For 17 of my 22 years as director of the County Parks Department, I was blessed to have my office in Rocky Nook Park. Because my work took me to that wonderful place morning, noon, and night, I came to marvel at the magnificence and extraordinary urban fabric that developed there.
The Santa Barbara Mission is the centerpiece, and Rocky Nook Park, the Woman’s Club, and the private residences share this space in perfect harmony. I hardly ever noticed Mission Canyon Road.
This extraordinary Santa Barbara urban tapestry will be shattered if the Mission Canyon Improvement Plan proceeds. Widening Mission Canyon Road and moving stone walls will make the road the dominant feature in your vision as you pass through this lovely place. What everyone driving down this lovely road will remember is — the road. The landscape will fade out of their consciousness.
How sad!
This proposal is a mistake. I urge all Santa Barbara citizens to say — no!