Parklets in the spotlight during stay-at-home order
SANTA BARBARA, Calif.
Parklets became a household word when the coronavirus turned into a pandemic.
They helped restaurants survive by offering outdoor dining.
Under the new minimum 3-week stay-at-home order, that began as the clock struck midnight on Dec. 6, people are not supposed to dine indoors or out at restaurants.
Drew Cuddy who owns the Satellite restaurant on State St. in Santa Barbara said he spent thousands of dollars on his parklet.
"We invested about $5,000.00 in the patio and a lot of physical effort."
He took the tables and chairs and some fencing away, but said he won't be moving the giant planters or the green turf that now looks like a putting green.
Others have taken the planters and decorations and heaters away.
Cuddy is hoping for the return of parklets if the county's request to get out of the regional order after the holidays is approved.
Spencer Weiner of Bona Fide Brewing Company would like to see the outdoors spaces make a comeback for good.
Weiner said it makes Santa Barbara look like a European city or plaza.
Public health leaders are not looking the other way when it comes to defying outdoor dining in parklets.
Business owners said they have heard of other counties and communities defying the order.
Cuddy said he doesn't want to do that. He just wants to do what is right for the health of community and get back to business as soon as possible.
He thanked friends ordering take out on their way out.
Take-out is one way to help businesses survive COVID-19.
