Santa Barbara's Funk Zone is a district just off of lower State Street between Highway 101 and the beach. It has gained attention in recent years because of its artsy mix of residents and businesses. However, some are worried that gentrification could ruin, the very essence that makes this neighborhood attractive.
In August 2013, we aired a Funk Zone focus piece by KCBX reporter, Leslie Westbrook. This week she won a Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism award for the piece from the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation.
Plans began moving forward regarding development projects in the Funk Zone, mentioned in the piece.
Mesa Lane Partners are proposing a multi use complex utilizing the existing architecture and including artist lofts and residential space a couple of elements locals feel are keep to keeping the "funk" in the zone.