Even over Zoom, you could read the disappointment in Rob Dayton’s expression as Santa Barbara’s head transportation planner informed the City Council that the COVID-19 shutdown would likely spell the end for downtown parking kiosk workers, or “kioskateers.”
"They are the face of downtown," Dayton said of the 45 or so individuals who see State Street shoppers and workers in and out of the public lots, often with a smile and kind word or two. "It is difficult to have this conversation because of that. It's an amazing culture, and we love it. For us as a team to be facing this crisis this way, and having to have this discussion today, is not easy."
The kioskateers, Dayton explained, will be replaced over the coming year with automated license plate readers, though about 20 or so of the hourly employees will remain in their booths to monitor the new systems. Others may be offered part-time positions roaming lots and assisting customers. The switch, which had already been in discussion for some time but is now being hastened along, is expected to save the city approximately $1.1 million a year.