URGENT UPDATE: In a significant move to enhance flood safety, 30 sycamore trees have been removed from the banks of Mission Creek in Santa Barbara. This drastic action, executed by the Santa Barbara County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, marks the beginning of a crucial $13 million widening project aimed at preventing dangerous flooding in the downtown area.
Residents of the Sevilla condos at 401 Chapala Street are feeling the immediate impact of this decision, as the towering 30-foot sycamores that provided shade and scenic views have vanished overnight. “Those trees provided screening, not only for us, but also for the units on De La Vina on the other side of the creek,” stated Paul Portney, president of the Sevilla Homeowners Association. The removal has left a stark view of the creek, exposing its previously hidden concrete banks and a graveyard of tree stumps.
The removal of these trees is part of a year-long project that will widen Mission Creek from Gutierrez Street to Haley Street. The project will include sloped creek banks and decorative retaining walls, with plans to replant the area using native species such as sycamores, alders, and fast-growing willows. The construction is set to begin in mid-March 2024 and will be completed before the winter rains.
County officials emphasized the thorough studies conducted to justify the tree removal, stating, “There was no way to save those trees.” Andrew Raaf, environmental manager for the Flood Control District, revealed that delaying the removal was crucial, especially with the upcoming nesting season for migratory birds.
This project is a response to a history of severe flooding in the area, with notable incidents occurring in 1995, 1998, 2005, and 2010-11. Mission Creek itself stretches 7.5 miles from the mountains to East Beach, with previous phases of improvement already completed to mitigate flood risks.
The current phase, dubbed “Reach 4,” aims to increase the creek’s capacity to handle up to 3,400 cubic feet per second of water, sufficient for a 20-25 year flood. The widened creek bed will feature more gentle slopes and enhanced landscaping, including native trees that will provide shade and habitat for wildlife.
Despite the disruption anticipated over the next year, Portney acknowledged the necessity of the project. “Sometimes we all have to bear inconveniences for the greater good,” he remarked, reflecting the sentiments of many residents who are grappling with the loss of their urban oasis.
As the project advances, community members are encouraged to stay informed about further developments and potential impacts on their daily lives. The successful completion of this project is expected to bring long-term safety benefits, making it a critical infrastructure initiative for Santa Barbara.
Stay tuned for more updates as construction progresses and the effects on the community unfold.
