🌱 Drop In Homeless Population + New Hotel Project Confirmed

Hello all! I'm back in your inbox this morning with all the most important things happening these days in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Rain and drizzle in the a.m.. High: 61 Low: 49.
• Tuesday: Windy and cool with downpours. High: 56 Low: 48.

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Here are the top stories in Santa Barbara today:

1. After more than two hours of tedious questions, the Santa Barbara Planning Commission voted unanimously to support a unique hotel-condominium project on Garden Street. The council voted 6-0 Thursday to create a 13-unit hotel project, where the units can have individual owners overseen by a management team. It's a first-of-its-kind for Santa Barbara; it's not quite hotel and not quite vacation rental. (Noozhawk)
2. In honor of Women's History Month, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is showcasing its newest exhibit, Drawn by a Lady: Early Women Illustrators. The exhibit celebrates the talent of female artists and authors in 19th-century Victorian England who were overlooked because of their gender. Since these women were denied a formal education, they used their skills in drawing and painting to make meaningful contributions to the emerging field of botany. (KEYT)
3. A newly released one-day countrywide survey reported the number of unhoused people is at its lowest level since 2019 in Santa Barbara County. The Jan. 25 snapshot of the county's situation shows a total of 1,887 homeless people, which is a 3.7 percent drop from 2021. Since 2021, more than 900 temporary and permanent housing units have been added in the county and they recently approved a plan to build more than 90 cabins for homeless and at-risk individuals in Santa Maria. (kclu.org)

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Today and tomorrow in Santa Barbara:

Monday, March 20

• Glenn Miller Orchestra Concert at The Majorie Luke Theatre (7:00 PM)

Tuesday, March 21

• Let Loose Comedy's Open Mic Night at The Blue Owl (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for a new furry friend to add to your family? Santa Barbara County Animal Services are encouraging community members to "find their lucky charm" in honor of celebrations from this past St. Patrick's Day weekend. (City of Santa Barbara)
• On Monday, Mar. 27, the Annual Defensible Space Chipping for the Eucalyptus Hill chip area will begin for homeowners who are within the Wildland Fire Suppression District. If you are a resident of this area, it's important to make sure your piles are out for collection by the designated posted date. For more information, visit here. (Santa Barbara City Fire Department)
• Looking to get in a little extra exercise this year? Public swims are open every day at the Los Banōs del Mar pool from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. for an opportunity to mix up your midday workout routine. (Parks and Recreation, City of Santa Barbara)

You're all caught up for today. I'll be 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!