As locals and visitors prepare to celebrate Fiesta, the Santa Barbara Police Department encourages everyone to stay informed about essential safety guidelines to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
The city reminds the community that personal items may not be left unattended to reserve viewing spots before sunrise on the day of events, including Pequeña and parades.
Blankets and chairs may be placed starting at sunrise only. Stakes are not allowed in the grass, and items may not be placed in planter beds. Unattended items that interfere with scheduled maintenance may be removed by city staff.
“If You See Something, Say Something!” Report suspicious activities and packages to the police, please contact SBPD’s Dispatch Center on the non-emergency line.
Non-emergency line: 805-882-8900.
For emergencies or if you see an impaired driver, dial 9-1-1. Get real-time alerts from the Santa Barbara Police Department: text 93101 to 888777 to subscribe via Nixle.
For event details, safety guidelines, street closures, parking, and more, visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Fiesta.
Following are some details:
Police Presence
With the large influx of people expected during Fiesta, additional officers will be assigned to foot patrols along the State Street Promenade, Funk Zone, and Waterfront.
As in years past, some of those officers will be from neighboring Tri-County agencies. Outside agency officers are generally tasked with specialized enforcement, such as alcohol beverage control, nightlife, or special event safety.
There will be additional traffic patrols throughout the city as well. Those officers’ primary duty is to prevent collisions and driving under the influence (DUI) throughout the week.
“We request that all those driving, bicycling, and walking within the community abide by traffic laws. Please have a sober driver, utilize taxis, or use ride-share services if you are consuming alcoholic beverages,” police advise.
The city and SBPD take public concerns regarding the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) seriously.
SBPD does not assist ICE in immigration enforcement.
“If any federal agency were to operate in a manner that compromises public safety or violates legal protocols, we would take appropriate action to ensure the safety of our community,” the city said. “Our officers are trained to verify credentials and protect the rights of all individuals, especially in public high-traffic areas.
“We remain committed to fostering trust with our community and will continue to monitor any concerns that may impact the safety and tone of our city events.”
No Alcoholic Beverages or Smoking in Public
Though State Street has been reconfigured into a promenade, it is still a public thoroughfare, and open alcoholic beverages are prohibited on any public street, sidewalk or area.
Santa Barbara Municipal Code 9.05.010 prohibits the consumption or possession of any open alcoholic beverage upon any public street, sidewalk, parking lot, or alley.
Citations could be issued as a result of possessing an open alcoholic beverage or consuming an alcoholic beverage in public.
Smoking and electronic cigarettes are also prohibited in the city while in public per Municipal Code 9.20.020. Santa Barbara aims to be a “smoke-free” city to protect the health, safety and well-being for all.
Parking Enforcement
All parking enforcement rules and regulations including timed 15-, 60- and 75-minute zones, and all other parking regulations, will be enforced throughout the city during the week.
Temporary no parking areas will be clearly designated with signage.
People participating in the Fiesta celebration for an extended period, are urge to use one of the downtown parking lots, garages, or harbor, beach, and waterfront lots.
Note that waterfront, harbor, and beach parking lots will still require payment for parking.
Street Closures for Events & Parades
Expect heavy traffic delays before, during and after events. The following major roadways will be closed to all vehicles starting at the specified dates and times.
El Mercado De La Guerra – The market across from City Hall in De La Guerra Plaza. Mercado hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday July 30-Saturday Aug. 2.
• De la Guerra Loop Road will be closed from 5 a.m. Saturday, July 26 through 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3.
• East De la Guerra Street will be closed between State Street and Anacapa Street, 5 a.m. Tuesday, July 29 through 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3.