••• Artist Cassandria Blackmore is relocating her gallery from 1275 Coast Village Road to a private space open by appointment. No word yet on what might take its place, but given the way things are trending, I wouldn’t be surprised if another national chain rolls in.
••• To wit, the word on the metaphorical street is that Free People will leave State Street for the former Montecito Athletic Club space at 40 Los Patos Way. (It’s part of The Post, although it doesn’t look like it.) This remains unconfirmed: while a staffer at the store confirmed that a move is imminent, she couldn’t say to where; the media relations department at parent company Urban Outfitters ignored an inquiry.
••• The agenda for tomorrow’s meeting of the Historic Landmarks Commission has a few interesting items. First, the Montecito Club would like to tear down 1045 Summit Road, a Spanish Revival and Moorish Revival house built in 1918 and apparently not used for much in a long time. It’s on a separate 2.97-acre parcel that got sold to the club’s owner in 1959 (and with the club when it changed hands in 1973 and 2004). What owner Ty Warner wants to do with the property is anyone’s guess.
••• Second, the Santa Barbara Public Library is hoping to install furniture on the new plaza outside the Central Library. I don’t know about the style and color…. The backup option is turquoise.
••• And third—this is on the consent agenda, which is worrisome—the forthcoming Ghirardelli Chocolate Company shop at 509 State Street is proposing to put giant mosaics of sundaes on the side walls of the front terrace.
••• The recent revamp of the Ritz-Carlton Bacara brings with it the unwelcome news, says L., that the $201 facial-or-massage offer for locals (Sunday through Thursday) is no longer being offered. Meanwhile, a 50-minute massage now costs $336, which includes a “16% Staff Charge and 6% House Charge.” What, you may ask, does that mean? “The entire Staff Charge is distributed to service personnel; the House Charge is retained by the Hotel to cover administrative, non-labor costs and is not a tip, gratuity, or service charge for employees.” And “all prices and charges are subject to applicable taxes, currently 8.75%.” So if you tip 20%, a 50-minute massage will end up costing around $436…