Isla Vista residents and visitors can now walk on rainbows. On Wednesday, December 7, the Santa Barbara Public Works Department connected four curb cuts at the intersection of Pardall Road and Embarcadero del Norte with Progress Pride Flags.
The Progress Pride Flag was designed by Portland artist Daniel Quasar to highlight HIV/AIDS awareness and remembrance, LGBTQ+ communities of color, and the trans community. Newly dubbed “Pride Block,” Isla Vista’s painted sidewalks feature the six original colors of the rainbow Pride Flag, together with additions of black and brown stripes to represent LGBTQ+ communities of color, and the Transgender Pride Flag’s colors of pink, light blue, and white.
“One of our goals is to provide a safe environment for the public and our employees,” said Public Works Director Scott McGolpin. “Safety isn't just about good engineering and construction for the Public Works department. It's about promoting a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion that preserves the health and well-being of every community member.”
