Santa Barbara City Councilmember Oscar Gutierrez says he’s getting tired of the talk surrounding State Street and whether to reopen it to cars.
“The issue of State Street is starting to fatigue me,” Gutierrez said. “I get tempted to just open it back up again and not worry about it anymore.”
Gutierrez made the comments on the latest episode of the Santa Barbara Talks podcast.
“Right now, I’m still in favor of keeping it closed, but I am getting tired of it,” Gutierrez said. “Like we have to come up with a solution, with a middle ground.”
Gutierrez said adjustable barriers that go up and down to block bicycles during certain periods would be a good compromise.
The councilmember, who represents Santa Barbara’s Westside and part of State Street, also offers his views on the proposed rent control ordinance, housing and the Paseo Nuevo mall, as well as his recent trips to Japan and China.
Click on the video below to watch the full conversation and subscribe for regular content.
Gutierrez is entering his eighth year on the Santa Barbara City Council. He is a graduate of San Marcos High School, Santa Barbara City College and UCSB.
