Santa Barbara Considers Changes at Little-Used Eastside Neighborhood Park
Criminal activity, heavy shade, playground drawbacks and lack of parking among challenges that city’s conceptual plan aims to address
The City of Santa Barbara wants to overhaul the Eastside Neighborhood Park across from Franklin School on the Lower Eastside. Officials say the tree canopy is too heavy, there are no available parking spaces, and the site is home to illicit activity, which drives out families. (Joshua Molina / Noozhawk photo) By Joshua Molina, Noozhawk Staff Writer | @JECMolina
February 21, 2021
| 8:45 p.m.
Teresa Pena has lived a block-and-a-half away from Santa Barbara’s Eastside Neighborhood Park for about 30 years.
Alex Zauner / KEYT
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. The first weekend of 2021 was a deadly one in Santa Barbara’s Eastside.
Just before 6 p.m. near Liberty Street and South Soledad Street, gunshots rang out. The result: two teenagers were killed and two more people were injured.
The shooting shocked Santa Barbara. The city is not known for shootings, despite not being immune to having gangs.
Members of the Eastside community are working together prevent future gang violence and shootings. They’re hoping to reach others before it’s too late. One group Moms Demand Action is hoping January 3’s deadly shooting will bring legislative action.