It's Hard Out There For A Rich Developer

As an ever stingier body politic looks for ways to cut municipal budgets and save money, maybe we should close our planning departments and let the economy do its thing?

Colby Frazier reports in the Daily Sound that after winning approval from the County to rebuild the Miramar Hotel, developer Rick Caruso is now seeking a one-year extension for his building permits, which will expire in April. Can you say, "La Entrada?"

And in another article in today's Sound, Frazier reports that Matt Osgood, the developer of the controversial Naples project, has defaulted on his $63 million loan. Osgood has been going back and forth with the County over this project for at least 10 years. Can you say, "black hole?"

* * *The more things change, the more they stay the same? Mike Foley executive director of Casa Esperanza, Santa Barbara County's largest homeless shelter, claims that Terry Tyler wrote a recent "guest editorial" in the News-Press arguing that the Milpas Street area has suffered ever since the homeless shelter opened. This, according to Foley, was without bothering to call him, check facts or cite sources. Shades of Travis Armstrong!

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Chynna Phillips, former lead singer and the daughter of John and Michelle Phillips of the legendary Mamas & Papas, who recently checked herself into rehab, is reportedly a resident of Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara's Jeff Bridges, recently honored with his own day at our Film Fest, is featured in a slide show on the NY Times website.

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The just concluded Santa Barbara Film Fest has announced the line-up of films for its third "free" weekend.

Friday
7pm Exam - Best Independent film
9pm Crazy Art

Saturday
1 pm The World is Big and Salvation Lurks Just Around the Corner
4pm Enemies of the People - Best Documentary
7PM The Legend of Pale Male - Audience Award
9pm A Murder of Crows

Sunday
1PM Bran Neu Dae
4PM Wind Journeys - Best Spanish Latin American Film
7PM The Athlete

All screenings are at the Riviera Theater and seats are on a "first-come-first-served" basis.

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If you're looking for a little getaway without leaving town, The LA Times travelblog reports that the Bath Street Inn is offering a third night free. Best of all, you're right around the corner from me. Then again, considering some of the comments I get, maybe that's not a selling point.

The L.A. Times has an article on how the City of West Hollywood has banned most cat and dog sales at pet stores. So, it's official; it's now easier to buy a gun in West Hollywood than it is to buy a Chihuahua.

© 2010 by Craig Smith and www.craigsmithsblog.com