April 2010

Posted on | by MMPC

ANOTHER AWARD:  The More Mesa Handbook is once again in the limelight!  This time as the winner of the Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) “2010 Outstanding Public Involvement/Education Program” for the entire state of California!

The award was conferred jointly to AMEC – Earth and Environmental, and the More Mesa Preservation Coalition website.

The AEP is a non-profit organization of interdisciplinary professionals working in all environmental fields, with special emphasis on environmental science, resource management and environmental planning.  Its mission is “to improve the technical skills of its members, and the organization is dedicated to the enhancement, maintenance and protection of the natural and human environment.”

Formed 30 years ago, the AEP was the first organization of its kind in the US, and its influence and model have spawned numerous other regional organizations throughout the US.  The California chapter, in particular, has focused on educating the public about the value of California’s laws protecting the environment, protecting natural resources and promoting responsible land use and urban growth.

Just part of the AEP citation for the award reads …”The More Mesa Handbook has dramatically raised the public awareness of the valuable resources within More Mesa.  The handbook is now widely used by universities, environmental scientists, planning commissioners, planning departments, non-profits, and the Coastal Commission, in the evaluation of More Mesa.  Although the printed copies are beautifully illustrated and thus costly to reproduce, the authors and the More Mesa Preservation Coalition smartly arranged for anyone to easily access the Handbook with the click of the mouse, through the project website, making it highly accessible to all.  Great job!”

And finally, MMPC would like to recognize all those organizations and individuals who are responsible for winning this award … AMEC – who created the Handbook, the Goleta Valley Land Trust and the UCSB Coastal Fund – our funding organizations and Lynn Watson – who manages our great web site.  MANY, MANY THANKS!

award

March 2010

Posted on | by MMPC

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

Goleta Beach from More Mesa
Goleta Bay and Pier from More Mesa cliffs.

January 2010

Posted on | by MMPC

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.

harrier

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!

December 2009

Posted on | by MMPC

As 2009 nears its close, MMPC celebrates, not only this happy season, but almost a decade of pursuing our vision … preserving all of More Mesa … forever. And, as has been our custom, we would like to share some highlights of what has been happening on More Mesa, and our work during the past year.

  • Bio Study
    MMPC has learned that field work for the Bio Study has definitely been completed.  However the report has been put on hold and no release date is available.

  • More Mesa For Sale
    As we reported last year More Mesa is still for sale, with the asking price remaining at $85 Million.  However, with current economic conditions as they are, it would not be unreasonable to assume that the price has, or may, drop below that figure.  We will keep you informed of any developments in this area.

  • More Mesa Handbook
    At the end of last year we reported the publication of the More Mesa Handbook, a comprehensive document describing the resources, history and constraints on More Mesa.  In early 2009, the Handbook was formally “launched” during an extremely successful event; one attended by almost 80 people – see this page.

    Since then, the Handbook has been gathering raves and praise from all sectors, both public and private!  Indeed, it has received two prestigious awards for being an “Outstanding Education Resource” from the American Planning Association – California, as well as being cited in a Santa Barbara County Resolution.  Most recently, the Handbook was nominated for an award from the Association of Environmental Professionals.  During 2009, dozens of hard copies and disks have been distributed to public officials, County and City staffs, educational institutions, scientists, funding organizations and interested private citizens.  The Handbook may be downloaded  here.

  • Fence at End of Mockingbird Lane
    In order to minimize the possibility of fire, neighbors on the northeast corner of More Mesa have constructed a perimeter fence, to prohibit illegal motorized vehicles.  There are also ongoing efforts to investigate the possibility of a similar construction on the west side of More Mesa.

  • And      …
    • MMPC is cooperating with County Parks in a process to remove an extremely harmful invasive known as “Russian Knapweed” from County owned sections of More Mesa.
    • Our data base is nearing 1000 supporters.
    • We have a new e-mail address.

Finally, our winter visitors are out on More Mesa!  Especially look for up to four Northern Harriers that have already been reported.

As always … thank you all for your wonderful support and for loving this very special place.
Our warmest holiday wishes.
Valerie Olson

grebes
Large number of grebes seen daily off More Mesa bluffs.
While thousands of grebes can normally be seen off northern Santa Barbara
County at this time of year, this is an unusually large number for southern
Santa Barbara County, and the grebes are more numerous off
More Mesa bluffs than other locations.
Photo by Yuji Kozaki