Resident alleges repeated removal from designated ADA parking during Solstice; staff says designated spaces were available except during parade

Aaron Duffy, a local business owner and frequent Solstice participant, told the Access Advisory Committee that Santa Barbara police and event staff repeatedly forced him to vacate a legally designated ADA street parking zone during the Solstice Festival despite displaying a valid placard.

"Your tears don't matter and won't change anything," Duffy said he was told by a Parks and Recreation employee, and he said SBPD Officer Strong forced him to relocate three times that morning. Duffy described the final removal as occurring about five minutes before the parade start and said the episode left him in tears and unable to enjoy the festivities. He told the committee he recorded video and audio of the interactions and cited Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the California Bane Act as legal bases for his complaint.

Brian Deore, speaking for city staff, acknowledged Duffy's distress but said the city's guidance designated accessibility parking throughout the Solstice festivities "except during the parade," when some blocks are used for disbanding floats and parade participants. Deore added staff recognized the signage may have caused confusion and said the city would review communication and consider changes.

Committee members expressed concern about both Duffy's account and the city's handling. One member urged making accessible parking locations explicit on plan diagrams and event material so that placard holders are not left without a legally equivalent parking option when event staging temporarily restricts an assigned block.

The committee did not take formal action on Duffy's comment at this meeting; staff said the issue will be added to future agenda work and that staff would follow up with Duffy directly as requested.