Two downtown fountains removed in Santa Barbara

After months of vandalism, two decorative fountains have been removed from downtown Santa Barbara.

The fountains were on the corner of State Street at Cota Street for more than a decade. A few years ago, due to the drought rules, water was removed and plants were installed.

The fountains were located in front of the Hotel Santa Barbara and Starbucks.

Heavy equipment was brought in Wednesday and public works crews took the fountains out after a directive from the city council.

At recent hearings, in front of the council and Historic Landmarks Committee the city heard detailed stories about crimes, misuse and offensive activities around the fountains that could not be controlled on a regular basis.

They included vandalism, drug deals, urination, broken tiles, trampled plants, camping, litter, loitering, fights and sleeping on the structures.

The owner of the Hotel Santa Barbara presented the council with visual examples of the problems and a security guard said the daytime issues brought forward were even worse at night. A letter from a hotel guest said the issues were too offensive for them to want to return to the area, despite the welcoming reviews Santa Barbara usually gets for its downtown shopping and entertainment district.

Police have stepped up foot patrols and community volunteers assisting the officers and it has made an impact but the fountains were said to be an attractive nuisance and taken out.