City 4-9
Several hundred angry Santa Barbarans participated in a Boston Tea Party-inspired march downtown on 4/4 in protest of recent federal and state tax increases, as well as government bailouts and the recent stimulus package. The march began at the County Courthouse and ended by the U.S. Bankruptcy court on State Street. Sens. Tony Strickland and George Runner were among those who spoke out in favor of protest, which was held in conjunction with similar ones nationwide. (/teaparty409)
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A 4/3 press conference announced that Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days will go on as scheduled. El Presidente Anthony Borgatello and others explained that despite the poor economy, Fiesta is important as it generates significant lodging, retail, and tax revenue for the city, and provides a platform for nonprofit fundraisers. Borgatello added that although the celebration will take place, it will be significantly scaled back. (/fiesta409)
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New pedestrian and bicycle lanes within the Mission Street underpass have been officially opened. The underpass has long been known as risky for cyclists, who heartily welcomed the addition of the dedicated bike lanes. The design of the $1.5 million project involved collaboration between city and county agencies and various community groups. The construction effort was funded by money originally set aside by the county for freeway widening. (/mission409)
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Conceptual plans to build a children’s museum at 125 State Street-catering to the educational needs of 2- to 10-year-olds-got a sought-after pat on the back from the Santa Barbara City Council, which officially declared the proposal to be of community benefit. While the designation does not bind the council to approve the refined plans for the two-story, 14,000-square-foot structure, it will help enormously in the museum’s fundraising efforts. (/museum409)
