County officials alert Montecito homeowners that they face prosecution, including daily fines of $850 if stones are not removed
Montecito, California, is known for being home to Oprah, a former royal family, and a stunning stretch of coastline. It’s also home to miles of trails, some of which are being blocked by residents hoping to stop people from accessing public hot springs.
Santa Barbara county has been watching encroachments on East Mountain Drive and Riven Rock Road in Montecito since at least 2022, when they sent letters to residents warning them to remove large stones.
Last month, county officials sent letters again to at least six homes alerting residents to remove the stones by 28 March or face civil or criminal prosecution, including daily fines of $850. The county insists that these roads are a public right of way.
The issue seems to be with parking at the trailhead, where a tiny lot allows for just eight vehicles. When that fills up, hikers have to park on roadsides. The hot springs contain six bright blue pools that are located 1.3 miles from the trailhead in the San Padres Forest, surrounded by a deep forest and rocky hills. It became popular during the pandemic when hiking surged in the area, and has also taken off on social media as a destination.
I live here. No one is driving across country to visit our hot springs because they saw it on social media, and even if they did, more power to them. These are locals that want to visit our public spaces. There are supposed to be 20+ parking spots at the trailhead. The people that live in the area eliminated over half of the spots with planters and rocks.
I sympathize with the notion that human activity can ruin an area, but I will not endorse the idea that public space is only for certain members of the public. We have trails and signage in this area. It is meant for public use. Whether or not it is popular is not the point. The point is that we all decide how to use it through our local government, not through the lawless actions of a few rich people.
Oh, I should have clarified my message, I especially dislike the fact that the rich people nearby think it’s ok to close off public places. I just felt the need to point out that, while they chose the wrong way to react to it, the problem they’re reacting to is a legitimate one.
It’s like the Reddit hug of death. Someone share’s something, it goes viral, suddenly a business used to handling 50 costumers a week is trying to support 10000 and can’t.
I would never advocate for allowing rich people to do whatever they want because their motivations are undoubtedly “filthy poors”. What you’re saying makes it very clear that they were just being selfish. Especially with the added mention that there was no social media push, and it is effectively just locals being blocked.
Edit: that being said, human beings are dirty. Take care of the spaces you occupy.
It is a difficult issue for sure, but California has a sore history with individuals or small groups cutting off access to public spaces.
Personally, I think the solution lies in infrastructure and other investments that increase access while protecting the natural wonders around us. This particular location is not exactly pristine wilds; it lies among several sprawling estates in the foothills.
What I want to resist is the notion that some ‘others’ are the problem when a good location becomes popular. All too often when you ask someone “Who should not be allowed?” the answer is “Someone else, but not me!”
I’m right there with you, 100%.
An area near my home was blocked off by assholes with massive fallen tree trunks. A popular swimming hole was completely blocked off by the rich assholes who live along the river.
Same thing, it’s not like it was ever pristine, but it just so happens that it’s right next to rich people’s land.