BREAKING: In a significant move for flood control, 30 ornamental sycamores were cut down this week along Mission Creek in Santa Barbara, marking the start of a critical widening project. The trees, which stood at 30 feet tall, were removed to make way for a $13 million initiative aimed at preventing historic flooding in the area.
Residents living near 401 Chapala Street watched as their beloved trees were felled, stripping them of shade and privacy. “Those trees provided screening, not only for us, but also for the units on De La Vina on the other side of the creek,” said Paul Portney, president of the Sevilla Homeowners Association. The loss of these trees has left a stark view of the creek and the concrete banks that were previously hidden.
This project will widen Mission Creek from the Gutierrez Bridge to Haley Street, slated to last for one year. Andrew Raaf, environmental manager for the Flood Control District, emphasized that saving the trees was simply not feasible due to construction requirements. “There was no way to save those trees. We’ll need to excavate the soil under them, with massive heavy equipment working in the area,” he explained.
The urgency of this project arises from a history of catastrophic flooding in the region, with severe events recorded in 1995, 1998, 2005, and 2010-11. The upcoming work will enhance the creek’s capacity to manage floodwaters, allowing for up to 3,400 cubic feet per second during significant storm events. The creekbed will be widened by up to 20 feet in some areas, and new, native plantings will help restore the ecological balance once the construction is complete.
Construction is expected to begin in mid-March and must conclude before the winter rains. Matt Griffin, engineering manager for county flood control, stated, “We consider this backbone, critical infrastructure and believe we’re already seeing the benefit.” He noted that previous phases of this project had already prevented serious flooding in neighborhoods during the recent heavy rains of 2023-24.
While the project aims to provide long-term safety, its immediate impacts are being felt by local residents. Portney expressed concern: “We’ve tried to brace our members for a year of disruption. The condo property border is a mere 20 to 30 feet from the construction site.” Residents are preparing for the inconvenience, understanding the necessity for improvement.
As the project progresses, both county officials and the homeowners association are committed to minimizing disruption and ensuring the area will be visually appealing and safe.
“Sometimes we all have to bear inconveniences for the greater good,”
Portney concluded.
This urgent project not only represents a significant infrastructure investment but also reflects the community’s resilience in the face of environmental challenges. Residents and officials alike are looking forward to the improvements that will ultimately enhance safety and aesthetics along Mission Creek. Stay tuned for further updates as construction begins.
