In My Back Yard

The Ocean Meadows Golf course is my back yard and recent news releases have caused me to become very concerned. The well orchestrated attempt to extend the Devereux Slough inland is inappropriate, using false information, and simply ill advised.

First, the golf course is an asset to my community and works well as a buffer between the housing and the existing open space reserve.

Second, a deal is a deal. In 2005, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors allowed rather dense development on about ten acres of parcel #073-090-062 (which was 72 acres total) in exchange for the remaining 63-acre golf course, re-zoned as open space recreational. Supervisor Joni Gray stated at the time that it appeared to her that “we are building condos in a lake” and she was the lone no vote. Regardless of the public protest, the planned design residential project was approved.

The proposal now being discussed still allows the development on two sites but buys the remaining golf-course property with an outrageous price tag. I want to alert all concerned that something stinks in this manipulation of good intentions.

I believe Devereux Slough expansion, habitat improvement, storm water drainage improvements, and golf course revitalization can all occur without the gifting of $8,000,000.