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Construction Begins on Solar Photovoltaic and Battery Energy Storage Systems Installation at the Granada Garage

Recently, the City began construction on a 425 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system and battery energy storage system (BESS) at the Granada Garage. This project will generate, store, and supply electricity to the Granada Garage, Granada Offices, and the 911 Call Center while also reducing electricity costs at the Central Library across the street. The project will produce approximately 700,000 kWh per year of clean renewable electricity, equivalent to powering over 150 Santa Barbara homes. In addition to increasing local renewable electricity capacity, project benefits include improved regional air quality and energy reliability, and supporting the local green energy industry.

Update: Caltrans Construction Near Airport

Two separate Caltrans projects to replace the San Jose Creek Bridges on Highway 101 and Route 217 are currently underway. There will be a full overnight closure of Route 217 on Monday, August 28 and Tuesday, August 29 from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. each day. Passengers traveling to the Airport during these hours should plan to take the Highway 101/Fairview Avenue exits or an alternative route. Please allow for extra time to account for traffic delays.

Experience the City By Bike and Check Out the New Bike Network Map

Check out the new and interactive GIS story map of the City’s Bike Network with information on the bike network and type of bike facilities. The City has exceeded the 2016 Bicycle Master Plan’s goal to add 30 miles of additional bikeways by 2030 to the existing 61-mile network! There is currently a 91-mile network with transformational bike facilities being funded and coming to Santa Barbara over the next several years. Visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Biking or click Read More for details! Happy biking!

East Beach Restoration Project

The East Beach Habitat Restoration Project will implement the restoration of native plants on sand dunes currently covered by non-native, invasive ice plant. Native coastal dune plant species aid in the formation of sand dunes, support local birds and wildlife, and honor Santa Barbara’s unique local ecology. Work will commence in September 2023 and is expected to be completed in December 2023.

MTD's New Express Bus Service Starts Today

Starting today, avoid the hassle of traffic and parking and hop on the Line 19x! Get to Carpinteria, Milpas Street on Santa Barbara’s Eastside, and Santa Barbara City College, with service running year round except during the college's Spring and Winter breaks. With only seven stops in each direction, get to your destination sooner while leaving the driving to MTD.

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