Basketball hoops will be unbolted due to violations

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Just days after fencing went up around the Santa Barbara Skater's Point due to violations,  action is being taken on city basketball courts.  They will soon be unusable.

NewsChannel 3 last weekend showed large groups playing at Ortega Park at a time when the shelter at home rules were in place, along with social distancing to reduce the risks of the coronavirus.   

In previous days, video was also shot of games at Franklin school,  and Santa Barbara Junior High.  All were upsetting for the community according to city leaders who received numerous calls and emails about the gatherings. Action was taken at the schools to reduce the use of sports areas.

Medical officials have said this kind of contact and get together could be a high risk to family members, friends and the community at large.

"We have removed the rims," said City Councilmember Meagan Harmon in a video statement,  "from the courts owned by the city."

Wednesday morning at Ortega Park,  T.J. Serna was alone shooting some shots. He said he goes to a few locations,  but was not part of the games over the weekend.   

Serna was disappointed the hoops were going to come down. He has a workout and usually does it alone, not in five-on-five setting. His favorite shot is a step-back jumper.

"But it makes sense because people don't obvious care to keep themselves healthy and with President Trump reporting that there may be 250,000 deaths the government has to taken action for these people," said Serna.     "I have a lot of friends that say I am going to live my life and say 'if I die I die'.  It is a really stupid mindset."

He also says he is aware of younger people who are not taking the Covid-19 seriously,  thinking they won't get it,  don't have it, and are not going to spread it.

The Santa Barbara City College student says in the fall he will be going to San Francisco State, but wants to enjoy his time in Santa Barbara now, even during the crisis period.

At home he is staying sheltered in his rental room and does not venture out except for exercise and food.