De La Guerra Plaza Revitalization Project

The first meeting of the Advisory Committee for De La Guerra Plaza will be held on November 8, 2019, in Room 15 at City Hall from 8:30–10:00 a.m. to begin discussions about Plaza revitalization. The Advisory Committee is a Committee subject to the Brown Act and is made up of two members from City Council (Sneddon/Dominguez), two members from Planning Commission (Jordan/Wiscomb), two members from Historic Landmarks Commission (Drury/Veyna), two members from Parks & Recreation Commission (Longstreet/Perry), the Executive Director for the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (Dr. Anne Peterson), and the General Manager for the Farmers’ Market Association (Sam Edelman).

A Phase 2 Archaeological Investigation took place the week of April 8, 2019, at De La Guerra Plaza. Shovel test pits throughout the turf were done, along with one trench, with the goal of determining if there were any resources located below grade that rose to the level of significance. The pits were 24” x 24” and up to 30” deep. The trench was 24” wide by approximately 60” long, and 30” deep. For public safety and security, chain link fencing was placed around the entire interior portion of the Plaza, as the pits were open overnight. The study was conducted over 4 days. Based on the findings, it was determined that the Phase 2 study could come to a close and pending the future concept design for the Plaza, a Phase 3 study may be needed. Regardless of the final design, there will be resource monitoring on site during construction.

An Archaeological Investigation at De La Guerra Plaza has been rescheduled for April 8 through April 13. It will require shovel test pits throughout the turf area resulting in some temporary turf closures, but sidewalks won't be impacted. This work is necessary prior to development of a concept plan for revitalization of the Plaza. Areas of turf may be temporarily closed, but sidewalks will not be impacted.