It’s not the thing that usually happens at Santa Barbara City Hall.
But Lobster’s Jo’s is not your usual camp.
Advocates for the popular beach, skate and craft camp flooded last Tuesday’s City Council meeting to protest the camp’s unexpected, and so far unexplained, cancellation.
Among them was emergency physician Daniel Shepherd, medical director for the Santa Barbara County Emergency Medical Services.
“The parents of Santa Barbara need Lobster Jo’s,” said Shepherd, whose daughter enjoys the camp. “Without sufficient camps you are going to have kids sitting at home, or riding around on their ebikes. Is that really what the city wants, kids not having enough activities.
Shepherd said he wants answers.
“As a parent, if there is a concern about Lobster Jo’s, I’d like to know what the issue is specifically,” Shepherd said.
The item was not on the agenda for discussion, but about 20 people spoke in-person at the meeting, and handful more online, during the public comment portion. One speaker was brought to tears. Other spoke with their children at their side.
The city of Santa Barbara has offered no public explanation for why they intend to cancel the camp.
“Following a routine evaluation of programmatic and operational needs, the City made a decision not to renew its contract with Lobster Jo’s for summer camp programming for the upcoming year,” Jill Zachary, the Parks and Recreation director, told the News-Press. “While we understand the interest in understanding the reasoning behind this decision, we are not at liberty to discuss the specifics related to contract determinations made by staff and the City Attorney.”
Zachary said “the city regularly reviews all contracts to ensure alignment with community priorities and remains committed to providing quality summer camp options for families.”
The program, through afterschool and summer camps, offers beach, skate and craft activities. It is unclear if the public backlash against the cancellation will force the city to retreat from its position. It is the latest public flare-up for the parks and recreation department.
A little more than a year ago, the city ordered the popular “SB Bubble Guy,” to get a permit to hold a glow show at Shoreline Park. Instead, the program’s owner moved the show to Elings park.
The camp’s owner Joseph Evers spoke at the council meeting.
“While my camp was born out of a personal desire to become more connected to this wonderful community, it has grown into a communal hub across the county to engage in outdoor recreation in a space we all share,” Evers said.
Evers during his comments addressed some of the perceived issues related to the camp.
“Over the past two months it has come to my attention that my programs did not have adequate staffing and were therefore unsafe,” Evers said. “I respectfully challenge that assertion.”
Evers said that outdoor recreation programs “operate fully in the public eye.”
“The space I operated within fell within six overlapping EMS jurisdictions, was adjacent to a heavily trafficked bike path, and most importantly was subject to close scrutiny of parents, all of these parents who entrusted me with their most valuable asset, their children,” Evers said.
Evers told the News-Press on Sunday that he had not heard from the city of Santa Barbara in the week since the public testimony.
Many of the speakers described the camp as a special place for their kids, a camp they looked forward to attending every summer.
Garret Gustafson has lived in Santa Barbara for 30 years and two of his children have attended Lobster Jo’s. His son attended the first year, 2021, and every year since. Gustafson spoke highly of Evers.
“He not only creates a safe, fun space for the children but also hires some amazing people to foster what the Santa Barbara community has come to love and enjoy,” Gustafson said.
Parent Molly Sorenson said her family values outdoor time and community connection. Her family makes an effort to get outside every day and appreciate nature.
“We have tried many programs, but Lobster Jo’s stands apart,” she said. “Programs like Skater’s Point and Beach Camp are not just activities. They are meaningful experiences where children grow, take healthy risks, and make lasting memories.”
Lauren Duncan spoke with her son Jude Duncan at her side.
“Both of my kids have attended Lobster Jo’s beach camp since its inception and since attending that first year, they have regularly refused going to any other camp,” Duncan said. “This is the only summer camp they will attend, week-after-week, and year-after-year.”
She said the camp has become an integral part of her children’s summer.
“Jo’s attention to detail and daily structure is unmatched and he and his employees have found the perfect match between structure, play and free time, allowing kids of all ages to not only learn from the counselors, but from each other.”
James Jennings said his kids enjoy the camp. He said “Lobster Jo is a star in this town.”
“Figure out the politics,” Jennings said. “Cut the red tape and give him the green light. He’s a star. You guys got to help the stars in this town.”