URGENT UPDATE: The removal of 30 ornamental sycamores began today along Mission Creek, a critical step in a major $13 million flood prevention project in downtown Santa Barbara. Residents of the Sevilla condos at 401 Chapala Street are grappling with the loss of these trees, which provided essential shade and views, marking the start of a year-long construction effort.
This project, overseen by the Santa Barbara County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, aims to widen Mission Creek from the Gutierrez Bridge to Haley Street. The initiative comes in response to severe flooding incidents that have plagued the area in past years, including devastating floods in 1995, 1998, 2005, and 2010-11.
Residents expressed deep concern over the removal of the sycamores, which served as a natural privacy screen. Paul Portney, president of the Sevilla Homeowners Association, lamented, “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 stark removal of these trees has left the community with a barren view of the creek, exposing its concrete banks for the first time in decades.
The project will not only widen the creek but also include the construction of sloped banks and decorative retaining walls. In addition, officials plan to replant the area with native trees such as sycamores, alders, and fast-growing willows to restore the urban landscape.
Andrew Raaf, environmental manager for the Flood Control District, emphasized that extensive studies led to the decision to remove the trees. “Nobody likes cutting down trees,” Raaf stated. “There was no way to save those trees. We’ll need to excavate the soil under them.”
The urgency of the project is underscored by the upcoming nesting season for migratory birds, which begins in mid-February, necessitating the quick action taken today. The creek will be widened by up to 20 feet in certain areas to accommodate a flood event equivalent to a 20-25 year storm, capable of handling 3,400 cubic feet per second of water.
Construction is set to commence in mid-March and must be completed before the winter rains arrive. Matt Griffin, engineering manager for county flood control, noted the importance of the previous phases of the project, stating, “I think we would have seen damage at the Amtrak station” without the improvements already made.
While the construction may disrupt the lives of residents, many understand its significance. Portney acknowledged, “I’d prefer that this could be done overnight with a magic wand, but we understand it’s a big project, and there’s going to be disruption. But sometimes we all have to bear inconveniences for the greater good.”
As the city prepares for the extensive work ahead, residents of Santa Barbara are left to adjust to the immediate changes in their environment, with hopes that these efforts will lead to a safer and more resilient community. This critical infrastructure project seeks to prevent future catastrophes and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area, although the loss of the beloved sycamores will be felt deeply by all.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as work progresses on Mission Creek.
