FRANCESCHI PARK PUBLIC HEARING
The City of Santa Barbara Historic Landmarks Commission will hold a public hearing on the Franceschi Park design review application and Riviera Association members encouraged to attend.
Hearing Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 1:30 PM (Full Commission)
Hearing Location: David Gebhard Public Meeting Room, 630 Garden Street
Project Address: 1501 Franceschi Road
Assessor’s Parcel Number: 019-101-009
Zoning Designation: P-R (Park and Recreation)
Application Number: PLN2025-00155
Applicant / Owner: Holly Garcin, Parks and Recreation / City Of Santa Barbara
Project Description: Demo Franceschi House building. New hardscape & landscape throughout park.
Staff Contact: Barbara Burkhart, BBurkhart@SantaBarbaraCA.gov, (805) 564-5470
The City’s decision-makers want to hear from you when changes to your neighborhood are proposed. To learn more about this project, including appeal procedures, go to SantaBarbaraCA.gov/HLC. Plans available Thursday before the hearing. All reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities. Call (805) 564-5470, ext. 7543 one week in advance.
- You can comment during the hearing. The Chair will announce when public testimony can be given for each item. Individual comments are typically limited to two minutes.
- Email any written comments prior to the meeting to HLCSecretary@SantaBarbaraCA.gov
- Mail written correspondence addressed to HLC Secretary, PO Box 1990, Santa Barbara, CA 93102-1990. Mail must be received at least one week in advance for consideration.
Geology Walk with Kristen Sneddon
January 10th, 2026
10:30am-12:30pm
Meet at SBCC La Playa Stadium
Maximum 25 attendees
Sign up via this QR code>
Bring water and wear comfortable shoes
Participants will sign waivers the day of the walk
City Launches State Street Loop and Welcomes Back MTD Downtown -Waterfront Shuttle
DOWNTOWN SANTA BARBARA HAS BIG WHEELS TURNING with two ride services starting May 30th. There will be Free rides up and down State Street, compliments of a collaboration between the City and the nonprofit Friends of State Street and Sweep Inc., a six month pilot program, which began May 29th.
The City of Santa Barbara, in collaboration with Friends of State Street and Sweep Inc. announced the launch of the State Street Loop, a program designed to provide fun, free, and accessible transportation along State Street.
The pilot program will operate Thursday through Sunday from noon to 7pm.
The State Street Loop features a fleet of three electric golf carts —including one ADA-accessible vehicle — offering convenient service between the Dolphin Fountain at Stearns Wharf and Victoria Street. Each cart will stop at 11 designated locations, clearly marked with vertical signage and painted street stars. Carts travel in a continuous loop to help residents, workers, and visitors access key destinations with ease. Each vehicle accommodates up to five passengers, in addition to the driver. The ADA-accessible cart includes space for one wheelchair and three passengers.
Whether you’re heading to a meeting, grabbing lunch, exploring shops, or simply enjoying a scenic ride through the heart of downtown, the State Street Loop is here to make your journey smooth. Friendly, knowledgeable drivers are ready to assist riders and share insights about downtown Santa Barbara along the way.
State Street Loop: Launch Date: May 29, 2025; Days of Operation: Thursday – Sunday; Hours of Operation: noon to 7:00 p.m.; Route: Loop from Stearns Wharf Dolphin Fountain to Victoria Street and back; Stops: 11 marked stops with signage and painted stars; Cost: Free; Duration: Six-month pilot through November 2025.
This innovative pilot program allows the City to explore shuttle-style transportation along State Street whilereinforcing our commitment to a more accessible, pedestrian-friendly, and vibrant downtown.For more information, visit State Street Loop: https://friendsofstatestreet.org/loop
MARK YOUR CALENDERS
RIVIERA ASSOCIATION SPRING MEETING
Sunday, May 17, 2026, 4–6 p.m.
Riviera Ridge Campus, 2130 Mission Ridge Road
Shuttle service to/from Mission Ridge & Tremonto parking lots
• Engage with your neighbors while enjoying great food and drinks.
• You must be a paid member to attend; to join or renew your Riviera Association membership go to the Join/Renew button