••• Sonoma Fit, a.k.a. So Fit, is opening an 11,450-square-foot gym in the former Samy’s Camera space at 530 State Street (Haley/Cota). This will be the company’s fifth location, after Sonoma, Petaluma, Novato, and San Rafael (one of which is pictured above). No word yet on exactly what to expect, but this is the kind of business State Street could use more of, because it draws locals more than every now and then. It’s shooting to launch in December. Update: More info came in. The gym will offer “high-end cardio, free weight and Olympic lifting equipment. Members can expect a sleek, modern design including locker rooms with showers, towel service along with other upscale amenities. Functional training classes are included in the monthly membership and personal training will also be available for an extra fee.”
••• “I think you might be a good person to ask about allowing pickleball in homeowners’ backyards,” emailed W. “The noise complaints and lawsuits are swirling around until the popular sport’s gurus attempt to change the paddles and balls. Or sound walls? It might be a nuisance? Would you want a court next door to you? Not me!” Me neither, but then I’ve never played the game, and once you do, you apparently catch pickleball fever. Has anyone heard of a lawsuit around here over noise from the game?
••• The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show is March 10-12 at the Earl Warren Showgrounds: “Marvel at the displays in the Exhibit Pavilion, browse the Art Show, delight in the floral arrangements, learn from the potting demonstrations, and buy an orchid to take home from the Vendor Hall.” The website includes a handy map for orchid enthusiasts.
••• My mother-in-law announced that she’d like to try ziplining, but she’s not into travel, so my husband looked into local options. Sometime this spring, Highline Adventures is opening down the street from Ostrichland: “Get a bird’s-eye view of Santa Ynez Valley soaring through the skies on nearly a mile of cables. Our three zipline course will take you across beautiful hillsides and along vast ridge lines, providing breathtaking views of the area.” There’s also an adventure park, “designed to be challenging and safe for all ages with our double clip Via Ferrata style harness system. Climb ladders, cross rope bridges and maneuver various obstacles as you safely navigate through the treetops.”
••• If you like history, @pastsantabarbara has been posting fun old photos on Instagram. I’m not sure whether the photos are from a private stash, the Internet, or elsewhere.
••• Two more Santa Barbara Bowl shows were announced: Rebelution with Iration, the Expendables, Passafire, and DJ Mackle on August 6 and 7, and Father John Misty and the Head and the Heart on August 13. A favorite part from Misty’s “Chateau Lobby #4”: First time, you let me stay the night despite your own rules / You took off early to go cheat your way through film school / You left a note in your perfect script: “Stay as long as you want” / I haven’t left your bed since.
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Lawsuits over pickleball courts? Oh yes! 109 Rametto vs Montecito Club. The clubs courts were allegedly built without permits directly disturbing 109 Rametto (just North of the courts). At one point the owner of 109 stated he would not back down until the courts were removed.
And now the property is for sale. Wonder if that issue will be disclosed (as it should). Gorgeous estate ruined by pickleball.
Not the first time a gym will be in that location at 530 State. Adam Shipley had Fueled sports performance there. Pretty sure that is where Jenny Shatzle got her start.
World war 111 is about to start, a large part of our population are worried about whether or not they’ll have a roof over their head, or a meal on their table. And in Montecito, you’re suing each other over… pickle ball courts. Um, yeah….
There are pickle ball dating sites which tells you where this so called “sport” is coming from. So bring your wine coolers and get ready to mingle and annoy everyone else in the neighborhood with the horrendous noise! Advice to pickle ball players: Stay home and play the adult version of Twister( clothing optional).