot height limit.” I have to think the HLC will find it a bit plain for the El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District.
••• The city is going to change—which can only mean lower—the speed limits on Las Positas Road and Modoc Road. Staff is conducting speed surveys and new speed limits will be posted this spring.
••• H. wondered why the Belmond references were removed from the El Encanto signs on Alameda Padre Serra. According to a PR rep, “the hotel updated its naming convention in 2021 to El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, so signage is being updated to reflect that (signs originally stated Belmond El Encanto). There will be updated signage going up again soon.” You’re always welcome to ask a question or submit a tip via Instagram, texting 917-209-6473, emailing [email protected], or replying to the email newsletter.
••• The Aloha Fun Center, bringing roller skating and other activities to the former Macy’s building at Paseo Nuevo, hasn’t posted anything on Instagram since a help-wanted announcement in December, so I asked when it might open. The answer: no official date yet.
••• From Channel Islands National Park: “Planning is complete for a small, primitive campground near Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island. […] It will consist of seven tent campsites with a maximum of 24 people able to spend the night and includes an accessible site and a vault toilet. The campground will be located along a pre-existing unimproved road approximately a quarter mile from the Prisoners Harbor Pier. The campground will not be visible from the ocean and is designed to minimize impact on the natural and cultural landscapes. Campers will need to carry all supplies and provisions to their reserved site. Campfires and smoking are prohibited. Once completed, campsite can be reserved online.”
••• Amos Lee plays the Lobero on June 1.
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Too bad the soulless and bland El Encanto can’t restore the badass green neon sign that used to grace its entrance.
My sister and her friends came to town and they stayed at the El Encanto. They were all very happy with every aspect, the rooms, the service, the food, the grounds, the view, … It is far from “soulless”.