The Municipal Tennis Center Has Reopened

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••• The City of Santa Barbara tweeted that “The Municipal Tennis Center has reopened tennis and pickle ball courts with social distancing protocols in place. Court time slots must be booked in advance.”

••• From the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors: “We have been advised that someone is breaking into vacant homes in Santa Barbara that are for sale. He is targeting homes with for sale signs and once he has determined that the home is vacant, he is spending the night. Please be extra vigilant on your vacant homes. If anything is out of the ordinary, please contact the Santa Barbara Police Department. If an intruder is in a house that you are showing, call 911 immediately.”

••• Neat organization Showers of Blessing—homeless people can shower in its trailer—had a two-page insert in last week’s Independent. It’s seeking volunteers and tax-deductible donations. (“Each guest receives a private hot shower; a new pair of thick, white cotton socks; a new pair of bamboo underwear; toiletries; 30-day packs of biodegradable outdoor wipes; hand-sewn masks; snacks or meals at each site; haircuts at some sites; gently used clothing at some sites; loving kindness.”)

••• The agenda for the May 4 meeting of the city’s Architectural Board of Review includes a revamp of Ortega Park (bordered by Salsipuedes, Ortega, Quarantina, and Cota streets).

The project consists of the Ortega Park Master Plan, including a new swimming pool, wading pool, water slide, skate park, splash pad, sports courts, shade sails, sports field with synthetic turf, ping pong tables, cornhole, and buildings for restrooms and maintenance. Site improvements such as fencing, parking, landscaping, dumpsters and related enclosures, and walkways are also proposed. The park is considered a Community Park (except the ballfields and related facilities), a Sports Facility (for the ballfields and related facilities only), and a Community Building (the Welcome House) per City Council Resolution 17-074. The project requires Planning Commission review for approval of proposed park amenities, and two front setback modifications for the reconfigured parking within the front setbacks along both Ortega and Salsipuedes Streets.

••• The grunion were running recently.

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