By El Latino Newsroom
redaccion@latinocc.com
Paseo Nuevo redevelopment moves forward
Santa Barbara City officials are moving forward with a proposal to redevelop the Paseo Nuevo shopping center into a mixed-use downtown hub anchored by office space, housing and retail.
City staff presented the negotiated framework to the City Council on June 2 for public discussion and direction. The council supported the joint proposal and unanimously approved bringing back an official development agreement on June 16.
The proposal focuses on renovation and adaptive reuse rather than demolition, with the goal of bringing jobs and housing back to the heart of downtown more quickly and with less disruption.
Under the draft framework, the former Macy’s building would be renovated for corporate offices for Yardi Systems, while outdoor retail space would continue operating.
The former Nordstrom building at 817 State St. would be converted into 80 to 112 rental homes, including 10% inclusionary units for moderate-income households.
The plan also includes significant public benefits. Developers would contribute $1.7 million toward downtown and parking investments and $5.7 million to the Local Housing Trust Fund. Private investment across the two projects is estimated at more than $100 million.
The City of Santa Barbara would oversee approvals and execute Disposition and Development Agreements to implement the proposal.
As part of the framework, the city would transfer ownership of the land under the inline mall and former Macy’s building to Yardi Systems.
Yardi would acquire fee title to the Macy’s parcel, inline retail parcels and Lot 1.
“The company would renovate the former Macy’s building for corporate offices, continue operating Lot 1 in a manner consistent with downtown parking needs and contribute public benefits,” the City Council said.
DSP, a partnership involving Dune, Shopoff Realty Investments and Praelium, would adapt the former Nordstrom building into housing and also contribute public benefits.
City officials said the proposal is intended to reactivate long-vacant anchor buildings at Paseo Nuevo while preserving downtown retail and adding housing in the city center.
New FEMA flood maps take effect in SB
Santa Barbara County has transitioned to newly updated federal flood hazard maps, replacing all previous versions and changing how some development projects will be reviewed.
The new Federal Emergency Management Agency flood maps, also known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps, took effect June 10.
County officials said the updated maps will now be used as the sole basis for flood hazard review, replacing older FEMA maps that have been rescinded.
In July 2025, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, acting as the Flood Control and Water Conservation District Board, approved updates to the county’s flood hazard maps by incorporating FEMA’s preliminary flood insurance rate maps. Since then, the county had been using the preliminary maps alongside the previously effective FEMA maps.
Some properties that were previously located in Special Flood Hazard Areas may see reduced review requirements under the new maps. However, county officials said many projects will still require oversight from the Flood Control District.
Projects that may still need review include those near streams or rivers, within building setbacks, inside newly mapped FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas or in the Repetitive Loss Zone.
Larger or more complex developments, including subdivisions, discretionary permits and commercial projects, must continue to meet standard flood control conditions.
County officials said flooding can occur anywhere, even outside mapped high-risk areas. Standard homeowners insurance may not cover flood damage, and new National Flood Insurance Program policies generally have a 30-day waiting period before taking effect.
For more information about flood insurance visit, www.floodsmart.gov.
Man charged with attempted murder of police officer
A Simi Valley man has been charged with attempted murder of a police officer and several other felony offenses after authorities said he rammed a donut shop with an SUV and later drove toward an officer.
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said Frank Leslie Blessing, 58, of Simi Valley, was charged with one count of attempted murder of a peace officer, one count of assault on a peace officer, three counts of felony vandalism and two counts of battery on a peace officer or nurse.
Blessing also faces special allegations and aggravating factors, including use of a deadly weapon and allegations that the crime involved great violence.
Blessing made his first court appearance June 1 and his arraignment was continued, and Judge Paul Feldman ordered him held without bail after prosecutors argued he remains a danger to the community.
“The allegations describe a deliberate and escalating series of violent acts. Using a car to allegedly attempt to murder a police officer is a heinous act that requires the strongest of consequences,” Nasarenko said.
Prosecutors said the incident began about 3:30 a.m. May 27, when Blessing allegedly tried to enter a closed donut shop on Erringer Road in Simi Valley.
After failing to get through the front door, he allegedly used a Chevrolet Tahoe to ram the entrance several times, causing major damage.
A Simi Valley police officer later stopped the damaged SUV.
During the encounter, Blessing allegedly reversed into the officer’s patrol car twice before accelerating toward the officer, who had to move out of the way to avoid being hit.
The SUV later crashed into a wall near a neighboring home and became disabled.
Authorities said Blessing then threw a fixed-blade knife at an officer, missed and was arrested after a struggle.
At a hospital, he allegedly kicked a police officer and a nurse.
His continued arraignment is scheduled for June 22 in Ventura County Superior Court.
Second case of West Nile virus
A second bird collected in Ventura has tested positive for West Nile virus this year, Ventura County environmental health officials said.
The Ventura County Environmental Health Division received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health that the bird, collected May 28 in the city of Ventura, tested positive for the virus.
The first positive bird of the year was collected May 12, also in Ventura.
Ventura County Public Health said no human cases of West Nile virus have been identified in the county so far in 2026.
West Nile virus is established in Ventura County, and additional positive birds are expected during mosquito season, officials said.
The Environmental Health Division monitors and controls mosquito breeding sources throughout the county.
Officials said mosquito breeding areas near where the infected bird was collected will be inspected and treated if evidence of mosquito breeding is found.
“Residents are urged to reduce their risk by eliminating standing water around their homes, making sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens without holes, wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts outdoors, and limiting outdoor activity at dawn and dusk”, the VCPH said.
Officials also recommend using an EPA-approved insect repellent containing picaridin, DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, also known as PMD, or IR3535.
“The West Nile virus can also affect people and horses, therefore horse owners are encourage to contact their veterinarian,” Health officials said.
