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In mid afternoon of July 18th a fire broke out on the eastern edge of More Mesa.  Winds were potentially very dangerous. In fact, at first assessment, it appeared it might be difficult to contain the fire, which was spreading in a northwesterly direction.  However, within less than ten minutes, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department was on the scene. A helicopter assigned to the Zaca Lake fire was also temporarily diverted and joined in fighting the blaze. This dedicated and efficient team, working on the ground and from the air, had the flames extinguished within 15 minutes.  To insure that there were no remaining hot spots, firefighters stayed on the scene for another 2-3 hours.  The investigation conducted by the Fire Department estimates the burn area to 5 acres (see below), and concludes that the fire was probably caused by sparks from a motorcycle exhaust pipe.

We all can help prevent any future recurrence of this kind.  This year’s rainfall was significantly below average and all our open areas are extremely dry.  Therefore we urge all of you who recreate on More Mesa to be extremely vigilant about not smoking or introducing other potential fire risks (motorized vehicles) to this precious remaining open space.  Also, please point out potential fire danger to others out on More Mesa who might be unaware of the high fire risk.

The whole community extends our heartfelt thanks to our fire fighters for responding so quickly and, most importantly, for the wonderful job they did.  THANK YOU SANTA BARBARA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT!

Map of the July 18, 2007 fire on More Mesa.

Aftermath of the July 18, 2007 fire on More Mesa.

Many of you may remember the long and protracted campaign concerning the Hacienda Vieja Project.  From 2004 to 2006, the More Mesa Preservation Coalition fought through all the public processes to ensure that this development was appropriate for More Mesa.  We were deeply concerned about the size, bulk and scale of the proposed structures, as well as the impact of five families in this small area abutting a sensitive wetland and More Mesa.  The decision makers and the community expressed their desire to have no more than three families on the parcels in question.  However, it was finally, and reluctantly, agreed to permit four new (large) houses and a 4500 square foot remodel, which was essentially a tear down and rebuild.  A compromise had been struck and was accepted by both MMPC and the community. Final permitting occurred in mid 2006.

A few months later, the developer, Jack Maxwell, applied for a permit to convert the “remodel” to a duplex, and then proceeded to build the remodel as if the permit already had been approved.  We were surprised and disappointed when the current Planning Commission voted to allow what is, in effect, a sixth residence.  Apparently, the logic behind their decision was that “If it’s legal, we must approve it.”

We depend on our elected and appointed officials to speak for us, protect our environment and be guardians of the community’s best interest (not an individual’s). The ability and wisdom of these officials to interpret laws on our behalf is critical to shaping a  community for people, not a community built by, and for, developers.   Because of this belief, the MMPC has filed an appeal of this decision to the Board of Supervisors. We feel that Planning Commission approval of a project that was vehemently opposed by the community and previous decision makers, while technically legal, was wrong.  Citizens look to our governing bodies to do, not only what is legal, but what is right! Santa Barbara County has broken trust with the community.  We are looking to the Board of Supervisors to rebuild that trust.

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.