With the results of the Downtown Retail Study coming next week, we're already seeing small but resolute changes on our great street, and it is heartening. We do have vacancies to contend with - no use pretending we don't. But the better news is, stores are closing in one location - but moving to larger locations. Both Skechers USA and MAC Cosmetics moved to the 800 block. "It's a larger space with much better lighting for our use," says Kat Shay, General Manager of MAC. "With two entrances, it's much more open." Evangelina Boutique, open just about a year, is shifting to a larger location in Paseo Nuevo, next to California Pizza Kitchen.

Speaking of Paseo Nuevo Shops & Restaurants (and well-earned awards), the management team there is the proud winner of a Gold Award from the International Council of Shopping Centers, for their "College Night Out" event last September. Along with a variety of unique events (raise your hand if you saw "Let it Snow" last Christmas), Paseo Nuevo has introduced a pop-up shop program to provide even more promotional opportunities to local businesses. This allows businesses to pop-up for a day in the common areas, creating new and exciting shopping experiences every week.  "We are fortunate to be able to adjust to the changing retail climate, offering first time business owners the opportunity to incubate their concept in a shopping center environment," says General Manager Kristen Weidemann. "We can provide extra services to our tenants, like marketing, events, security and valet parking, that help offset our retailers' start-up costs and assist in their success."

Local Mermaids Pop-Up Shop, at Paseo Nuevo.

And regarding change...the staff of Downtown SB is losing Cassidy Brewer, our fabulous Marketing & Events Manager - she's packed up her tutus, yoga togs and the Office Baby, and moved back to Colorado. Seems some changes are harder to handle than others.