Brooms and Shovels Busy After Week of Off and On Rain and a Holiday Parade Ahead
Homeowners may be busier than some public works crews this week after off and on rain that caught many people off guard.
Residents have piles of leaves, and caked mud around their property in what was the second biggest storm of the year, and the first one since March to leave behind enough of a mess to require some hand tools as part of the cleanup.
A check of creeks shows, there was a good flow through Santa Barbara without any serious issues.
A large eucalyptus tree cracked apart on Las Positas road near Ellings Park Wednesday night and a portion of it hit the street. That section has been carved up and the lanes are open.
At Hendry’s Beach dog owners were careful not to have their pets get too close to the runoff water that often has high bacteria levels after cutting through residential, business, and agricultural areas from the hills to the ocean. This is generally a concern after big storms. In recent years the problems have been reduced due to a strong public information campaign about neighborhood clean up programs and street sweeping.
The overall water situation in Santa Barbara County was not improved much and Cachuma Lake is still at about 28 percent of its capacity – an alarming level for water districts who are urging continued conservation.
Santa Barbara’s Downtown Organization is gearing up for its annual holiday parade with a crisp weather forecast and the chance of a passing shower or two. No serious rain is expected.
About 60,000 spectators are expected to line the route in the scenic downtown corridor already lit up with holiday decorations and white lights. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. on State and Sola Streets and continues down to Cota.
There will be 88 entries, that will include marching bands, singing choirs, nonprofit groups, inflatables, and floats. The Grand Marshal is TV star Alan Thicke, a Carpinteria resident. The large colorful holiday tree, sponsored by Consumer Fire Products Inc. will be lit up to begin the parade thrills at State and Victoria Streets. Santa Claus will end the parade with a holiday greeting for all who attend.
(video for this story will be added later.)
