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The City’s Charles E. Meyer Desalination Plant has begun sending desalinated water into the City’s water distribution system.

Our community is doing a great job conserving water and is encouraged to keep up the good work. Citywide residents and businesses reduced water use in April by 42%, which brings our 12-month average to 38%. Visit our website for a variety of ways you can conserve water.

The City of Santa Barbara has installed a new flashing yellow left turn arrow for southbound State Street traffic turning left onto Yanonali Street. A flashing yellow left turn arrow means left turns yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

The Charles E. Meyer Desalination Plant is set to begin distributing water within the next month. The reactivated Desal Plant will bring drought resiliency to the City's water supply. Desal water will meet and exceed all state and federal drinking water regulations and is softer than surface and groundwater supplies.

The City will conduct a public meeting on Wednesday, May 10 at 5:30 PM to discuss the Oversized Vehicle Parking Ordinance and the proposed rules and regulations for oversized vehicle parking. City staff will give a short presentation and take comments and questions.

The City completed a new roundabout at Las Positas Road and Cliff Drive which will reduce congestion and improve overall traffic flow. The project also includes new street lights, landscaping, storm water treatment facilities, and a new MTD bus stop.

The City has switched from using B20, a blend of bio-diesel and conventional hydrocarbon-based diesel, to a renewable diesel fuel. Renewable diesel releases up to 8 percent fewer emissions than diesel fuel, and is made from vegetable oil, animal fats and agricultural waste. The cost of renewable diesel fuel is less than the B20 previously used.

Commissioning the Desalination Plant has started. Seawater is currently being pumped onshore and the plant's pre-treatment filters are being conditioned in preparation for potable water production. The facility is undergoing start-up testing and final preparations are underway to enable the production of drinking water in May.

While this winter's rain has improved the City's water supply situation, we remain in a drought and conservation continues to be a priority. On March 21, Council lifted the mandatory lawn watering ban. Residents are encouraged to continue their conservation efforts, including minimal lawn watering. All other drought water use regulations remain in effect, including watering times, irrigation runoff, and more.

The City is replacing old water piping, valves, and hydrants to reduce water main breaks and conserve water. Impacted streets include Orilla del Mar, Corona del Mar, a short section of Ninos Drive, and East Cabrillo Boulevard from Corona del Mar to Ninos Drive. Work is scheduled to begin in April and be complete in August.

As a result of recent winter rains, which have filled Gibraltar Reservoir, the City has begun producing clean, renewable electrical power for residents from its re-commissioned hydroelectric plant. The project cost was $875,000 and the hydroelectric plant should generate between $100,000 and $200,000 in annual revenues for the City.

Beginning February 27, the northbound lane of State Street will be closed from Cabrillo Boulevard to Yanonali Street for street repair work and improvements for the Entrada de Santa Barbara Project. The southbound lane will remain open, and all area businesses are open and accessible during the 4 weeks of construction.

The City Streets Division crews have been cleaning up roadways and storm drains due to the recent severe storm events which caused major flooding and mudslides. One of the larger efforts for the crews was on Arbolado Road, where it took over a week to clean and make minor repairs. The crews also cleared a dangerous mudslide on Las Positas Road on the day of the rain event. Opening the roadways and responding to pot holes will be the focus of the Streets Division crews in the coming weeks.

Last Friday's heavy rains resulted in downed trees, mudslides, minor flooding, and an airport runway closure. City emergency crews responded to incidents throughout the storm, and continue to focus on debris clean-up and repairs of damage to streets and sidewalks. Please remember that while the creeks are full, it is not safe to go in the water. The water flow comes from the watershed in the mountains and is full of bacteria that can cause illness. Be safe and stay out of the water.

Most City Administrative offices and facilities are closed from Saturday, December 24th, 2016, through Monday January 2nd, 2017. Offices will reopen on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017.

New sidewalk, access ramps, and high visibility crosswalks will be constructed at various locations throughout the City. Construction will begin the first week of December 2016 and last through March 2017. Sidewalk and traffic lanes will be partially closed for approximately one week at a time; however, there will be no full street closures.

To reduce negative traffic safety impacts, Council adopted an ordinance that limits the size of vehicles that park on City streets.

The City is performing water main flushing using a new method that reduces water loss while ensuring water quality. Tap water within the project's daily vicinity may temporarily come out of the faucet cloudy or discolored. This does not represent a health hazard. Running cold water through your faucet for a few minutes should result in clear water. If not, please call 564-5413. Watch the Video ...

The Mason Street Bridge Replacement made significant progress this month with the delivery and installation of the pre-cast concrete bridge over Mission Creek. The project can now move forward with roadway work, and is anticipated to be complete in November. The new bridge will meet current structural standards, increase flood capacity, and improve safety with new lighting and landscape features. Read More ...

The plant is expected to be operational for testing in November, and able to supply water to the public in January 2017. Thanks to new technology, the facility will be more energy efficient and have less impact on the environment than when it was originally built. While desalination will make up 30% of our water supply, conservation will remain critical to meeting the City's water demands. Watch the Video ...

New water rates adopted by Council on August 9 became effective immediately and will appear on bills in late September. Due to the drought, the City faces increased costs to provide water supplied from desalination, groundwater, and supplemental water purchases. To help minimize water bill increases, the City plans to use approximately $7 million in reserves and will postpone capital projects that can be delayed. Read More ...

After nearly two years of planning, neighborhood discussions and safety analysis, Council adopted the Bicycle Master Plan on July 26. The plan's goals include safety for all road users, closing gaps in the City's bike network, and developing leading-edge roadway and bikeway infrastructure. Read More ...

Outdoor conservation is especially important in the summer months, and residents are encouraged to make lasting changes by participating in the City's water conservation programs designed to help you save water and money. Programs include free water checkups, smart landscape rebates, washing machine rebates, low-flow showerheads, efficient sprinkler nozzles and mulch for your garden. Read More ...

Over the next few weeks, the City will be re-striping traffic lines from the area of State and Mission Streets out to Highway 154. Crews will also be re-painting crosswalks in the downtown area. Maintaining these road markings helps keep motorists and pedestrians safe during their travels.

The El Estero Wastewater Treatment Plant is receiving upgrades to the primary and secondary treatment processes that will help make the plant more energy efficient, while improving the quality of water returned to the ocean and the City's recycled water facility. Watch the Video ...

The City is performing water main flushing using a new method that reduces water loss while ensuring water quality. Tap water within the project's daily vicinity may temporarily come out of the faucet cloudy or discolored. This does not represent a health hazard. Running cold water through your faucet for a few minutes should result in clear water. If not, please call 564-5413. Read More ...

The City will be replacing old water piping, valves, and hydrants to reduce water main breaks and conserve water in the area of Alameda Padre Serra. Water service will be disrupted for a short time while customers are connected to the new water main. Affected residents will be notified a minimum of three days in advance. Read More ...

Our community is doing a great job conserving water and is encouraged to keep up the good work. Citywide water use was down by 41% this past May and April, exceeding the City's current conservation target of 35%. We are confident we will continue to meet that goal with the community's support for extraordinary water savings. Read More ...

Local students from the Youth Employment Training Program are working with City staff on sidewalk surveying and information gathering. This responsive maintenance effort will help keep sidewalks safe for pedestrians by identifying potential defects to be targeted for repair, while providing an opportunity for the students to gain valuable paid work experience. Read More ...

The northbound side of State Street between Cabrillo Boulevard and Yanonali Street will re-open this week, in advance of the Fourth of July weekend. This closure was necessary to construct enhanced pedestrian areas on State Street as part of the Entrada Project. The Cabrillo Boulevard Bridge Replacement is progressing well on the ocean side, with all summer special events occurring as advertised. Read More ...

The City has a number of solar projects that supply electricity generated by the sun to City buildings. This array at the City's administrative offices and public works yard at 630 Garden Street provides 100% of the electricity to the facility. As a result of numerous projects, the City now obtains 37% of its energy from renewable sources.

To increase pedestrian safety, the City is making upgrades to 41 intersections across the city. New signalized lights will be installed at all of these intersections, and eight intersections will also receive access ramp and concrete improvements to meet American Disability Act (ADA) requirements. Ramp construction is taking place during the next two weeks, beginning June 27th. These upgrades will affect pedestrian traffic at the following locations: Mission@State, Micheltorena@De La Vina, Micheltorena@Chapala, Santa Barbara@Haley, Anacapa@Micheltorena, Anacapa@Vicoria, Anacapa@Ortega, and Bath@Haley. Read more...

Energy efficient LED lights have been installed at downtown Parking Lot 5, at the corner of Chapala and Victoria Streets. The new lights use 85% less energy and provide better lighting coverage to improve safety. The project brings the lighting levels in Lot 5 into compliance with current Parking Lot Lighting Design Standards. Read More ...

Following community outreach to explore options on the Micheltorena corridor and Chino Bike Boulevard proposals, the updated Draft Bicycle Master Plan will be presented to Council on June 14. Other projects include the Haley/Cota corridor Green Lane, bike lanes on Rancheria Street, and Cabrillo Boulevard bike lanes from Milpas to Highway 101. The community is encouraged to attend and provide input on the Plan. Read More ...

The City has been performing point repairs on streets in residential areas. This involves repairing only the damaged sections caused by tree roots, rather than replacing an entire section of a street. It is a cost effective approach to maintaining the quality and safety of the City's streets. Read More ...

Want to stay up-to-date on current City construction projects? Visit the Major Projects Map on the City's website. Easily access information about projects in design and under construction, including pavement maintenance, bridge replacements, and water main repair work. Just click on the map icons to learn details and City contact information for a particular project. Watch the Video ...

The City's Draft 2015 Urban Water Management Plan is now available for review, prior to the public hearing scheduled for June 28. The State requires urban water providers to create an updated Plan every 5 years. The current draft provides a summary of the City's projected water supplies and demand through 2035. Read More ...

At the request of Council, the City held a workshop for the Micheltorena Neighborhood with 65 residents and business owners in attendance. The City is engaging the neighborhood to consider all possible options to close the east-west gap in the bike network. Additional opportunities for public input are scheduled for April 28 and May 5. Visit the City's website for meeting details and information on alternative plans.

With a disappointing El Niño year and Lake Cachuma at just 14% of capacity, reactivating the desalination plant will be critical in helping the City meet its future water needs. Watch the Video ...

Our community is doing a great job conserving water during the drought and is encouraged to keep up the good work. Cumulative average City-wide water savings are 34%. Santa Barbara has been recognized as a leader in water conservation during California's historic drought. Let's keep saving together, Santa Barbara! For updated information on monthly conservation, visit the City's drought page.

This week, the City will re-open the mountain side of the Cabrillo Boulevard Bridge over Mission Creek. New traffic control will be set up for replacing the ocean side of the bridge. Come down to the area to see the new wider sidewalks and temporary pedestrian bridge in the park! Read More ...

Construction will begin in early April for a storm water infiltration project in the 700 and 800 blocks of North Quarantina Street. The existing sidewalks and roadway will be replaced with permeable pavers, which allow storm water and urban runoff to soak into the ground rather than running offsite. This prevents pollution from washing into storm drains, which flow into our creeks and ocean untreated. Read More ...

MTD is planning for service changes to be implemented this August and is also seeking ideas for future transit improvements. The community is encouraged to attend a public meeting to participate in the conversation. Meetings in the City will take place April 6 at the Central Library and April 7 at the MTD Administrative Offices on Olive Street. Read More ...

As part of an agreement with the Union Pacific Railroad, the City removes graffiti from structures along the Railroad Corridor. In January, following a spike in graffiti over the holidays, the City removed approximately 11,500 square feet of graffiti along the Corridor. Removing graffiti in our neighborhoods helps keep the City beautiful for our residents and visitors. To report graffiti, call 897-2513 or visit our webpage.

Come to a free hands-on planting workshop to install water wise plants at a home near Las Positas. This is a unique opportunity to work around earthworks that cross different elevations, come in from different downspouts, and encompass a variety of shapes, sizes, and purposes. The workshop is led by Sweetwater Collaborative and sponsored by the City. Learn more and register here to reserve your spot!

The Santa Barbara High School Well was constructed in 2004, but was decommissioned when the water was found to have taste and odor issues. Construction for a new Wellhead will start in March, connecting the well to an existing raw water main in Anapamu Street. The project will allow for the continued use of the High School Well at its designed capacity. Read More ...

The citywide Concrete Replacement Project is well underway. From February 22 through March 14, 2016, a City contractor will be replacing sidewalks, parkways, and some commercial driveways in the downtown area, specifically in the following blocks: 100, 200, and 400 W. Carrillo St.; 900 and 1000 Castillo St.; 400 and 500 Garden St.; 00, 500 and 600 E. Canon Perdido St.; 3500 and 3800 State St.; and at 123 E. Gutierrez St.

On Thursday, February 18,2016, at 3:00pm, Mayor Helene Schneider will host a ceremony to open the New Cota Street Bridge for public use. The Cota Street Bridge Replacement Project began construction in March 2015, and was scheduled for completion in April of 2016.

The Transportation Division reminds citizens that regular daytime street sweeping will be cancelled on Monday, February 15, 2016, in observance of President’s Day. Parking enforcement for street sweeping in the posted Monday zones will also be cancelled that day. However, ALLother parking restrictions will be enforced.

An announcement of street sweeping cancellations is available on the Street Sweeping Hotline, 897-1903, and all the street sweeping holiday cancellations are listed on the City's website: http://www.santabarbaraca.gov/gov/depts/pw/stmain/street_sweeping/street_sweeping_cancellations.asp.

Contact: Nick Cabugos, Street Maintenance Supervisor

Phone: (805) 897-2541

Email: NCabugos@SantaBarbaraCA.gov

A ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Storm Water Infiltration Project at the City's Laguna Lot is scheduled for Tuesday, February 23, 2016, at 10:00 a.m.

Beginning this month, 2,400 feet of sewer pipe along Cabrillo Boulevard, from Bath Street to Garden Street, will be lined to help reduce the amount of seawater intrusion. Minimizing seawater infiltration into the sewer system will provide higher quality recycled water for the City. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic will be rerouted from mid-February to the end of May. Read More ...

A temporary pedestrian bridge has been installed and utility relocation has begun on the ocean side of the Cabrillo Bridge Replacement Project. As part of the utility relocation, there will be a temporary shutdown of the reclaimed waterline from January 20 through 22, which will affect public restrooms on the Waterfront and at the Zoo. Portable restrooms will be available during this time. Read More ...

The City of Santa Barbara is hosting a Community Information Meeting and Open House on Wednesday, January 20, 2016, at 6:00 PM at Monroe Elementary School for the Las Positas Road Multiuse Pathway Project. The project is currently in design and proposes to construct a 2.6 mile-long separated multiuse pathway for bicyclists and pedestrians along Las Positas Road, from Modoc Road to Cliff Drive, and along Modoc Road, from Las Positas Road to Calle De Los Amigos. The City received grant funding through the Federal Active Transportation Program to design the project. Construction funding has not yet been identified and a construction timeframe has not been set.

Thanks to the recent rainstorms, your sprinkler timer should remain off until your soil dries out. Statewide water use regulations are in effect that prohibit irrigation during and 48 hours after measurable rainfall. Turn sprinkler timers off now and leave them off until the soil is dry near the root zone of your plants. How do you check the soil? Use your “digital technology” i.e. your fingers to check the soil moisture! Due to the heavy soaking, irrigation should be turned off for several weeks for your thirstiest plants.

The City experienced a water main break at the intersection of Voluntario and Montecito Streets. After the main break was repaired, City water crews flushed the distribution system to remove any discolored water. In the event some of the discolored water made it to your faucets, you need to flush your water system by turning on an outdoor faucet connected to a hose (first remove the sprayer or nozzle) full force, and directing the water from the hose to your landscaping until the water runs clear; or by opening the cold-water faucet in your bathtub all the way, full force, until the water runs clear. You can collect the water in your tub and put it on your plants or landscaping; however, drinking discolored water is unadvisable.

The Street Maintenance office of the Transportation Division reminds citizens that regular street sweeping in residential neighborhoods will be canceled on Friday, January 1, 2016, in observance of New Year's Day, and parking enforcement will also be canceled in the posted street sweeping zones that day. This primarily affects the upper and lower Mesa neighborhood areas, where regular Friday sweeping would have occurred on January 1st.

The City's wastewater collection system consists of over 250 miles of pipe. To ensure that it functions properly, the City uses technology and a rigorous program of inspection, cleaning and repair that has greatly reduced the number of spills. Watch the Video ...

Our administrative offices are closed over the holidays from December 24, 2015 through January 1, 2016. Offices will reopen on Monday, January 4, 2016. For more information on available services such as emergency repairs during the closure, please see our Holiday Closure Page.

From December through March, the City will install 18 sidewalk access ramps located along San Pascual Street, at five intersections between Arrellaga and Pedregosa Streets. Sidewalks and traffic lanes will be partially closed for approximately one week at a time; however, there will be no full street closures associated with this construction. Read More ...

Due to the Entrada de Santa Barbara (Entrada) Project, MATT Construction will close the easterly side of State Street (northbound lane) just north of Mission Creek Bridge to the Union Pacific Railroad crossing, to complete utility installation and public street and sidewalk improvements. Construction will also include installation of underground utilities on Helena Avenue, and portions of Mason Street as described below.

The City recently completed the overlay of the asphalt street surface on Las Positas Road between the freeway and McCaw Avenue, and included reconstruction of several sidewalk corners for new access ramps in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The work is part of the City's annual pavement maintenance program. Las Positas now has a much smoother driving surface and the work is anticipated to extend the life of the road by 10 to 20 years. Read More ...

Street and sidewalk improvements for the La Entrada project are now underway. Construction work will result in the closure of northbound State Street from Cabrillo Blvd. to the railroad tracks. Efforts have been coordinated with City and private projects to minimize disruption. Anticipate traffic delays and consider alternate travel routes. Read More ...

City crews soon will be replacing water meters in your neighborhood. Certified Water Distribution Operators will not enter your home, but will knock on your door to let you know that your meter is being replaced. A typical installation should take less than an hour to complete. Water service must be temporarily turned off during installation. Read More ...

Starting today and lasting approximately two weeks, the City of Santa Barbara Public Works Department will be installing utilities and grinding/overlaying the street surface of Las Positas Road between the US 101 Freeway and McCaw Avenue. This work is being completed under contract with Granite Construction Company as part of the City’s Annual Pavement Maintenance Program. Construction in the Las Positas Road area started last month with the reconstruction of several sidewalk corners to construct access ramps in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The City of Santa Barbara's sanitary sewer acoustic inspection of approximately 2,000 sewer pipes throughout the City is underway. Acoustic sounding devices are placed in opened manholes at both ends of the pipe and relay sound through the pipe. This helps identify potential blockages of the sewer mains in an efficient manner and has proved to be very successful. Completion of this project is expected by the end of November 2015.

Lisa Arroyo, Supervising Engineer Phone: (805) 564-5486 Email: larroyo@santabarbaraca.gov

To help residents prepare for the coming storm season, the City is hosting a "Sandbag Saturday" event on October 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at two locations; the City's Annex Yard on Yanonali Street and Fire Station #7 on Stanwood Drive. Residents can fill 20 bags each, free of charge, while supplies last. Remember to fill bags only half way so they are not too heavy to lift and will stack properly. Sandbags can help protect private property during storm emergency conditions. Read More ...

Despite hopes for an El Niño winter, continued extraordinary conservation by the community is necessary until water begins to spill over Bradbury Dam. Watch the Video ...

New, energy-saving LED streetlights are now fully operational in the Lower West Downtown area. The City installed approximately 60 new pedestrian and streetlights in the vicinity of West Ortega, West Cota, Castillo Street and De la Vina Street, The new lighting will help increase safety for area residents. Read More...

The City of Santa Barbara Traffic Engineering staff invite the community members to attend a "drop-in" planning meeting to discuss the potential conversion of Anacapa Street, between Gutierrez Street and Haley Street, to a two-way street from a one-way street. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2015, between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., at the David Gebhard Public Meeting Room located at 630 Garden Street. Staff will be available during these hours to review the potential project and answer any questions.

Assemblymember Das Williams along with the City of Santa Barbara and other local water agencies and non-profits will host a Water Conservation Summit, free and open to the public, on Saturday, August 22, 2015, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Faulkner Gallery at the Santa Barbara Public Library.

The City is coordinating multiple public and private projects in the Lower State Street area to minimize impact to the public and allow businesses to remain open and accessible during construction. Watch the Video ...

A public meeting of the National Water Resources Institute - City of Santa Barbara’s Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) will be held August 5, 2015 9:30 AM - 12:00 noon at Santa Barbara City Hall, 735 Anacapa Street.

The City of Santa Barbara Transportation Division of the Public Works Department has recently developed a Real-Time Parking web application that provides up to date parking availability for all of the Downtown Parking lot locations.

Most homes with irrigation systems use more water outside than they do for all indoor uses combined. Since sprinklers typically turn on before we wake up, waste often goes unnoticed. Report any observed water runoff, leaks or other violations of our Stage 3 Drought Regulations by completing a Water Waste and Violations Form, or by calling 564-5460. We're all in this together!

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the new Bikestation Module in City Parking Lot 3. Holding approximately 25 bicycles, the facility will provide membership-based access for secured bicycle parking 24 hours a day, and promote multi-modal transportation throughout the region. This is the second Bikestation facility in our City. Read More...

Wantto help save water indoors? The City is part ofa county-wide program that allows residents to remove an existing showerhead andexchange it for a free, water efficient showerhead. Showerheads can be exchangedat the Public Works Counter located at 630 Garden Street. Onlyone new showerhead will be given for each old showerhead exchanged. Read More ...

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held tomorrow from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm for the Bikestation Module for City Parking Lot 3. City Parking Lot 3 is located behind the MTD Transit Center at the southeast corner of Figueroa and Chapala Streets.

As the only local source of potable water, groundwater is a crucial resource for the City during times of drought and emergency. The City is working on a number of well projects, including replacing the Alameda Park Well, to help increase production capacity and supplement our surface water supplies. Watch the Video ...

Thanks to the recent rain, your sprinkler timer should remain off until your soil dries out. New statewide water use regulations are also in effect that prohibit irrigation during and 48 hours after measurable rainfall. The general rule of thumb is for every inch of rain we receive, watering should be delayed 7-10 days for your thirstiest plants. Remember to check the soil for moisture before turning irrigation back on.

The City's Public Works Department will begin their annual inspection of the wastewater collection system (sewer) pipeline in June 2015. Inspections will occur at various locations throughout the City for approximately four months. The majority of work will take place Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In some locations, work may be performed outside of those hours to avoid impacts to traffic on busy streets.

National Bike to Work Day takes place on Thursday and the City is hosting an event on the steps of City Hall, downtown at De La Guerra Plaza between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. All downtown employees within pedaling distance are invited to mingle with fellow bike commuters. Coffee, juice, and bagels will be provided.

Read More...

You can take personal action to fight the drought! Join us on Friday, May 29th at the Central Library for a free landscaping workshop to create a garden that thrives in our local climate, uses water resources wisely and looks beautiful all year round.

Read More ...

A Stage Three Drought Condition was declared by the Santa Barbara City Council on May 5, 2015 with mandatory water use regulations adopted on May 12 in response to the driest consecutive four years on record. The Stage Three Drought Condition requires a 25% City-wide reduction in overall water use.

The Alisos Street Bike Boulevard Demonstration is occurring on Saturday, May 30^th from 9 am – 2 pm. For more information go to bmp.santabarbaraca.gov.

The Public Works Department’s Downtown Parking Program has hired a contractor to clean and paint the interior of City Lot 10 (Ortega Garage), located at 621 Anacapa Street, to enhance the overall appearance, attractiveness, and cleanliness of the Lot 10 parking structure. During this project, there will be a full closure, partial closures, and potential delays while entering and exiting Lot 10.

The City of Santa Barbara has installed a new traffic signal at the intersection of De La Vina and Arrellaga streets. In 2013, the intersection had 12 collisions, which was the highest number of collisions at an intersection in the City.

The traffic signal installation began in early April and was completed and operational on Thursday, April 30, 2015.

The Public Works Department will begin construction to replace the water main on the 100 block of East Yanonali Street, between Anacapa and Santa Barbara Streets, beginning May 4 through May 18, 2015.

In response to repeated water main breaks on the 100 block of East Yanonali Street, the City's water main replacement project has been accelerated to minimize further disruption to the area. Construction is scheduled to begin on May 4. To minimize breaks long-term, the Council has a policy to replace three miles of pipeline each year. Watch the Video ...

The City receives approximately 50 requests for new stop signs or crosswalks each year. Based on the delay of side street traffic and whether there is a collision problem, the City uses a variety of techniques to create unique solutions that help improve safety for each intersection. To make a request or provide transportation feedback, call 560-7518. Watch the Video ...

Utility relocation work is underway in advance of the Cota Street bridge demolition and reconstruction effort. Near the end of April, the 200 block of West Cota will close for the duration of construction. Cota at Bath Street will be closed to all vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles. Cota Street will be accessible to local traffic only from De La Vina Street.

The re-commissioned plant will result in the production of clean and renewable hydroelectric power for City residents.

The Network of Santa Barbara County Water Providers is announcing that voting is underway for a "People's Choice Award" for the 2015 WaterWise High School Video Contest. The public is invited to view all fifteen of the 30-second videos submitted. Anyone with a Facebook account can vote for their favorite videos by "liking" one or more videos on the contest's Facebook page, accessible through the www.WaterWiseSB.org home page before the deadline on Earth Day, April 22nd.

Construction has begun for street lighting improvements in the Lower West Downtown Area. Underground directional drilling will be used to eliminate open trenches, minimizing the project's impact on the environment and local residents. The new lighting is designed to enhance the neighborhood appearance and improve traffic and pedestrian safety. Construction will occur weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is scheduled to be completed in July.

Replacement of the Cabrillo Boulevard Bridge is currently underway. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes including Garden, Yanonali, and State Streets to bypass the construction area. Construction is expected to finish in Fall 2016.

Construction of the Punta Gorda Street Bridge Replacement and Sycamore Creek Channel Improvements Project is substantially complete. Punta Gorda Street has re-opened to pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle traffic. Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) Route 2 will be restored to Punta Gorda Street effective tomorrow.

Our community is doing a great job reducing water use during the drought and is encouraged to keep up the good work. Significant savings were achieved throughout 2014, with an average reduction of 23% from July through December. For updated information on monthly conservation and reservoir storage levels, visit our drought page.

On February 24, 2015, construction will begin to install a Bikestation® Module and to bring the City Parking Lot 3, located at 9 W. Figueroa Street, into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Bikestation® Module will replace the three existing wooden bike lockers and provide a secure building for bicycles. The Module will promote alternative transportation throughout the region. The ADA-related work includes construction that will address disabled parking space locations, dimensions, and accessible paths of travel.

The City of Santa Barbara will hold public information meetings on Wednesday, February 18^th and Thursday, February 26^th to discuss the drought, desalination, and proposed water rates. Both meetings start at 6:00 pm and will be held in the City of Santa Barbara Council Chambers at 735 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101.

The number one community college in the nation is also the 2014 City of Santa Barbara Water Hero! Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is being honored for its commitment to improving sustainability efforts on campus, reducing water usage, and retrofitting facilities.

To avoid sprinklers coming on when it's raining, get a free rain shut-off sensor from the City of Santa Barbara Water Conservation Program. A rain shut-off sensor automatically stops the sprinkler timer from watering during and immediately after a rain event. When the collected rainwater has evaporated from the device, scheduled irrigation resumes. Rain shut-off sensors work best for short periods; for extended rain periods, it's best to turn sprinkler timers to the "off" position.

We all know that the drought has taken a toll on landscapes, and many residents have let their lawns go "gold" in an effort to conserve water. As we continue into the winter months and hope for more rain, now is the perfect time to consider ripping out that dead lawn and replacing it with water wise plants. In this episode, we'll take you through the process of retrofitting your landscape to make it more water wise.

The City reminds drivers that if they encounter a dark intersection where the traffic signals are inoperative, it must be treated as an all way stop. When traffic lights are inoperative, failure to stop at the normally controlled intersection prior to proceeding through the intersection when safe is a citable offense [Vehicle Code section 21800 (d)(1)], and carries a $238.00 fine.

Chef Robért Perez of the downtown Seagrass Restaurant and sister restaurant The Black Sheep cut his water use and his water bill by 50%! Click here to read more!

The Transportation Division reminds citizens that regular daytime street sweeping will be cancelled on Thursday, December 25, 2014 in observance of Christmas Day, and on Thursday, January 1, 2015 in observance of New Year’s Day. Parking enforcement for street sweeping in the posted Thursday zones will also be cancelled that day. However, ALLother parking restrictions will be enforced.

An announcement of street sweeping cancellations is available on the Street Sweeping Hotline, 897-1903, and all the street sweeping holiday cancellations are listed on the City website: http://www.santabarbaraca.gov/gov/depts/pw/stmain/street_sweeping/street_sweeping_cancellations.asp.

Contact: Nick Cabugos, Street Maintenance Supervisor

Phone: (805) 897-2541

Email: NCabugos@SantaBarbaraCA.gov

Most City offices and facilities will be closed from December 24, 2014 through January 2, 2015. Office will reopen on Monday, January 5, 2014.

Please call 560-7505 to report damage or repairs needed for the following:

• Water or sewer main breaks
• Water meters
• Graffiti
• Streets and sidewalks
• Traffic signals
• Street lights
• Street signs
• Trees
• Storm drains

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Thanks to the recent rain, your sprinkler timer should remain off until your soil dries out. The general rule of thumb is for every inch of rain we receive, watering should be delayed one week. For the approximately 2 inches we received recently, timers should be turned off for at least 2 weeks for your thirstiest plants.

City and Fire Area residents desiring sandbags for protecting their property will open at 7:00 AM on December 11, 2014, in the City of Santa Barbara's Corporate Annex Yard, located at 401 E. Yanonali Street. Under City policy, the Sandbag Station is opened after confirmation by Public Works staff of an official local Flash Flood Watch issued by the National Weather Service.

• Date and time of opening: 12/11/2014, 7:00 AM
• Regular Open Hours: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM; until further notice or as posted
• Limit: 20 sandbags per resident per trip
• Residents must fill sandbags themselves. Bring gloves and shovel if possible
• Sandbags are free to City residents
• No contractors will be allowed to take sandbags

The next phase of the Entrada de Santa Barbara Project has begun. The first phase of this private development project, the west side of State Street public improvements, was completed in 2013. The Entrada Project includes 124 hotel units, 22,326 square feet of commercial floor area, a new 264 stall parking garage, and associated public improvements on lower State Street, East Mason Street, and Helena Avenue.

Trees and water are both precious resources. Learn how to care for and water your trees during the drought. When we water wisely and maintain our trees carefully, we enjoy a wide range of benefits at a low cost and with little effort. Read More ...

Construction on the Cabrillo Boulevard Bridge Replacement project will begin this week. The City of Santa Barbara has selected Lash Construction as the general contractor to replace the bridge located on Cabrillo Boulevard between State Street and Helena Avenue.

“The Cabrillo Boulevard Bridge over Mission Creek, originally built in 1913, will be replaced in three stages so that we can keep Cabrillo Boulevard open with at least one lane in each direction throughout construction. During the first phase of construction, utility relocations will begin, Mission creek banks between Cabrillo Boulevard and State Street will be improved, and the patio and a portion of the building at 15 East Cabrillo Boulevard will be removed as it is connected to the existing bridge. Cabrillo Boulevard will remain open with alternating lane closures as needed through the first stage of construction,” said Adam Hendel, supervising civil engineer at the City of Santa Barbara.

A water budget and separate irrigation meter can help customers with large landscapes manage water use more efficiently and lower your water bill. The City will create a specific monthly landscape irrigation budget based on property size, plant types and weather conditions. Watch the Video ...

The City of Santa Barbara’s Traffic Engineering staff invites residents to a Public Workshop to discuss a potential traffic safety improvement project for parts of Cliff Drive. The workshop will take place on Wednesday, November 5, 2014, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Monroe Elementary School auditorium at 431 Flora Vista Drive. Maps and drawings will be available for staff to review with residents, and there will be an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.

Through funds from a state grant, the City is pursing design proposals and environmental clearance for a multi-use path to be constructed on Las Positas Road from Modoc Road to Cliff Drive. Intended for use by bicyclists, runners, and pedestrians, the path will connect to the regional Crosstown and Coastal Bike Routes.

Through funds from a state grant, the City will install sidewalk along the east side of Milpas Street, from Cabrillo Boulevard to Highway 101. Pedestrian lighting will be added on both sides of Milpas Street, and sidewalk gaps will be filled on Calle Puerto Vallarta, connecting Milpas Street to Dwight Murphy Park and the Santa Barbara Zoo. Read More ...

The City of Santa Barbara will be sponsoring a series of workshops on sustainable landscaping principles this fall including graywater, drip irrigation, lawn replacement, and rainwater harvesting. For more information, check the calendar on WaterWiseSB.org or click here.

The City of Santa Barbara installed a bike corral yesterday on the 100 block of Canon Perdido near Santa Barbara Street. Bike corrals are in-street bicycle parking areas that typically replace one or two automobile spaces in commercial areas where a significant number of bicycle trips are present. Other cities around the country have implemented bike corrals, mainly to respond to business and community desires to increase parking capacity – in this case 14 new bike parking spaces.

With a recent state grant award, the Montecito Street Bridge Replacement Project will replace the very narrow bridge with a wider structure to better accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists. A new sidewalk on the bridge and on the roadway approaching the bridge will also be installed. This project will improve pedestrian safety near the Franklin and Cleveland Elementary Schools.

“Bici Familia” turned out to be a popular addition to the third annual Santa Barbara Family Day & Health Fair on September 13, 2014. The health fair was a collaborative effort of the City, County, Public Health Department, Santa Barbara County Office of Education, the Unified School District, American Indian Health Services, and Cottage Health System. Bici Familia is a free, bilingual bike skills class for families that was paid for by City of Santa Barbara Public Works Department and run by Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition (SBBIKE), and the Coalition for Sustainable Transportation (COAST). About 115 local residents (95 of them children) participated in the bicycle training classroom instruction and on-street skills class and over 100 helmets were fitted and given away to class participants.

Contact:Peter BrownInterimMobility CoordinatorPhone: (805) 987-2669Email: PBrown@SantaBarbaraCA.gov

The lower State Street area will undergo multiple construction projects this fall, including replacement of the Mason Street and Cabrillo Boulevard Bridges over Mission Creek. The bridge projects will coincide with several private projects in the area, including the Children's Museum, Entrada de Santa Barbara, and the 101 State Street Hotel Project. City staff have planned traffic control and hauling routes to minimize disruption and keep the public safe while work is being conducted. Read More ...

Did you know that over half the water used in our landscapes is lost to runoff and overspray? It's time to get water wise, and it's never been easier to replace your sprinkler nozzles than right now. Get up to 25 free water-efficient sprinkler nozzles by visiting FreeSprinklerNozzles.com!

The Green Gardener Program educates landscapers, gardeners and homeowners on landscape practices that save resources and prevent pollution. The course will offer sessions in English, Spanish and a bilingual option. The fee is $35. Participants can enroll by coming to the first class on September 8 (Spanish) / September 10. Read More ...

The Transportation Division reminds citizens that regular daytime street sweeping will be cancelled on Monday, September 1, 2014, in observance of Labor Day, and parking enforcement for street sweeping in the posted Monday zones will also be cancelled that day. The residential areas with regular Monday street sweeping affected by this cancellation are the Eastside and the Samarkand neighborhoods. However, ALL other parking restrictions will be enforced.

This project introduces a new groundwater well at Ortega and Laguna Streets, creating an additional source of water for the City. The project began with drilling over 600 feet underground last summer. The second half of the project now underway involves the installation of control systems, piping, a motor and pump connecting the new well to the Ortega Treatment Plant and the City's water supply. In the interim, a temporary pump will be installed and is expected to be running over the next few weeks.

The California Transportation Commission awarded the City of Santa Barbara $8.614 million in Active Transportation Program (ATP) funds to implement four capital projects. The City will receive more per capita than any other jurisdiction, and nearly 4% of the $220 million available in the state. The complete list of ATP projects can be viewed here.

The City of Santa Barbara Water Conservation Program and the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners of Santa Barbara County will present a free one hour public workshop, “Luscious Lawn Alternatives & Cash for Your Grass!” on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 10:00 am.

Remember to periodically check your sprinkler system for leaks,overspray, and clogging of sprinkler heads. Watch our how-tovideo!

The construction of a new tertiary filtration system has begun at El Estero Wastewater Treatment Plant. The work consists of demolishing the existing Filter Plant and building a new Microfiltration/Ultrafiltration Complex. The new system will provide excellent water quality for recycled water users, reducing the use of potable water for irrigation and toilet flushing. The construction will take approximately one year to complete.

Join over 300 businesses and residents who have gone through the Smart Landscape Rebate program. The rebate covers 50% of the materials cost of efficient irrigation equipment, smart irrigation controllers, laundry-to-landscape graywater materials, water-wise plants, artificial turf, permeable surfaces, and mulch. The rebate maximum is $1,000 for homes and up to $4,000 for businesses, multi-family homes, and HOAs.

Business representatives and the public are invited to a public meeting to discuss the City's Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Control Program for Food Service Establishments. Learn how you can do your part to keep fats, oils and grease out of the City sewer system. Included in the presentation will be the proposed changes to Commercial Sewer User Rates. Gain valuable information on current and future structures and fees. The meeting will take place on May 29 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Cabrillo Pavilion Arts Center. Read More ...

My Water Pledge is a friendly competition between cities across the US to see who can be the most “water-wise.” Mayors nationwide will challenge their residents to conserve water, energy, and other natural resources on behalf of their city through a series of informative, easy-to-use pledges online.

Take the Pledge Here!

A Stage One Drought Condition was declared by the Santa Barbara City Council on February 11th. The City is asking residents and businesses to reduce water use by 20%. Water customers currently watering their landscape are encouraged to reduce more than 20%.

The best way to reduce water usage is to evaluate landscape watering and check for leaks inside and out. The City can help with a free water checkup for homes or businesses.

Beginning November 1, 2013, the Public Works Department's Engineering Division is suspending the construction of the Punta Gorda Street Bridge Replacement due to utility relocation delays.

The annual Sidewalk Replacement Project to replace existing sidewalks that have uplifted or depressed due to tree root or other damage begins this week. Each year, work is identified City-wide so that all areas typically see some repairs annually. The work will take place from late August through mid-October. The contractor is Granite Construction Company.

Construction on the Chapala Street Bridge Replacement project has begun. The City of Santa Barbara has selected Granite Construction as the general contractor. During construction, the intersection of Chapala and West Yanonali Streets (near the Amtrak Train Station) will be closed.

Bridge construction will continue through the winter of 2014. The majority of construction will occur weekdays between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and some weekend construction may occur as needed.