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Yahoo!Perhaps, as they say, the third time really will be the charm
and the community of Montecito is rooting for those short odds.
Rumor has it that Los Angeles bling-mall developer, Rick
Caruso, may become the third developer in less than 10 years to
try to bring to life the dilapidated Miramar Hotel. Montage hears
Caruso has offered to purchase the blue-roofed Montecito derelict
from
Ty Warner, who purchased it from Ian Schrager in 2005.
While this rumor has not been confirmed
by the Warner Group or the Caruso
team, Montage has received five substantial confirmations from
as far away as L.A. and as close as practically next door!
If true, it’s fortunate because Caruso knows how to bring glam to the down-trodden. He is best known for revitalizing LA’s aging Fairfax District into the basin's premier outdoor shopping experience, The Grove. He has also developed other village-like malls, which he calls “lifestyle centers,” in Westlake Village (the Promenade) and Glendale (The Americana at Brand).
At 48, the USC alum (with a law degree from Pepperdine) is among the youngest powerbrokers in Los Angeles, ranked in the elite club of members included in the 2006 L.A. Times West 100, the one hundred most influential people in Los Angeles—a city of well over 10 million!
Born into influence and affluence, Caruso is the son of the founder of Dollar Rent-A-Car and he grew up in Beverly Hills. He became a developer at the age of 27, buying vacant land near LAX and leasing it to car rental agencies. Later he moved from parking lots to malls. His shopping centers are usually open-air affairs, with amenities such as polished brass topped garbage cans, ambient flowing fountains, and promenades featuring instantly matured landscapes.
While Caruso seems to prefer eye-catching design embellishments (and lots of them), he is no lightweight. He has taken on some fights in his development career and he rattled a few swords as the former head of the Los Angeles Police Commission.
He is known to be heavy player in Republican politics. He is a friend and major contributor of fellow Brentwood neighbor, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, and he raised $1 million in one night for the Bush Reelection campaign by throwing an elite dinner party at his home. We are told that Caruso is “a down-to-earth family guy” who, along with his wife Tina and their children, are frequent visitors to Montecito, and well acquainted with its lifestyle and character.
“We are lucky that there is a buyer who visits Santa Barbara and understands the Santa Barbara dynamic, and that he is on a par with Ty Warner as far as quality,” said one local leader, who had met with Caruso last week.
Before tying the knot with Ty, we’re told Caruso and his team spent several days visiting Montecito to do some final due diligence and meet with locals. At the top of Caruso’s “concern” list was how much community opposition might crop up should the Miramar try to rise from the ashes. Caruso’s team spoke with community representatives from varying local-vocal protectionist groups, including the Montecito Association and the Voices of Montecito, along with several private parties to get insights on possible logjams.
From what Montage hears, rather than opposition, most of those contacted reacted with enthusiastic cooperation, practically offering to pick up shovels and start digging if Caruso would seal the deal! We are also told that part of the zeal is being generated by the fact that, except for some minor changes, Caruso may be willing to accept the existing permits and plans, granted, after numerous community hearings back in 1999, to then owner Ian Schrager.
Another reason for the enthusiasm is Caruso’s personal philosophy about community power. In a revealing and timely December op-ed pieced in the L.A. Times, Caruso wrote, “Competition among developers for usable land is fierce, which enables communities to be more demanding of developers. They cannot enter a community and presume to know what it wants and have a realistic hope of being received with open arms. Quality costs more, but every community will value a quality project….giving a community a sense of ownership is a very powerful concept.” That fresh development approach finally may be the key that opens the long locked doors at the vacant and forlorn Miramar Hotel.
UPDATED: Wednesday Noon
MONTECITO LOVE: After an hour and a half of
unison “We Love Montecito” from every imaginable perspective,
Montecito Planning Commissioners Bob Bierig,
Michael Phillips, and commish-in-waiting,
Sue Burrows (pictured) 
waltzed out of the political slew
and on to the MPC dais, obtaining “delayed” but unanimous
confirmation by the Board of Supervisors.
After waiting for several years for the tap, and then several weeks in some convoluted political maelstrom, Burrows sat in disbelief that her appointment had been truly been solidified. “Was that it?” she asked Montage. We told her that we had taken her picture, so indeed, that was it!
It was a long morning, long enough to lull anyone into disbelief — 18 speakers took to the podium and the hall was packed with pilgrims wanting to give an homage to Montecito. Each member of the Board of Supervisors ponied up accolades about the divinity of the tax-revenue rich community, while members of the Montecito Association sang the old school song and the Voices of Montecito muted their previous vociferous roar to a less audible mew.
In the final analysis, and in spite of some marginally entertaining rhetoric mud slinging, all of Supervisor Salud Carbajal’s appointments to MPC sailed through and discussion of the future jeopardy of the MPC seem to waft away in the wind.
The longest and strongest air punches of the day were thrown by Supervisor Joni Gray, who seemed driven by a need to understand Montecito’s encroachment permit process. She even asked that if she started a “Joni Gray Loves Brown Rocks Committee,” would it too be put on the Public Works’ Montecito roadside must-sign to approve list? (The rocky issue, Montage believes, lies in the fact that the Montecito Association has for many years been included on the County’s Road Encroachment form as a “courtesy” review entity. This fact stirs up Voices of Monecito, so Gray, no doubt, was looking to find a level lane on this pothole filled political artery.)
So, who attended this rock-kickin’ good fun? More than 40
Montecitans suited up for the early morning meeting: Sixty percent
of the Montecito Association Board showed up; then there was the
old guard (Wells, Kinsell, Eidelson, Hovey);
and the new guard (HDF’s Jordan
and Ishkanian [pictured above], along with SBCC Trustee Morris
Jurkowitz); and of course, the Voices (Luria,
Metzler, Snow, Sue Colin, (sans J.) and Luria-Budgor).
Everyone’s favorite Dish, Martha Smilgis was there, along with Kate Firestone (and my how Brook’s face light up when she enters the room — Montage just gets plain valentiney!). Kate was seated near retired MPC comish Meghreblian and Thielscher. Montage noticed, of course, that all of the current MPC commishes (around whom this controversy swirls) were MIA, as was the entire Montecito Board of Architectural Review. Former Santa Barbara County Planning Commissioner Parker Montgomery was there with his wife, and, while previously vocal about eliminating the MPC, on Tuesday he was mum on the issue.
There was one new face in the crowd, and, of course, Montage just had to know, so we sallied up and introduced ourselves to Matt Middlebrook, who turned out to be the vice president of government relations for the Caruso Group (see the Miramar story above). Matt had come to the meeting to rubberneck at S.B. County politics in action, and he certainly got a good initial bounce from the Montecito’s Who’s Who.
So, with a morning of many mutual missions mastered, Matt and Montage watched Montecito mosey away, meeting and greeting each other as if they were departing a sunny Sunday social — and closing yet another exciting chapter on “As the MPC Turns.”
MONTECITO MEANDERINGS: Montecito is revving up for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Not wanting to be in the wrong queue for the wrong event (how embarrassing would that be?), nearly 100 movers and shakers showed up Monday at the Biltmore to get “The Native’s Primer” from SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling. Among the scene stealers were SBIFF Prexy Jeff Barbakow and wife Margo, along with Oprah’s pals Penny Bianchi, Jelinda Devorzon, and Marlene Veloz. (No Oprah though?)
There was a bevy of beautiful blondes, who could cut into any line with ease, including SBIFF boardmembers Linda Hatch, Betsy Moller, Serena Carroll, and Nora McNeely Hurley, the member who, we’re told, created the luncheon’s fun floral centerpieces from real film reels. Some of the smoldering brunettes paying rapt attention to the Film Festival Cliff Notes were Phyllis De Picciotto, who founded SBIFF 21 years ago, seated near Doralle Jacobson, Judy Engenolf, and Lorraine Wilson.
But blondes and brunettes beware, because when it comes to the entertainment business of hair there is really no competition — Roger Durling walks away with the award year after year. For 2007, he’s sporting Tuscan Sunset undercolor, splashed with sunflower seed noir — a combination that puts him heads above any competition.
MONTAGE SBIFF TIP: If you want to be in the right place at the SBIFF, just treck after any of the above mentioned stars, but, please Montage Readers, try not to look like your stalking!
ACT QUICK: Last week Montage let you know that Thomas L. Friedman, one of the world’s most highly respected commentators on international affairs, was coming to town.
Now we can confirm that he will speak at Westmont’s second annual President’s Breakfast, on Wednesday, February 28. He will discuss "The World is Flat: Speaking on the Next Phase of Globalization,” at 7 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom at Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort.
Tickets are $75 and can be purchased starting, Friday, Jan. 26, at 8 a.m. by calling 565-6895. Seating is extremely limited and the breakfast is expected to sell out quickly. Friedman is a syndicated columnist for The New York Times and a three-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize. Vanity Fair has called him “the country’s best newspaper columnist.” His latest book is the international bestseller The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century, which has been on the Times best-seller list for more than 90 weeks.
Double-clicking on any word or phrase in this story will open a reference window with definitions and links to other reference material.
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Comments
Discussion Guidelines
Nice scoop J'Amy. We knew you'd get to it first! Keep up the good work! We just love the column!
village watcher
January 22, 2007 at 12:01 p.m.
Fingers are crossed.
--virtual phlangial mash-up
biff arden
January 22, 2007 at 12:42 p.m.
Hopefully, the local oppositionista has learned its lesson and will keep the trivial issues to a minimum. Or will the anti-Ty's now become anti-Rick's?? Stay tuned....
Robert C. Meltzer
January 23, 2007 at 7:56 a.m.
not so soon, Caruso-supporters.....if he tries to make the Miramar into another cookie-cutter 21st century mall eg the Grove, Promenade, etc he won't get too far
not so soon
January 23, 2007 at 10:58 a.m.
Nice reporting J'aime. Information regarding a major project owner's opinion of community review and involvement is important.
Michael Phillips
January 23, 2007 at 12:02 p.m.
Blue roofs? There are many of us that don't care at all about blue roofs. That was an old design. He can do what he wants with the desighn. It will be his place!!
mark
January 23, 2007 at 12:57 p.m.
See 'not so soon' above. Already the oppositionistas are gathering. Anonymously, of course.
Robert C. Meltzer
January 23, 2007 at 1:03 p.m.
So let me understand the "oppositionistas" who oppose any land/planning review......would your approach be to grant approval prior to seeing any plans? sight unseen?
not so soon
January 23, 2007 at 1:40 p.m.
of course not. duh.
Robert C. Meltzer
January 23, 2007 at 2:08 p.m.
My approach, Mr. Anonymous, would be to see the plans before editorializing on what they might be and what Mr. Caruso may or may not propose. Who knows - you might like him better than Ty!
Robert C. Meltzer
January 23, 2007 at 2:12 p.m.
As with many things the best indicator of future behavior is past behavior. You are obviously new not only to Santa Barbara but to Southern California, Mr. M. Perhaps Caruso will propose something completely antithetical to the numerous projects he has planted in the past. In the meantime, do your homework and at least be prepared to know what questions to ask....
http://www.carusoaffiliated.com/developm...
not so soon
January 23, 2007 at 2:26 p.m.
Perhaps I was unclear in my original statement. My definition of the oppositionistas are those who raise issues and objections before knowing the facts. Some are already raising issues about Caruso and have not seen his plans for the Mirimar. My understanding is that he has agreed to execute Schrager's plan - maybe yes, maybe no, but time will tell.
'New to Santa Barbara' depends on your definition of new, I suppose. But interestingly, whenever I mention such concepts as fact-based decision-making or reasoned debate or try to turn a debate away from personalities to issues, I am accused of being new to Santa Barbara. I find that an interesting commentary coming from people who seem generally prefer to attack the opposing speaker rather than present a real counterargument.
I have no bias regarding Mr. Caruso one way or the other. My concern is that the Miramar no longer be an eyesore, that it be a beautiful addition to Montecito, and that it not take years of hearings, appeals, and lawsuits to make that happen.
'The best indicator of future behavior is past behavior' I think, is one of those reasonable-sounding statements that can easily be taken too far, and can be applied equally well to the oppositionistas as to any other group or individaul, at which point that statement becomes an obstruction to communication and reasoned debate.
Robert C. Meltzer
January 23, 2007 at 2:44 p.m.
Is Michael in love with J'Amy? Note the spelling of his greeting? Tee hee.
Hedda Hopper
January 23, 2007 at 3:21 p.m.
Robert C. Meltzer does not even reside in Montecito but in Hope Ranch. He and his pals got spanked nicely at the County Board today.
Why does he meddle so?
Third Generation
January 23, 2007 at 9:52 p.m.
The meeting of Jan 23 was a classic! As a follow-up to a meeting two weeks ago in which Firestone, Centeno and Gray tried to mess with Carbajal's committee appointments, the political tables turned. As Chair Firestone stumbled and bumbled his way through the meeting, he'd sometimes forget who the speaker was! Gee Brooks, learn how to multi-task! The Voices Of Montecito (numbering about 3 or 4) got drowned out by supporters of the Montecito Association and Montecito planning committee. The VOM were accused of being a front for developers and never showing up at any meetings to participate in the process.They could barely squeak out a response.
Speaker after speaker supported Carbajal's appointments and the process, sometimes to thunderous applause. Chair Firestone overreacted saying.."we don't allow demonstrations here!" I laughed so hard! Then he says the reason for this agenda item was Ty Warner! Mr. Firestone was concerned that Mr. Warner was not being treated fairly because he decided to sell the Miramar! What a crock! This is all about developers who want to do as they please, with no say by affected common community members...Geez, Brooksie, get with the program!
Sonny
January 24, 2007 at 7:15 a.m.
Hello, Sonny - haven't heard from you since you got your hands slapped. At least this time you're reporting facts (your view of them, at least) instead of name-calling. Real comfortable shooting from that anonymous cave, huh? But you still see this as a pure black and white issue, developers against the Montecito Saints - ever hear of shades of gray?
Robert C. Meltzer
January 24, 2007 at 8:43 a.m.
RC.. Yes.. I've been warned by the master of ceremonies, nevertheless..Sonny is a name.is it not? However, like Zorro, my ID is known to those who obsessively seek it..ie, those without a life. The only gray I saw at the BOS meeting was from VOM members... gee wiz, I don't need a bunch of hippies stalking me.. at least you got Wendy on your side... so I say.. keep on ROCKIN'!
Sonny
January 24, 2007 at 8:57 a.m.
Ah, that's the Sonny I know. Name-calling and vitriolic from behind a safely anonymous screen and apparently envious of anyone who has more $ than he does (Ty, Brooks, Wendy - there's a pattern there) - what is this - class warfare?.
Robert C. Meltzer
January 24, 2007 at 9:12 a.m.
Yes Yes RC, I enjoy the comforting safety of my computer screen. No No! RC... you read too much into my posts..I'm just making some observations. However, I understand your defensiveness. The pattern you point out is interesting and true..Ty, Brooks and Wendy do exhibit the same shape and form..interchangeable brains! and all fantastic managers! Good luck to the VOM..you're gonna need it. That's my critique for today and don't be so afraid of free speech..
Sonny
January 24, 2007 at 9:50 a.m.
I'm not at all afraid of free speech - that's what I'm engaging in, as are you. Difference is that I'm not as afraid of the public knowing who I am and what I stand for. Bye...
Robert C. Meltzer
January 24, 2007 at 10:05 a.m.
where's my last post? someone censoring me?
Robert C. Meltzer
January 24, 2007 at 10:36 a.m.
never mind.
Robert C. Meltzer
January 24, 2007 at 11:33 a.m.
Best column yet, you exposed and nailed Joni Gray's probing inquiries as to why the Montecito Association has power. Simple, vocal locals who pay hefty property taxes and live in Montecito have rights. If we don't protect Montecito's bucolic beauty, no one will.
As for Caruso -- The Grove is impressive, but the restaurants, and stores, are higher-end franchise. It is a money making endeavor first and foremost. That said, it has an intelligent parking design and a pond. The original, the Farmer's Market in the 1950's was far superior. But given the hoards of population that have invaded LA, The Grove works as a more practical commerce sight that is safe at night. It is highly commercial however, and the reverse philosophy of our cozy little library and rustic upper village.
Martha Smilgis
January 25, 2007 at 10:06 a.m.
Right on, Martha. Let's just be sure that ALL the Montecitans have a say, not just a connected few. That's all Voices of Montecito requested in the BoS meeting. Oh, and restatement of a couple of points of law that may have been, shall we say, overlooked by the MPC and the MA.
Robert C. Meltzer
January 25, 2007 at 3:25 p.m.
to: Third Generation
Sorry, 3G, but get your facts straight. I do not live in Hope Ranch; my property borders Montecito. And therefore I am affected by what goes on in Montecito, and not just as a county resident suffering from the loss of tax revenue on the derelict Miramar. My cellphone service is lousy thanks to Montecito's refusal to allow a tower.
But your comments illustrate my point. I believe that in this country, we have a principal of one person - one vote. And unless I missed something, Montecito has not seceded from the U.S. How many generations or years of residence is totally irrelevant to the democratic process.
I don't see having a point of view as meddling; I see it as free speech. My issue is and always has been having an open and democratic process, even in Montecito, where some people seem to think that the old feudal ways apply.
And don't think for a minute that having loud applause from the MA crowd is the same as "getting spanked".
Robert C. Meltzer
January 25, 2007 at 3:36 p.m.
Making sure that ths project first into the community asthetic standards is good. Holding him up from starting the project is not good (red tape that takes too long.)
But trying to make repeat aspects of the Miramar that were there before like blue roofs, trains, 1950 stlye buildings and more is not good for him(violayes his property rights) or the community at large. If anybody comes out wanting blue roofs, let's seem them paint their roof blue first!!! Responses welcome.
mark
January 25, 2007 at 11:24 p.m.
sorry about my typos in previous post-hope you can read it OK.
mark
January 26, 2007 at 1:18 a.m.
Mark, keep an eye out for the book, copy rights are in order... the entire saga will be published soon. I'll give you more info later.
Max
January 26, 2007 at 8:56 a.m.
I agree with Mark.
Robert C. Meltzer
January 26, 2007 at 9:26 a.m.
Dateline: Friday 1/26/07 I met with Rick Caruso this morning and he formally announced he is in escrow on the Miramar. (There are 10 days until closing, and he has a huge down, so it looks like a done deal!) I will report on details on Monday, but I feel Caruso is very interested in local input and retaining local character. I asked him about the "Blue Roof" controversy, and he responded, "I will do whatever the community wants." When I said, that's the problem, they are divided, he quickly responded, “Then we will have both." My take is Rick Caruso is a problem solver...not a controversy creator. More later, but if the status of the Miramar has been giving you nightmares, I think you can start sleeping tight.
J'Amy
January 26, 2007 at 4:06 p.m.
Why don't they put the Blue Roofs down with Santa next to the 101 North. To all of those that liked the old Miramar, I'd like to inform you that things change! Sometimes thing have to change to get better.
With a fight we were able to kick Santa out of Santa Claus Lane a few years back and banish him from the county for good measure. I think I'll go down to Santa's pen this weekend and start taking measurements for the Miramar's old blue roofs. Replys welcome
mark
January 26, 2007 at 10:02 p.m.
sorry more typos.
mark
January 26, 2007 at 10:04 p.m.
Now, Mark.. either fix your typos before you post or toke up after you post.. and if Santa was still in Carp, he could have kept out all these nitwit- botox- birdbrained newbies. As for TY, at least he sold it to the right guy, a developer who understands you can make money and still honor the historic resources of California. A guy who's not a prima donna and who actually talks to the press! He summed up his plans by saying he'd like to remake the Miramar into a family oriented hotel where sportcoats and swimsuits are welcome..and that some cottages would stay and be upgraded while the lesser structures would be rebuilt. A simple and smart plan.. I'm sure he's the right man for the job...
Sonny
January 27, 2007 at 7:15 a.m.
A picture of Sonny is starting to emerge! He hates rich people, bird-brained newbies, anyone new to Montecito, anyone with a clear head, and anyone who doesn't think like he does, but he loves shopping center developers and believes whatever they say (so long as they agree with him)! Have fun with it, Mark, I'm tired of matching wits with one so defenseless.
Robert C. Meltzer
January 27, 2007 at 11:15 a.m.
VOICE of MELTZER.. RELAX! I was talking to you bud, Mark, not you..no one cares what you "think" about your democatic delusions, anyway..go play with your beanie babies..maybe you can match wits with them!
Sonny
January 27, 2007 at 11:33 a.m.
Oooooohhhh, Sonny - I think I hit a nerve. Very typical of you that you're willing to speak for everyone - "no one cares"? How would you know?
Robert C. Meltzer
January 27, 2007 at 11:37 a.m.
RC..What nerve are you talking about? I can't help what pictures pop into your little head! Now, go get Mark and stop taking everything so literally..and STOP OBSESSING ON ME..you're gonna get me tossed from this forum again..
Sonny
January 27, 2007 at 11:58 a.m.
Sonny & Meltzer:
You are both a ways from being tossed, but really, isn't it about time to put you personal jousting to rest? Discussion of various viewpoints is our preferred format.
Perhaps you can set up an off-site duel and settle this in a final and dramatic fashion.
--Randy Campbell
Administrator
January 27, 2007 at 12:15 p.m.
Randy, you are absolutely right. Toss us both. The forum would be better off.
Robert C. Meltzer
January 27, 2007 at 12:20 p.m.
No one get "tossed" from this forum…and I am particularly fond of illegal, immoral and fattening..so keep any comments coming.
Montage readers, your opinions are read here by all kinds of people you would not suspect…Caruso's Team reads this column, Ty's Team reads this column, Clinton himself read this column (once) and ALL the Supes visit from time to time...the Journal reads the column, the News Press reads the column, the LA Times reads and QUOTES from this column!
So if you have an opinion on any Montecito matter (or any local matter) get it out there, post it, chat on, enjoy, go public, express yourself...you may be changing a mind somewhere, you just never know. Montage has become real litmus of local opinion... and the Robert / Sonny show has become a daytime favorite!
Join in the fun...do not hesitate to post, get in there, go anonymous, or real, up to you...there is NO editing. Just type your view (I usually do it on Word then cut and paste into the comment box), click post, and 15 seconds later you’ll see for yourself, you've made world wide news...
This column, my fellow citizen journalists, is the wave of the future, so test the waters, post a comment, and welcome to the safety of the Montecito's Montage schooner (fast and sleek)! If you want to contact me privately for more info, email me at jamy@independent.com (your email will not be made public on Montage.)
(Disclaimer: While I personally have no access to edit posts, the owners of The Independent may chose to remove a post if they feel it leaves them open to legal action. That has NEVER happened to a Montage post (to my knowledge).
J'Amy
January 27, 2007 at 12:40 p.m.
Randy..ok...--..---....--..-...---!!
Sonny
January 27, 2007 at 12:42 p.m.
Wait a minute..Randy says "STOP IT" and J'Amy says "GO FOR IT!" We got another conflict here!...I'd go with J'Amy on this one..she's a woman with instincts and all that other stuff that guys don't have..All I got left is an opinion!
Sonny
January 27, 2007 at 3:06 p.m.
I actually cross-posted with Randy and had not read his thoughts until after mine posted. I was not intending to counter him—we just did a simulatneous cross-post.
We are not in disagreement about blog use, which we both encourage, and/or abuse, which we both discourage. Randy, as the Administrator, is in a far better position to know if readers are getting bored with the R/S duel. I think it is amusing but Randy gets wide feedback and can monitor the number of click/hits.
Montage has given R&S duel ample space to get their differing points across, and we get the point—you are not fond of each other. It's been fun..but let’s call a truce and move on. By no means is anyone being tossed, just stick to the issues, and thanks for staying tuned in.
J'Amy
January 27, 2007 at 6:49 p.m.
OK! J'Amy..I don't dislike Meltzer, I don't even know him..but if Clinton and all the supes and stars start complaining 'cos I'm gone, they can find me at Lucky's..eatin' steak, drinkin' wine..enough to drink your blog offa my mind...
Sonny
January 28, 2007 at 8:42 a.m.
Ditto, but I'll be eatin' at home. Can't afford Lucky's. It's been fun...
Robert C. Meltzer
January 28, 2007 at 8:50 a.m.
please tell me that the santa barbara region is or soon will reach our quota of idle rich babyboomers relocating here????!!!!!! we can't take much more.
quota of idle rich
January 28, 2007 at 1:54 p.m.
There is a HUGE supply of them all over the country who have lived in lovely places like Buffalo, Cleveland, and Green Bay and they want their fair share of sunshine and warmth b4 they die. They will continue move here and drive up home prices for many years. Get ready....
Robert C. Meltzer
January 28, 2007 at 6:13 p.m.
Stick to what issues, J'Amy? If you ask me, the fact that Montecito won't let anyone live there without a million bucks and a social register listing is a bigger issue than who has the dominant homeowner group. Rob Lowe blocks affordable housing and then builds a big oversized house in Montecito? Where are these so called "protection" groups on those issues? Let's discuss the real issues, not the fluff.
Homeless in Montecito
January 29, 2007 at 10:24 p.m.
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