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Parks & Rec staff cancel senior photo shoot after low sign‑ups; announce double‑feature movie night and community initiatives
Summary
Parks & Recreation staff reported canceling a planned senior photo shoot for lack of participants, outlined a double‑feature movie night Aug. 8 with concessions, described robust drop‑in volleyball attendance, and noted recurring mobile veterinary clinic visits and community food‑drive planning.
Parks & Recreation staff told the Recreation and Parks Commission that a senior photo shoot planned for Aug. 6 was canceled after few seniors volunteered to participate.
The staff member said transportation and hair‑and‑makeup services were arranged and the event was intended to produce a 2026 wall calendar, but sign‑ups fell to zero in the final head‑count. "If nobody wants to do this, we don't have to do this," the staff member said, describing participants' concerns about photos being public and a preference for keeping images private.
Staff announced a double‑feature movie night on Aug. 8. Doors will open at 5 p.m.; the family film will start at 5:30 p.m. and an adult‑oriented film will follow at about 7:30 p.m. The program will offer a free bag of popcorn to each person who signs in; other concessions (hot dogs, nachos, cotton candy and drinks) will be available for purchase, with most items priced at about $3–$5. Staff said proceeds are intended to help Parks & Rec make the event self‑sustaining.
Recreation programming updates included strong turnout for drop‑in volleyball, averaging nearly 30 participants per night, and smaller but steady basketball attendance on open‑gym nights. Staff said volleyball draws players from surrounding towns.
On animal services, the commission heard that Santa Barbara Humane Society is operating a mobile clinic in the City Hall parking lot for spay/neuter and vaccinations, with frequency described as monthly or twice monthly. "I think it's twice a month. If not, definitely once a month," the staff member said.
Community efforts were discussed: Parks staff are coordinating with the Boys & Girls Club on volunteer and sports programming and are exploring a community canned‑food drive tied to youth activities called “Donate What You Can.” Staff and a volunteer suggested using the senior center as a drop‑off site; volunteers also identified diapers and pet food as recurring local needs. One volunteer said the local food bank accepts donations on the first Thursday of each month and would receive contributions.
Staff reported outreach to a private lot owner (Pasquini) about converting a vacant lot near Moss Taney's and Royce Ligger into a community garden, and said they are seeking local support and donations for an urban‑agriculture project.
Other operational notes: Parks staff said they are working to coordinate use of school facilities under an existing memorandum of understanding, plan to restore softball next spring, are exploring a Halloween cemetery lighting event modeled on nearby San Maria, and aim to acquire a stage curtain for the auditorium to support talent shows and performances.
Ending: Commissioners encouraged continued outreach and publicity for recurring programs, thanked staff for attempting new events and asked staff to circulate dates and invitation details (for example, the school ribbon‑cutting) to commissioners when available.
