Locals call for more parking restrictions near schools as Santa Barbara vehicle camping grows

The area between Ortega, Quarantina and Canan Perdido streets in Santa Barbara has become a haven for people living in their cars, according to Mark Alvarado, Executive Director of the Downtown Club.

"This whole corridor here, if you came in here at night, you would see it filled with vehicles and vans and campers," Alvarado said.

The location is particularly concerning, Alvarado says, because it's sandwiched between three schools: Santa Barbara High School, Santa Barbara Jr. High, and a middle school.

Kristina Rios with the Downtown Club says overnight parking is creating multiple hazards for children in the area.

"It can be a little scary, especially with some of the transients with mental health, kids not knowing, are they dangerous? Are they not dangerous?" Rios said.

The issue re