City News in Brief - April 15, 2024

April Is Fair Housing Month poster, several families together, smiling faces, walking and talking to one another.

Celebrating the Fair Housing Act: Honoring 56 Years of Equality

In honor of this landmark legislation, the City Council will recognize April as Fair Housing Month at this week's City Council meeting on April 16. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, and familial status. These protections ensure that everyone can access safe and affordable housing, regardless of who they are or where they come from.

four volunteers standing in their safety vests with safety tool in hand.

Neighborhood Cleanup & Cleanup Kit Distribution this Saturday

Just in time for Earth Day, join the Clean Community Division on Saturday, April 20 at East Beach for a community cleanup! Clean Community Staff will be present to provide information and answer questions about how to keep our neighborhoods clean. Free cleanup kits will be distributed to support community members who want to clean up their own neighborhood at another time.

Castillo Street roadway showing cars traveling below the underpass.

City Council Considers Grant Application for Castillo Street Undercrossing Bike and Pedestrian Enhancements

The Castillo Street Undercrossing Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility Improvements Project will be presented to City Council on Tuesday, April 16 for consideration of applying for grant funding for design, environmental review, and construction. Vital for pedestrians and cyclists, following extensive community input, the City proposes improvements to enhance walking and biking facilities.

Path Closure at intersection of Los Patos Way and Channel Drive for Beachway Multiuse path adjacent to Andrée Clark Bird Refuge

Segment of Beachway Multiuse Path Temporarily Closed

A portion of the Beachway Multiuse Path adjacent to Andrée Clark Bird Refuge is temporarily closed starting Monday, April 15 for approximately one week. The closure is located at the intersection of Los Patos Way and Channel Drive, and is due to construction of utility relocations for the Cabrillo-Los Patos Roundabout Project.

Swing dancers paired at the Carillo Recreation Center a large room with ornate chandeliers and band on stage.

Friday Night Swing at the Carrillo Recreation Center

The monthly Friday Night Swing event series brings an evening of live music, dancing, and prizes to the Carrillo Recreation Center on April 19. All skill levels are welcome, and dance lessons are provided for beginning and intermediate dancers before the band takes the stage. Every month brings a different musical act, ranging from jazz and jive to blues and rockabilly.

Firefighter and AMR Paramedic standing behind an ambulance speaking.

Video Spotlight: Essential SB - City Fire Department

The pressure of rising demands for emergency response – growing by hundreds of calls each and every year – has placed increasing pressure on the City’s first responders, who are far fewer in number than they were a decade ago. Learn how the City’s Fire Department works 24/7 to keep Santa Barbara residents and families safe from the City’s Fire Chief Chris Mailes.