URGENT UPDATE: In a dramatic move this week, 30-foot sycamore trees were cut down along Mission Creek in Santa Barbara, marking the start of a crucial widening project aimed at preventing severe flooding. Residents of the Sevilla condos at 401 Chapala Street are grappling with the loss of their beloved trees, which provided shade and privacy, leaving a stark view of the creek and concrete bank as preparations begin for the $13 million project.
The Santa Barbara County Flood Control and Water Conservation District led the tree removal in anticipation of a year-long construction effort extending from the Gutierrez Bridge to Haley Street. Paul Portney, president of the Sevilla Homeowners Association, expressed the community’s distress, saying, “Those trees provided screening, not only for us, but also for the units on De La Vina on the other side of the creek.” The loss is deeply felt as residents face disruption that could last for months.
The project, set to start in mid-March 2024, aims to widen the creek by up to 20 feet in certain areas, accommodating 3,400 cubic feet per second of water flow—enough to handle a 20- to 25-year flood. County officials have assured the public that extensive planning went into this decision, emphasizing safety as a primary concern. “Nobody likes cutting down trees,” remarked Andrew Raaf, environmental manager for the Flood Control District. “There was no way to save those trees.”
Historically, the area has faced catastrophic flooding, with significant events recorded in 1995, 1998, 2005, and 2010-11. These incidents have driven the urgency for this project, which is part of a larger effort to improve Mission Creek’s infrastructure. The entire creek stretches 7.5 miles from the mountains to East Beach, flowing into the ocean just east of Stearns Wharf.
As construction progresses, the project promises to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the creek while ensuring the safety of surrounding neighborhoods. The design includes sloped banks, decorative retaining walls, and the replanting of native species, including sycamores and alders, after the construction is complete. Portney noted the board has worked closely with the county over the past two years to prepare residents for this significant change, although the emotional toll remains high.
Looking ahead, both residents and officials are bracing for a year of construction disruptions. Portney articulated the community’s concerns, stating, “I’d prefer that this could be done overnight with a magic wand, but we understand it’s a big project.” The engineering improvements are not just about aesthetics; they are essential for protecting the community from future flooding events.
As the 2023-24 rain season approaches, residents are anxiously watching the progress of the project, aware that their safety and quality of life depend on the successful completion of this vital infrastructure upgrade. The creek’s transformation will ultimately serve to protect neighborhoods, reduce flood risks, and restore a sense of environmental balance to the area once the construction concludes.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the situation unfolds in Santa Barbara.
