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The Greyhound depot in downtown Santa Barbara has closed (and they didn't even save the classic neon sign from the roof!). Their operations have been moved to the former Open Air Bicycle shop (and before that the Railway Express building) across the parking lot from the Amtrak depot.
They had done a pretty good job of rousting the homeless from the area around the famous Moreton Bay Fig tree but I'm afraid that they may return now.
I expect that this will also lead to more congestion and fewer available parking spaces. Time will tell.
Frank in overcast and cool SBA
sojourner Member # 3134
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Frank, Just want to clarify--you're saying that "they" (local authorities? Amtrak? who?) had done a good job of rousting the homeless from the area about the Amtrak station in SBA (where there is a fig tree) but now with Greyhound moving so close to it, you think the homeless will be back. (It's hard for me to tell what your second paragraph means but that is what I'm guessing you mean, yes?) Thanks!!
sbalax Member # 2801
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Sojourner--
I believe it was a joint effort by the city and Amtrak to clear out the homeless. At one point, they had "occupied" the area around the Moreton Bay Fig. The City Arborist was very concerned about the tree's ability to survive.
I'll get a first hand look at the situation next week when I pick up tickets for our Surfliner trip to SAN on the 14th to board HAL's Oosterdam for a quick trip up the coast to Vancouver.
Frank in dark and cool SBA
sojourner Member # 3134
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Thanks. I just wasn't clear from your post that you were talking about the Amtrak station area when you talked about the tree. If and when I am in SBA again, though, I will look for the tree!!!
Have a great trip!!!
mr williams Member # 1928
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Is there any particular reason why Santa Barbara seems to have more vagrants than all of the other US towns I've visited put together?
A few years ago I was near the station on my way to catch a train when a vagrant approached me and tried the "hey, don't I know you from somewhere" approach. Being six feet tall and 250 pounds I wasn't concerned for my safety so I thought I'd amuse myself and hear him out. He claimed to be ex-military and was sure that we had served together in the army!!
I put on my best "dreadfully sorry, old chap" English accent but "you have confused me with somebody else!" leaving him scratching his head.
Is the fig tree you mention that famous absolutely huge tree that I took a photo of?
sbalax Member # 2801
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Mr. Williams--
Well, if you were going to be homeless, wouldn't you want to be in a place where the climate is nice most of the year? And where there are more than the usual number of services provided by both public and private groups? And where the city's official policy is one of tolerance?
The sad truth is that a large percentage of our homeless population are drug and alcohol abusers who prefer not to make any change in their lifestyle. We also have a fairly high percentage of people who are mentally ill and would, in earlier times, been in facilities run by the State of California. Budget cuts have made fewer of those beds available.
I rarely go downtown anymore and when I do, I drive and park as close as I can to my destination.
And, yes, I'm betting that you took a picture of the Moreton Bay Fig. It is located West of the station and what is now the Greyhound station. Next to it, on a spur line, we now have a former Southern Pacific Business Car. It is not open to the public and the interior appears to have been pretty much gutted.
Sapphire Princess is in town today (and will be back on Sunday) and it is a perfect day to visit Santa Barbara. The shuttles that are provided from the beach to town drop the passengers pretty far up on State Street so they can avoid some of the worst of the panhandling/crazies/homeless.
Frank in sunny and cool SBA
notelvis Member # 3071
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Was the downtown Greyhound Station one of those classic Art Deco affairs....... or just one with a classic neon sign?
Either way, I think it's a loss if the building has been demolished.
sbalax Member # 2801
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David--
The building was nothing special. It probably dated from the early '50's. It was the signage that made it special. There are very few exterior neon signs in town.
They have not demolished the structure. I have heard that it is to become an "upscale" Diner. Or a Hooter's, which I find really difficult to believe. It's across the street from the Canary Hotel, an upscale Kimpton managed property http://www.canarysantabarbara.com/, and shares a block with Saks Fifth Avenue.
Frank in sunny and clear SBA
Vincent206 Member # 15447
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My only experience with the Santa Barbara Greyhound Depot was during the Chatsworth disaster. The doghouse is in the center of downtown--close to the transit center--but the building wasn't any sort of architectural treasure. The Amtrak station seems to be on the periphery of downtown, but I don't remember it being well connected to local transit.
sbalax Member # 2801
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Vincent--
You've got it right. The old Greyhound Station was right next to the Transit Center. They shared a parking lot.
The Amtrak Station is "below" the Freeway so a bit cut off from the rest of downtown. As far as I know the only public transportation that serves it would be the 25 Cent Shuttles that go up and down State Street. You could use one of those to get to the Transit Center -- or within a block of it.
That said, it IS possible to visit Santa Barbara without a car. This website has lots of good information and a discount on Amtrak fares. http://www.santabarbaracarfree.org/
Frank in sunny and cool SBA -- waiting for Sapphire Princess to return tomorrow.
sbalax Member # 2801
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All--
I'm just back from picking up our tickets for Saturday's trip to San Diego for our coastal cruise on HAL's Oosterdam. I was in and out in less that five minutes. There were three agents working and nobody in line. Interestingly, they have added a "Handicap" window which was one of the three that were open.
I asked if they'd noticed any difference from the Greyhound being in the old REA building. They said not really, except that they lost one of their bus parking areas. One is now clearly labeled "Greyhound Busses Only".
The actual Greyhound facility is pretty minimal. I didn't go inside but it looks as if it's taking up only a small portion of a very large building. There were two people lounging on the one bench out front and no sign of any bus activity.
Frank in soon to be wet SBA
Vincent206 Member # 15447
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From their website, it looks like Greyhound only has 4 northbound and 4 southbound buses a day. That shouldn't impact Amtrak too much.
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