Mission Canyon Menace

Consider the consequences of the Botanic Garden plan, with its additional large events bringing hundreds of people at a time into Mission Canyon; large one-, two-, and three-story stone buildings; more staff, activity centers, and offices. This is more than any Garden management has ever done. Sustainability is problematic.

These commercial and institutional activities magnify the danger, safety issues, and capacity of the area. Primary among the many constraints should be the fact that there is only one main exit [road] for all emergencies: fire, earthquake, or any combination. Safety regulations are vague and inadequate. Expansion at other locations has been dismissed.

The significant historic and cultural landscape of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden would be eliminated by the plan.

This has always been the inspirational outdoor classroom.

Garden management has spent walls of money on teams of lawyers and public relations personnel.

Consider the consequences for all and for the next generation.—Francesca Galt