Beginning Monday, April 13, crews will install a large asphalt art mural at the intersection of Carrillo and State Streets as part of the Asphalt Art Initiative. The intersection will remain open throughout the project, with modified traffic patterns in effect on weekdays for approximately two weeks.
Normal traffic will resume each weekend. The installation is expected to conclude on April 24, and aims to enhance pedestrian safety, improve visibility, calm traffic, celebrate local culture, and create a more welcoming public space in the heart of downtown. .
Funded through Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Oaxacan-inspired artwork will be applied to the area’s crosswalks and curb extensions, integrating artistic treatments with existing safety features such as planters, bollards, and pedestrian lighting.
The pilot project will be maintained for at least two years.
Modified Traffic Patterns: Carrillo Street
Monday through Friday, April 13 to 24, 2026
This traffic pattern will occur during the weekdays.
Intersection of Carillo and State St.
Impacts:
- Weekdays (April 13–24) – Carrillo Street at State Street reduced to one lane in each direction.
- Weekend – Normal traffic patterns resume.
- Pedestrians and cyclists – Those traveling along State Street will be directed to use designated crosswalks.
The City will monitor traffic conditions and safety throughout the duration of the project.
For more information, visit Bloomberg Asphalt Art Initiative.
About the Bloomberg Asphalt Art Initiative
The City of Santa Barbara, in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture, received a $100,000 grant through the 2025 Bloomberg Asphalt Art Initiative. The program supports innovative public art projects that enhance pedestrian safety, improve streetscapes, and engage communities.
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Downtown is rotting thanks to poor Democrat decision making, they ruined our once beautiful city.
Get off the sauce Special Kev.
kevin1960: As an artist myself, I think the project is a nice gesture, but a bit out of place in my opinion. Downtown SB is rotting so much as it has lost most of its “shine” as one might say, as well as appearing to be on a downward trajectory. Many locals are staying away for sure, and we get some bursts of tourists wandering about when the ships come in. Downtown SB businesses need a constant flow of locals to keep them alive, but sadly, v-e-r-y sadly, many businesses are shuttering up. SB/Goleta locals are going elsewhere to do their in-person shopping, dining, and entertaining. Even Lompoc, which certainly is NOT a tourist destination, is doing quite well. One of the big draws in Lompoc aside from the eateries are the reasonably priced thrift, vintage/antique, and consignments shops. Prices for items at the SB and Goleta thrift stores are quite high and often set close to their original retail price!
More Bends Knees blather.
Beeknee
” One of the big draws in Lompoc aside from the eateries are the reasonably priced thrift,” There are no big draws in Lompoc and the garden shop junk store probably makes people want to stay away. Lompoc looks like hell and is full of drugs and gangs.
“SB and Goleta thrift stores are quite high and often set close to their original retail price!”
Hmmm of course there is no difference in the rent in Lompocia vs SB or Goleta (insert eye roll)
” SB/Goleta locals are going elsewhere to do their in-person shopping”
It’s called Amazon, doesn’t take a rocket scientist.
Democrats have run this city for so long, if you liked it before you liked it because of them.
Is there a cultural relationship between Oaxca and Santa Barbara?
Every time I drive past the huge jardinieres filled with the the most homely, inappropriate, uncoordinated, badly chosen plants, I’m embarrassed for our city.
The containers look like large trashcans which someone had thrown plants left from several landscaping jobs.
Can’t we get a unified, properly scaled, display of lovely, color-coordinated plantings? Palms? Abundant same-colored geraniums?