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City management reports turf replacement, AM 530 emergency station and upcoming homelessness forum
Summary
City staff reported replacement of Solvang Park turf, launch of an AM 530 emergency station for Santa Barbara County, and announced community events including a homelessness forum March 12, a joint DRC/planning workshop March 13, a grant meeting March 11, and a fire mitigation meeting March 31.
City management reported several operational and community events during the meeting.
Public Works Director Bridget Paris said crews have fenced Solvang Park and begun turf replacement after heavy visitor use left lawns in disrepair; the project is intended as an interim fix while the recreation master plan is updated and may be revisited during the longer master‑plan implementation.
Staff announced that the county’s Office of Emergency Management launched an AM radio station (AM 530) broadcasting emergency preparedness and disaster information in English and Spanish for mid‑ and north Santa Barbara County. The city has posted the information on its website and social media and the county has publicized the station as well.
The city also promoted several upcoming community meetings: a community discussion on homelessness on March 12 at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers featuring Supervisor Joan Hartman and other leaders; a joint Development Review Committee and Planning Commission workshop set for March 13 at 6 p.m. to discuss objective standards and vetting for new projects; the second and final mandatory grant meeting on March 11 at 3 p.m. (noting that applicants who do not attend will be ineligible for city grants this year); and a larger regional fire mitigation and awareness meeting for the valley on March 31 at 5:30 p.m. at Veterans Hall.
Staff noted that the city corrected earlier audio issues with the chamber broadcast used at a prior meeting. Several councilmembers welcomed Bridget Paris as the new public works director; Paris said she previously worked for the City of Solvang beginning in February 2014 and said she looks forward to serving the community.
No formal action was required on these items; staff asked council to refer people to the city website or social media for details and to participate in the scheduled forums.
