More of the Carpinteria bluffs will be preserved from development

CARPINTERIA, Calif. – For about 20 years, both sides have been entrenched in a Carpinteria community debate over a 2.48-acre site overlooking the ocean off Bates Road, known as the Rincon Bluffs Preserve.

The landowner and developers proposed several different projects over the years, but recently, those plans no longer seemed feasible.

Executive Director of the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, Meredith Hendricks, addressed a large group of residents and land preservationists on the site Friday morning, saying, "I'm so pleased to announce that the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County has purchased and permanently protected the Rincon Gateway property."

She added, "We had a willing landowner and a willing funder who allowed us to put this deal together for permanent preservation."

A nearly $4 million funding deal was secured through a generous donation, and the property has now been transferred to the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County.

Artist Arturo Tello reflected on the long-standing battle, saying, "The developer had big visions—IMAX theaters, wedding chapels, a hotel, big places, little bungalows, and whatnot—but it wasn't the vision the citizens had. It was a locking of horns for 20-plus years."

Many community members attended the celebration, some of whom had participated in previous land protection efforts, from this site to the bluffs around Bailard.

There’s no doubt that the area boasts an iconic view in Southern California, and very few cities can claim to have a spot like this preserved forever.

Keeping this land as open space for the city and its visitors is expected to provide value that has yet to be fully realized.

Hendricks noted, "The idea was to purchase it and transfer it to the city if they are willing to accept it."

As part of the celebration, community members gathered in the shape of a heart on this Valentine's Day for a drone photo to commemorate the moment.

Carpinteria Mayor Natalia Alarcon remarked, "I think people come to Carpinteria because we have that small-town charm, which means open spaces, our trails, and our mountains."

Looking over the area and the crashing waves below, she added, "I don’t know that I could imagine it being anything other than what it is right now."