Earlier this year, in the February News, the More Mesa Preservation Coalition reported that More Mesa was for sale … for $110 Million.  Shortly after this sale offering appeared in the “Multiple Listings”, the owner contracted with a local company to survey the property.  The “poles” and flags” that may be seen in various areas of More Mesa, are the result of that survey work.  These markers delineate the six parcels that comprise the 265 acres of More Mesa; parcels that range in size from 12.9 acres to 106.6 acres.

 A parcel map of these six areas is shown below. The sale offering states that any of these parcels may be purchased separately, or they may all be purchased together as a block.  The only “developable” 40 acres of More Mesa lie in an “L” shaped area along the eastern and northern edges of the property (see /development-threat/). This developable area is within Parcel #8, the largest parcel of the six.

More Mesa Survey Map – Click on map for a larger version

Spring has come to More Mesa.  Kites on the east side are nesting and we are expecting chicks soon.  Many hawks are also nesting on, and around, More Mesa. And although the Northern Harrier was seen on More Mesa on April 10, it should be leaving in the near future for its breeding territory.

While this year’s rains were not enough to produce an abundance of wildflowers ( there is a very good display of blue-eyed grass), the land is green and glorious … the cottonwoods are full, the willows have all their leaves and the grasses are green, lush and tall.  It is a great time to go out and enjoy the wonders of spring.

Cottonwoods in the winter and on April 10, 2007 

In pursuit of our mission to preserve More Mesa forever, the More Mesa Preservation Coalition (MMPC) constantly strives to reach the broadest spectrum of our community with our message.  One technique we have used in the past is illustrated talks tailored to the needs of audiences such as Homeowners Associations, Fraternal and Service Organizations and Environmental Groups.  We are currently preparing to accelerate these types of activities, so that we are able to connect with even more members of our Santa Barbara community.  Supporters can help by letting us know of any organization or group that would welcome a talk on More Mesa.  We typically focus on ecological values, recreational resources or history, but can adapt the length and content of any presentation, as appropriate to the particular audience.

Please contact us via the Contact page.

Spring is in the air on More Mesa. 

More Mesa For Sale
Many of you may have heard More Mesa is for sale.  This does not come as a surprise to us at the More Mesa Preservation Coalition (MMPC), since there have been persistent rumors to that effect for several months.  With the official listing of the property, it is now clear that the owner, Mr. Earl Holding has definitely decided to sell More Mesa.  The asking price, $110 Million, is a very large number!  It is difficult to imagine that a sale at such a price will be easily accomplished.

Ecological Importance
The County and State Coastal Commission have identified More Mesa as having significant  ecological value and importance.  More Mesa is even more significant since it is the last remaining large coastal open space in the Goleta Valley.  Of its 265 total acres, 225 have been identified Environmentally Sensitive Habitat (ESH).  This means that, currently, only 40 acres (see Development Threat) are permitted to be developed (up to 70 houses).  Further, the County has identified environmentally sensitive resources within these 40 acres: a vernal pool, wetlands and nearby white-tailed kite roosts and nests.  For all these reasons, any proposed development, even within these 40 acres, would have to address substantial environmental issues.

A Community Treasure:  For more than six decades, More Mesa has held a very special place in the heart of the Santa Barbara community.  MMPC, founded in 2000, currently has 800 supporters specifically committed to preserving More Mesa.  Other environmental organizations and community members share this mission as well.  Any future development proposal is sure to raise substantial citizen concerns from well organized and active community groups.

What Now?:  The offering of a property for sale does not mean any development has yet been proposed.  It means there may be a new owner some time in the future.  Moreover, it is not obvious that $110 Million would be the actual sales price, when adopted plans restrict development to 40 acres. At present, the MMPC will wait to see what transpires.  In the recent past, environmental and conservation organizations, including MMPC, have engaged in various discussions centered around potential purchase of More Mesa for purposes of preservation.  That process will continue.

What You Can Do to Help

• Stay informed by visiting our web  site and checking the monthly news.
• Raise awareness of the value of More Mesa to our community by talking to your neighbors and friends about what More Mesa means to all of us.
• Become familiar with More Mesa and educate others about its ecological and recreational value to the community.
• Encourage people to sign up as More Mesa Preservation Coalition supporters by e-mailing us via the Contact page. As always, thank you all for caring about More Mesa!!

Crested Caracaras are rare in Santa Barbara County. On Friday, February 2nd, a Caracara was photographed by David Levasheff in the south-west corner of More Mesa.
Larger pictures and a story of the encounter can be found here.

At the beginning of this new year, we have exciting news to report about another glorious open space in the Santa Barbara area; the San Marcos Foothills.

For decades, the Santa Barbara Community, as well as and a host of environmental organizations, have worked consistently and diligently to protect this area of great scenic beauty and biological significance.  Now, after years of collaborative efforts, and in conjunction with a local developer, a large portion of the San Marcos Foothills has been preserved.  Early this month, Jeff Bermant, donated 200 acres to the Trust For Public Land (TPL), who will subsequently deed this gift to the County of Santa Barbara.  Our sincerest congratulations to all the parties involved, and especially to the San Marcos Foothills Coalition whose members have worked tirelessly for these seven years to preserve this wonderful area.

When the More Mesa Preservation Coalition came into being in 2000, there were three open spaces in need of protection; Ellwood Mesa, the San Marcos Foothills and More Mesa. Now only More Mesa remains.

Happy New Year from all of us at the More Mesa Preservation Coalition!

San Marcos Foothills from More Mesa

Views of San Marcos Foothills