Goleta Beach Rock Wall Headed to Coastal Commission

The county’s application to keep 1,200 feet of rock wall at Goleta Beach was recently ruled complete by the state Coastal Commission. That decision marked the latest step in a years-long debate over how best to protect the park; last March, the Board of Supervisors requested that the rocks remain. The Coastal Commission is tentatively scheduled to discuss the project at its May hearing. If commissioners approve the permit, the project would head back to the supervisors for county approval.

“Protecting Goleta Beach Park is one of the top priorities of Santa Barbara County,” said 2nd District Supervisor Janet Wolf. “Based on solid scientific evidence and thorough environmental review, we are confident that retaining the protective revetments gives us the best chance possible to protect the beach, as well as the amenities throughout the beach park that are enjoyed by more than 1.5 million visitors each year,” she continued. “I look forward to addressing the Coastal Commissioners and urging them to support the county’s application, which is the result of more than a decade of study, debate and community engagement.”