De La Guerra Plaza Revitalization Project

It is exciting to finally be underway and meet with the Advisory Committee for the revitalization of De La Guerra Plaza. The De La Guerra Plaza Revitalization Project is finally happening with funding from Measure C and the support of the community, and this Committee is tasked with guiding staff and architects to develop conceptual drawings.

The first order of business was to elect a Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee. The Chair is Councilmember Kristen Sneddon, and the Vice Chair is Commissioner Lesley Wiscomb (Planning Commission). City Administrator Paul Casey framed the purpose of the Committee.

Please see the link to the Advisory Committee’s meeting minutes to read more.

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 (Anne Petersen, Ph.D.), 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.