Category: Uncategorized

“Soft” Solution Offered to Solve Goleta Beach Erosion Problems
Since 2003, the County of Santa Barbara has been investigating ways to mitigate the loss of beach area at Goleta Beach.  These losses are attributed to natural erosion that occurs during winter storms, and especially, severe ones.  Both “hard” solutions, which employ structures and/or rockwork, and ”soft” solutions, which do not, can be used.  In 2008, the County settled upon a “hard” solution, in the form of a permeable groin, and went forward with that approach.

However, last November, the Coastal Commission, in keeping with it’s mission and policy, overwhelmingly rejected the “permeable groin” and directed the County to come up with a “soft” alternative; one that would both protect Goleta Beach, as well as eliminate any down-current erosion.  MMPC has been very involved in this process for more than six years, as the beach that is immediately down-current of Goleta Beach lies beneath More Mesa’s bluff top.  Proponents of the permeable groin project admitted that there would definitely be additional erosion to More Mesa Beach, and that it could also be very pronounced.

We are extremely pleased to report that the County has proposed an excellent “soft” approach, one that would protect both Goleta Beach, and More Mesa Beach.  Further, it would meet other important environmental needs.  This concept was unveiled at a meeting held on February 16, 2010.  The details of this initial phase, called “Goleta Beach 2.0” may be found at here.

More Mesa cliffs from Goleta Beach, photo center in the distance.

Goleta Bay and Pier from More Mesa cliffs.

“More Mesa In Santa Barbara County”

A video of More Mesa by Ronald Williams, showing some of the sweeping views of the greening, rain-drenched mesa — of Winter 2010.

More Mesa In Santa Barbara County from Ronald Williams on Vimeo.

Happy New Year from the More Mesa Preservation Coalition !

Although there has not been much rain so far this season, More Mesa is already becoming green and lush.  Many of our friends and neighbors have been celebrating the holidays with their families by strolling, hiking and riding out on More Mesa.

And, our winter avian visitors have been enjoying More Mesa as well.  For example, as many as four Northern Harrier Hawks have already been reported, in a single sighting.  Moreover, it seems that permanent resident species are taking advantage of abundant food resources as well.  The pair of White tailed Kites that permanently live on the eastern end of More Mesa have been joined by two more kites, as up to four of these beautiful birds have been regularly observed in a relatively small area of eastern More Mesa.

We are indebted to Yuji Kosaki for his excellent photography of More Mesa birds, and especially for the wonderful Harrier image above.

As always, thanks for caring about this wonderful place and a very Happy New Year from all of us at the More Mesa Preservation Coalition!

More Mesa is a always fertile ground for our many area photographers … no matter the season. In addition to the treasure trove of photographs from our own Lynn Watson, (see September 2009 News) we often discover other More Mesa photographers.

This month we feature several shots from Yuji Kozaki of the Donald Bren School of Environmental Science & Management at UCSB. We are indebted to Yuji for allowing us to use his images. Thanks Yuji.

Great Horned Owl and Red-Tailed Hawk on More Mesa, by Yuji Kozaki

Rock Wren and Phainopepla on More Mesa, by Yuji Kozaki

Black Saddlebags and Painted Lady on More Mesa, by Yuji Kozaki

Highlighting a Special Friend of More Mesa
One of the delightful aspects of our Monthly News Reports are the wonderful photos of More Mesa that accompany each report. These photos, like almost all the photos on our More Mesa web site, have been created by Lynn Watson; our web manager and photographer extraordinaire. This month’s news features some of Lynn’s favorite photos of More Mesa. To learn more about Lynn, and some of her many contributions to MMPC, visit the Friends section of this web site.

Sign Up on Line
And speaking of Lynn’s work, a new feature has been added to our web site. Anyone interested in becoming More Mesa Preservation Coalition supporter can now sign up on line by clicking the button on the right hand side of the home page. It’s simple, easy and takes virtually no time at all. If you are already a supporter, encourage your friends who care about More Mesa to sign up as well.

Favorite landscape and bird images from More Mesa.