Paso Robles Light Show Is Morphing Into an “Outdoor Museum”

••• “Researchers in Southern California are using lidar to improve scientists’ understanding of the erosional forces that cause bluffs to collapse.” —Hakai Magazine

••• Santa Barbara’s transportation planning and parking manager, Rob Dayton, reportedly “filed a complaint with the city’s Human Resources Department, claiming his religious beliefs prevented him from getting promotions at the city. Sources said disparaging terms were thrown around in conversations in and out of City Hall about his private religious involvement.” Dayton is a founder of something called Believer’s Edge; here’s a video of him preaching. “Dayton requested to go on paid administrative leave, and [city administrator Paul] Casey granted the request, sources told Noozhawk. Dayton’s complaint has sparked an internal investigation that involves top city officials and members of the City Council.”

••• “The city’s Historic Landmarks Commission recently reviewed a proposal for an electric-vehicle charging station at the former Greyhound bus depot at the corner of Chapala and Carrillo streets.” There would be “20 eight-foot-tall charging stations, where a charge would take about 30 minutes for a newer-model electric car; Tesla-model vehicles would be able to use the chargers with a converter.” Wouldn’t they make more sense in one of downtown’s parking garages? —Independent

••• “The owners of the 12-room [Blue Sands Inn] are going before the Santa Barbara City Council on Tuesday seeking approval for an expansion into the public right-of-way 10-foot setback. The motel at 421 S. Milpas St. wants to build an outdoor patio, 5-foot-high glass patio windscreen and gate, removable gas fire pit, accessible ramps and handrails, and a van-accessible parking space loading zone.” Naturally, city planners oppose it. —Noozhawk

••• The Santa Barbara city council appointed some of the usual suspects to the State Street Advisory Committee. Can any 15-member committee actually accomplish anything? —Independent

••• “The extension of Sensorio’s Field of Light in Paso Robles through the end of the year is just the beginning for the location, organizers say. […] A new food and beverage building is being constructed with an anticipated completion date a year away, but prior to that, a third light installation is expected to open. A new stage is also being built.” And more installations are expected beyond that as the site morphs into an “outdoor museum.” Moreover, “Next door, work on a hotel and conference center is underway.” —KEYT

••• “Mountain lion spotted in Samarkand neighborhood,” reported KEYT. And I think this will be the last wildlife-in-town link I’ll post for a while, unless something really exciting—like a panda!—drops by. The drought will only make animals keep coming.

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