Featured News Photo In Photos – Reopening Santa Barbara Graeme Jackson - May 27, 2020 0 Photostory by Graeme Jackson | Photo Editor Phase 2 Re-opening Santa Barbara 1 of 19 As phase two of reopening has begun in California, Isla Vista restaurant staples like Woodstocks and Rockfire have begun hosting masked patrons for dine-in with distanced seating. The Habit has continued to serve takeout only, along with the majority of Isla Vista businesses. With much of Isla Vista's student population out of town this spring quarter, Freebirds has remained closed at this time. Santa Barbara Airport is set to receive $9,555,321 in CARES Act Funding, part of the $10 billion dollars appropriated by Congress to save airport jobs, preserve credit ratings, and ensure improvement projects continue. Without federal assistance, Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) would experience a multimillion dollar budget gap in airport operations. SBA’s acceptance of the funding requires it to preserve at least 90% of essential airport jobs through the end of 2020. Goleta’s West Wind Drive-In theater has reopened by public demand. The inherent socially distant nature of the drive-in movie experience has made it the perfect candidate for operating during Phase two of Governor Newsom’s plan to reopen the state. Closed down in 2019, the drive-in is preparing to welcome patrons back to enjoy a socially distant night out. Ticketing booths and concessions stands still remain at the Goleta location, waiting to welcome more moviegoers in the coming weeks. Memorial Day weekend saw Santa Barbara County residents flock to State Street to support small businesses. Vehicular traffic was blocked on State Street for the weekend, allowing citizens to walk and bike down the lively artery. With dine-in options in place at certain locations, restaurants saw a spike in business at their locations on State Street while continuing to adhere to safety guidelines. Phase two of Governor Newsom’s plan allowed the reopening of retail stores with certain guidelines in place. Stores can only accommodate a certain number of people at any given time, and individuals must wear face coverings to enter.