QUICK FIX:

A tow truck and service truck began roaming local freeways
during rush hours this week, signaling the launch of the Santa
Barbara Freeway Service Patrol (FSP), which aims to expedite
traffic flow by quickly clearing stalled cars and removing
obstructions. Breakdowns, accidents, and debris account for half of
all freeway congestion, according to California Highway Patrol
officials and the Santa Barbara County Association of
Governments – the two groups collaborating on the FSP program.
Assemblymember Pedro Nava helped secure state grant funding for the
$264,000-per-year program. The trucks, contracted by Bob Holzer
Towing, will be on duty weekday mornings from 6:30-9:30 between the
Ventura County line and Milpas Street, and evenings from 4:30-7:30
between Patterson Avenue and Padaro Lane.