Author: Riley Clark

MMPC Statement on Ongoing Coastal Act Challenges

Posted on | by Riley Clark

The More Mesa Preservation Coalition is closely monitoring ongoing efforts to weaken the California Coastal Act and the authority of the California Coastal Commission. Any reduction in these long-standing protections could increase the risk of future development pressures on More Mesa and other sensitive coastal resources.

Maintaining strong coastal protections remains essential to preserving More Mesa’s ecological, scenic, and recreational values. We will continue to track these developments and keep the community informed.

To read the recent article highlighting these concerns, click below:

Read the full article

Thank You for Celebrating Our 25th Anniversary!

Posted on | by Riley Clark
The More Mesa Preservation Coalition (MMPC) would like to thank the more than 125 friends and supporters who braved the chilly rain to find their way to our 25th anniversary celebration on 11/20 at Rincon Brewery in the Funk Zone.
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Assemblyman Gregg Hart presents More Mesa Preservation Coalition President Valerie Olson with Resolution of Commendation from the state legislator
Your attendance and support are much appreciated! We would also like to thank Assemblyman Gregg Hart for his attendance and presentation of an award to Valerie Olson our long time president and tireless More Mesa advocate, as well as well as County Supervisor Laura Capp’s chief of staff Chris Hensen who also presented Valerie with an award! Our heartfelt thanks go out to Rincon’s owners Mark and Luisa Hyatt and their hard working staff who made this event possible through their generosity and wish to give back to the community. Lastly, we would like to thank Kevin Gleason of the Oak Group for his beautiful painting of More Mesa which is now up for auction (@kevingleasonart on Instagram), as well as the dedicated musicians Vince Semonson and Greg Harrison who volunteered their time to provide great entertainment!

Event attendees included residents of Goleta, Hope Ranch, Santa Barbara, Montecito and Carpinteria demonstrating More Mesa’s importance to South Coast residents.
All types of More Mesa users were in evidence including hikers, runners, dog walkers, birders, cyclists and equestrians representing the broad mosaic of recreational use of More Mesa. A good time was had by all as folks sipped on the frothy Save More Mesa Blonde Ale while many also enjoyed Rincon Brewery’s delicious dinner options. 
Celebrants snapped up 23 cases of the Save More Mesa Blonde Ale while also picking up Save More Mesa hats and t-shirts. All proceeds from donations will go to support MMPC’s operating expenses which include staff time, production costs for hats, t-shirts and stickers and upcoming costs for rental of different venues, public outreach, funding a property appraisal and any associated legal expenses. 
Finally, the MMPC plans to be holding a series of outreach activities in the coming year in order to increase community awareness of More Mesa and development the threats, including the hikes of More Mesa, sensitive habitats and wildlife and the history of More Mesa. We are also coordinating with Congressman Carbajal’s office and staff for Assemblyman Hart to organize Hikes with Carbajal and Hikes with Hart. Supporters will be invited and have the chance to chat with two of our elected representatives. More announcements will follow next year and thanks for the continued support!

Kevin Gleason celebrates with Luisa Hyatt one of Rincon Brewery’s owner.
Kevin’s Painting is still up for Auction!

The original oil painting by local artist Kevin Gleason is being auctioned RIGHT NOW!50% of the proceeds will directly fund the protection of More Mesa’s treasured open space.

Save More Mesa Art Auction
Original oil painting (15×24” on stretched linen)
Bidding starts at $800Place a bid by commenting on the Instagram post
Auction closes Sunday, Nov. 23 at 12:00 PM
Scan the QR code to bid now!


You can also view the auction directly on Kevin’s Instagram page: @kevingleasonart

Save More Mesa: Art Auction + Celebration Tonight!

Posted on | by Riley Clark

Save More Mesa Art Auction + Celebration Tonight!

We’re excited to share a special opportunity to support the More Mesa Preservation Coalition’s 25 years of conservation work — and help protect the iconic open space we all love.

🎨 Save More Mesa Art Auction

An original oil painting by local artist Kevin Gleason is being auctioned RIGHT NOW — with 50% of the proceeds directly supporting More Mesa’s protection.

  • Original artwork: 15×24” oil on stretched linen
  • Starting bid: $800
  • How to bid: Comment directly on the Instagram post
  • Auction closes: Sunday, Nov. 23 at 12:00 PM

📱 Scan below to bid:

Bid QR Code

Or visit: @kevingleasonart on Instagram

🍻 Celebration at Rincon Brewery — Tonight!

Join us to celebrate 25 years of the More Mesa Preservation Coalition and be among the first to try the new Save More Mesa Blonde Ale featuring this artwork on the can!

  • Date: Thursday, November 20
  • Time: 5:30 PM
  • Location: Rincon Brewery, 205 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA

Come raise a glass to conservation, community, and the future of More Mesa.

Save More Mesa Celebration Flyer

More Mesa feature in Montecito Journal

Posted on | by Riley Clark

Featured in the Montecito Journal

More Mesa Conservation Easement Established

We’re honored to share that the Montecito Journal featured the More Mesa Preservation Coalition’s collaborative efforts with the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County and Santa Barbara County to permanently protect 36 acres of More Mesa.

This milestone marks an important step toward ensuring More Mesa’s open space and wildlife habitat remain preserved for generations to come.

Read the Full Story

See page 13 of Volume 31, Issue 44 in the Montecito Journal E-Edition.