Historic site trashed in downtown just steps from Santa Barbara City Hall

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The week started with a massive mess only a few steps from Santa Barbara City Hall, in the courtyard of the historic Casa de la Guerra.

Overfilled trashcans were knocked over. Clothing was strewn about. Food waste was discarded on the ground.

One of the hallways even had human waste in it.

Three people were sleeping or hanging out on the grounds with their personal belongings.

In recent weeks, the site has been used by the homeless on a daily basis.

By mid-morning, a crew from the Downtown Organization arrived on their own to clean up the discarded items and waste. It is a site that is not in their normal work zone footprint.

A pickup truck was filled with loaded trash bags and discarded items.

The historic location dates back to 1818. It is operated by the Trust for Historic Preservation.

The home was a residence for Jose de la Guerra, the fifth comandante of the Presidio.

It is also a gateway to historic shops and restaurants in the center of downtown.