Artist and architect Cass Ensberg says State Street needs some “spring cleaning,” and that the city should consider returning to pre-pandemic conditions as it develops its master plan.
Ensberg spoke out strongly at Friday’s joint Santa Barbara Planning Commission and Historic Landmarks Commission meeting. She goes deeper in explaining her vision for the State Street Promenade in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina.
Ensberg, a member of the Historic Landmarks Commission, is part of a growing force of city leaders who want to see parades return to State Street, and some order restored to the makeshift promenade.
While restaurants are enjoying the street dining space, some others contend there are problems with ADA access, storm drains, and the overall aesthetics.
The 11-block closure of State Street has infused new energy into downtown, but people walking and riding bikes in the street have raised concerns from others about safety.
“We do have to be considerate of others,” Ensberg said. “And this is a big thing that I have about our current situation. I believe it has been very beneficial to some people, and they are very happy about that.”
It’s not safe for everyone, as currently proposed, Ensberg said.
“I think it has been very detrimental to others who have not felt the ability to step forward and speak about it,” Ensberg said. “It’s like being at a party, and everyone is having a great time, and you are sitting in the corner all by yourself.
Ensberg said she enjoys outdoor dining, and believes that it should remain on State Street. She wants the city and its consultant to look at outdoor dining on sidewalks, or street dining only in some spaces.
She cited the new Fresco on East Canon Perdido street as an example of quality sidewalk dining that doesn’t need to go in the street.
Ensberg also shares her views about the design of the proposed splash pad for De la Guerra Plaza.
“This splash pad, they have tried to make it do everything, disappear, not disappear, look if we are going to have it, have it,” Ensberg said. “Make it classic, and make it fit with the Plaza. To me that’s the formal living room. It’s not the backyard playground.”
Ensberg is also the founder of Kids Draw Architecture.
She is a fellow of the American Institute of Architects for her work to promote the importance of art in architecture. She was also awarded the Lutha Maria Riggs Presidents Award Medal in 2020 from AIASB.
Consider a contribution to this podcast by clicking here. Subscribe to this podcast by clicking here. Josh Molina has been a journalist in Santa Barbara for 20 years. He also covered City Hall for the San Jose Mercury News. In addition to working as a reporter at Noozhawk, he teaches journalism at Cal State University, Northridge and Santa Barbara City College. Please subscribe to his You Tube channel for more content.