🌱 23 Arrests Made During Deltopia Event + Active Transportation Plan

Hey, hello! It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Santa Barbara Patch newsletter. Keep reading for everything you need to know about what's happening around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Intervals of clouds and sun. High: 64 Low: 50.
• Thursday: Cool with partial sunshine. High: 63 Low: 47.

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Here are the top three stories in Santa Barbara today:

1. According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office, Deltopia weekend, which occurred from Friday, Apr. 7 through Sunday, Apr. 9, resulted in 151 citations and 23 arrests, a large increase from last year's event. There was also a "notable" increase in emergency medical calls, mostly for acute alcohol intoxication, at the "unsanctioned spring semester-based weekend-long event," according to the sheriff's office. Law enforcement issued the Outdoor Festival Ordinance, which took effect at 6:00 p.m., in anticipation of the event. (KEYT)
2. The County of Santa Barbara released its first-ever Active Transportation Plan, which aims to create a more "pedestrian and cyclist-friendly infrastructure" in the county. The plan features almost 50 active transportation projects, including new roads and paved pathways. According to County Active Transportation Manager Mark Friedlander, community feedback was used to develop the plan and make existing roadways more accessible. (KCBX)
3. On Apr. 11, the Santa Barbara City Council held a public hearing to review a proposal that would grant MarBorg Industries an exclusive franchise for citywide solid waste collection and disposal services. The contract would feature a 2025 switch to curbside cart collection. According to an online survey of solid waste customers from June to September 2022, "a majority of customers are satisfied or very satisfied with MarBorg’s services." The city already negotiated a proposed solid water franchise hauler agreement with MarBorg that will begin when the current agreement with the company expires on Jun. 7. (Santa Barbara News-Press)

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Today and tomorrow in Santa Barbara:

Wednesday, April 12

• Read To A Dog At Santa Barbara Public Library Eastside Branch (3:00 PM)
• Elton Dan & The Rocket Band Live In Concert At Lobero Theatre (8:00 PM)

Thursday, April 13

• Curated Collective Pop-Up Night Market At Stik N Stuk Creative Studios (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• On Apr. 11, thousands of velella (small jellyfish-like creatures) washed ashore on a beach in Santa Barbara. Visit the link to see a video of the beach. (Fox Weather)
• The Santa Barbara Zoo plans to open a conservation outpost at CSU Channel Islands. On Friday, Apr. 14, university and zoo leaders will sign the agreement and start construction on the university's biology program classrooms, conservation staff offices, and facilities for animal care, as well as containment and breeding areas. (VC Star)
• On the afternoon of Monday, Apr. 10, two people were injured when a sedan crashed off the side of Highway 154 near Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara County Fire, Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, and American Medical Response crews were able to get the two women in the car up to the roadway using a rope system. Both women were taken to the hospital for minor injuries. (Noozhawk)

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Featured events:

• In the Gardens of Splendor and Delight (April 20)
• Book Signing: Kim Cantin's Where Yellow Flowers Bloom (April 20)
• "Get Out of Town" this spring! (May 11)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! I'll be back in your inbox soon with a new update.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!