RIVIERA CRIME ALERT!

During the past year, some Riviera residents have experienced strangers coming to their front door. These men state that they are neighbors looking for help with college. Residents have not recognized them as neighbors and the suspicious actions of these men suggest they are not college students. One of the men appeared to be agitated. Several residents called police who responded by sending a patrol car to canvas Riviera neighborhoods. Officer Lee, of the Santa Barbara Police Department said that the strangers were most likely either looking for money or casing homes for future holiday burglaries. In addition, in Ocotber 2007 many area residents had mail stolen from their mailboxes, possibly for Identity Theft purposes.

Given these incidents, common sense dictates that Riviera residents take some precautions:

1. Do not open the door to strangers.
2. Lock doors when at home and away. Close windows when away.
3. Consider exterior and interior lighting after dark.
4. Trim shrubbery away from doors and windows which may provide “cover” for an intruder.
5. Report strange activity on your property and in your neighborhood to police.
6. Pick up your mail daily before dark.

Santa Barbara police statistics show that crime activity is actually very low on the Riviera, with the few instances reported in the fourth quarter of last year being in the area close to the Eastside. Officers report that most burglars are opportunists looking for drug money and our hilly Riviera terrain requires too much effort to reach. Nevertheless, we have been given a warning by this recent incident, so we must be diligent in protecting our homes and our neighborhoods.

FRANCESCHI PARK

A lovely park, high on the Riviera, with a panoramic view of the city, the sea and the Channel Islands. The park, located at 1501 Franceschi Road, has pleasant walks that wind through the remnants of the botanical collection. Follow the directions to the Botanic Gardens as far as the Mission. Turn right on Alameda Padre Serra (just past the Mission). Left on Moreno Street, which becomes Mission Ridge Road. Turn right and follow Mission Ridge Road to Franceschi Road. A sign at the intersection points up Franceschi Road; the park entrance, with its pillars and a likeness of Dr. Franceschi, is on the left.
The City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department is looking for volunteers to assist with the care and maintenance of the grounds at Franceschi Park. The park was the home and nursery of horticulturist Dr. Francesco Franceschi at the turn of the century. Dr. Franceschi was a "plant pioneer" and is known for introducing hundreds of species of exotic plants into the nursery trade in California and throughout the United States. The park, which still contains many rare and exotic specimens, is already well loved by neighbors and horticulturists in the community, but is in need of
improvement and increased maintenance. The Parks and Recreation Department is committed to implement the Franceschi Park Master Plan, upgrading the park to a higher horticultural level. To achieve these goals,there will be opportunities for volunteers to assist with this work. Anyone interested in more information about being a volunteer can call Linda Angulo at 564-5462. Volunteer applications and information can be picked up at the Parks Division office at 402 E. Ortega Street. Horticulturists, master gardeners, "want to be" gardeners, or anyone who has a desire to work
out of doors is welcome. Hours and days will be flexible. Commitment, initiative and a willingness to work hard are essential to restore the park to its former beauty.

The Riviera Association has been a member of the Master Plan Committee to restore the park. It was the generosity of the association that enabled city fathers to accept, in 1930, the Freeman gift of house and park. The Pearl Chase Society, a preservation organization, is restoring the house. The Italianate villa has unique architectural features, such as medallions of well-known people, on exterior walls plus dramatic views. The Franceschi Park Foundation is raising funds for park restoration. Estimates for park restoration have not been made and are therefore unknown..Costs estimates to
rehabilitate the house are expected to be over two million dollars. Donations to benefit both park and house should be made to the PARC Foundation.

EL ENCANTO HOTEL

The hotel is officially closed for renovation until early 2009. As part of the renovation there will be nearby street improvements and an improved entrance to the hotel.