Santa Barbara will be getting more foot patrol officers to deal with nuisance crimes after receiving a grant of over $870,000 from the Justice Department.
This will translate to a variety of efforts to stop smoking in public and deal with alcohol-related issues, via an increase in number of community service officers and uniformed officers on various busy thoroughfares.
New signs will also be going up in 400 locations about "No Smoking" and "No Vaping;" in some cases they'll be replaced in areas where there are multiple "No Skateboarding" signs.
City Councilmember Eric Friedman says cigarette butts are a big health and litter problem, especially at the beach.
The grant money kicks in July 1st.
