[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6747775,"mediaKeyId","2171723-fc85339330c52197140f09adf8d6cef3","parentId",2171723,"title","Parks commission appoints members to golf and street-tree advisory panels","audioSeconds",198,"startMs",1348000,"endMs",1546000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171723-fc85339330c52197140f09adf8d6cef3&start=1348&end=1546","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171723-fc85339330c52197140f09adf8d6cef3/thumbnail_1348000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6747775/Santa-Barbara-City/Santa-Barbara-County/California/Parks-commission-appoints-members-to-golf-and-street-tree-advisory-panels","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6747775-5825a84b5f1eef9b39b47a6d3a61997a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184098&Signature=FYoLoAXScyzLzDBpDKSgaFArTRUJwjbTxPByKZQMpXrwkUZrIekiP5U4zuPsspOwVUVBmtXrxGHa4NXPYYM6qC7cQhbbHuoIMXtVHRIgt4KVvxtYSbqSdIx6zFMQ-0-EJ3yZWpkKq-pTiGm-9o54I0B1MgcuAEV4ggfK2Es2o6GUCc-BUoQgYoQVySyIKUB4-8fSjja7lnoNHxdZpSi3ySJrt~RHQDVNUueR0WxhU4ZGyTOcnqG6AERyPGD35jmI0MFiJ4Dn1e-6~1UZgOkJiXMro7nZoYU3gCW4dPxTnjMLJZC7v0~09Hw23x8dJM7EAKzseuDyyHQ-ffWpbrLvwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Santa Barbara, CA","date","2025-01-30T05:12:15.503Z","article","At the Jan. 29 meeting the commission heard interviews and approved appointments for three advisory-committee seats. John Craig, who has served on the golf advisory board and has a long association with the Players Improvement Fund, was appointed to the Golf Advisory Committee. Tony Demola, a board-certified master arborist who said he has four years on the Street Tree Advisory Committee, and Santos Escobar, a retired parks manager with 25 years of service and four years on STAC, were appointed as community-at-large members to the Street Tree Advisory Committee.

Chair McGill called each applicant forward for brief remarks. Mr. Craig summarized his long involvement with the municipal golf program and asked for the commission's support. Mr. Demola described his credential as a board-certified master arborist and asked for another two-year term on STAC. Mr. Escobar said he was a native of Santa Barbara who has decades of parks experience and requested reappointment.

The commission moved, seconded, and voted to appoint John Craig (Golf Advisory Committee) and Anthony Demola and Santos Escobar (Street Tree Advisory Committee). The Arts & Crafts Advisory Committee applicant was not present and the appointment was deferred.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Parks and Recreation Commission - January 29, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The commission appointed John Craig to the Golf Advisory Committee and reappointed Anthony (Tony) Demola and Santos Escobar to the Street Tree Advisory Committee; the Arts & Crafts advisory appointment was deferred.","taxTitle","Santa Barbara City, Santa Barbara County, California","taxId",4209,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6747779,"Parks commission approves removal of 13 trees on North Milpas Street, conditions at least 30 replacements",2814,1751000,4565000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171723-fc85339330c52197140f09adf8d6cef3&start=1751&end=4565","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171723-fc85339330c52197140f09adf8d6cef3/thumbnail_1751000.jpg","/articles/6747779/Santa-Barbara-City/Santa-Barbara-County/California/Parks-commission-approves-removal-of-13-trees-on-North-Milpas-Street-conditions-at-least-30-replacements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6747779-4b38ceeecbc0b4165475bb5149fa8e2e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184098&Signature=leo6nhViOxOTF~iYuWbo0II1-XIExtat-lnT18ezCOiwy6rMzXr0p359bWX1KS-tIEPlDCcPM0Pg2X~erqVoDsVZRyy1Rdctz~OZ34TqWl-FTJsz4TK2CoLKvA7ugBr4MtWj1jDlO23AnVQMP-O6Uk2BeLcZGV5iLpo4VsazWrUbX57-noPb8t3oGC1jdM4LoiiGDS3PwduESsxsFLCtt2L02~rwbZsK2lU-nhj-oIIJItTBLYx-PNtl2NMD5A~FQkJqcYBD0OG97x6gS5OD0oVdi1l-W8srtovHBUyc4f3KCeHmoPBmtDdJxWIVIAW8Aha4ckhD32rZPELw3qU3zQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On Jan. 29, 2025, the Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Commission voted to approve Public Works's request to remove 13 trees along the 0 to 900 blocks of North Milpas Street as part of the Milpas Street Crosswalk Safety and Sidewalk Widening Project.

Public Works planner Michelle Bedard told the commission the corridor-level project combines intersection-safety upgrades, minor sidewalk widening, new traffic signals and lighting, and bicycle-lane buffers. Bedard said staff and consultants evaluated 95 trees in the corridor and proposed 13 removals \"based on accessibility and sight-line criteria,\" including a 36-inch minimum clear ground width and 36 inches width measured at 80 inches in vertical clearance.

The commission heard that the removals are categorized as 8 trees removed for safety and accessibility (for example failing to meet 80-inch vertical clearance), and five trees removed to accommodate intersection curb extensions. Bedard said the project team identified roughly 37 potential tree-planting locations pending utility checks and that the project anticipates starting construction in 2027; she added staff will try to begin early plantings prior to construction when practical.

Members of the Street Tree Advisory Committee reported they reviewed the same site visit and evidence and supported the removals proposed by staff, noting the project creates larger planting opportunities in curb extensions and that replacement trees could be selected to provide future canopy. \"There was consensus to support the removals as proposed, with the expectation that staff would continue to work with Public Works on replacement trees and locations,\" a committee representative said.

Public comment was strongly mixed. Several residents urged the commission to retain mature Indian laurel figs that form the iconic Milpas canopy. Andrew Kendrick, who identified himself as a hydrogeologist and consultant, read the city's Urban Forestry Vision and management-plan findings, saying the urban forest provides measurable environmental and economic benefits. \"Santa Barbara's urban forest has the potential to provide the community with $29,000,000 in benefits annually,\" Kendrick said. Other speakers called the ficus trees \"iconic\" and urged more creative design solutions to avoid removals.

Commissioners discussed the competing goals: preserving mature canopy versus addressing pedestrian accessibility and intersection sight lines that staff and traffic engineering flagged as safety risks. After discussion, Chair Jacquelyn McGill moved to approve the street-tree removal request for the 13 trees (eight Indian laurel figs, four New Zealand Christmas trees and one Brisbane box) \"on the condition that as part of the project at least 30 new trees are planted.\" Commissioner Michael Ramsey seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote; the commission announced the decision may be appealed to City Council within 10 days under Santa Barbara Municipal Code procedures.

The commission also separately considered and later approved a related Street Tree Advisory Committee recommendation to change the Milpas street-tree species designation for the 0–1,100 block segment to include water gum, Sydney red gum, New Zealand Christmas tree and African fern pine. Staff said the change is intended to diversify species, select trees better suited to smaller or larger planting spaces and improve long-term resilience.

What happens next: Public Works and Parks staff will continue coordination on final planting plans and utility checks for candidate tree wells. The commission's approval included the plantings requirement; staff said the project team will return with implementation details as designs are finalized and as funding and construction schedules are confirmed.","After a lengthy public debate, the commission approved a Public Works request to remove 13 trees along the 0–900 blocks of North Milpas Street to allow curb extensions, sidewalk widening and improved sight lines, with the condition that at least 30 replacement trees be planted as the project advances.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6747766,"Commission approves removal of two Italian stone pines at 318 El Monte Drive, reverses STAC denial",1818,5279000,7097000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171723-fc85339330c52197140f09adf8d6cef3&start=5279&end=7097","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171723-fc85339330c52197140f09adf8d6cef3/thumbnail_5279000.jpg","/articles/6747766/Santa-Barbara-City/Santa-Barbara-County/California/Commission-approves-removal-of-two-Italian-stone-pines-at-318-El-Monte-Drive-reverses-STAC-denial","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6747766-78ff4a48c254cc1ced351e90604a167d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184098&Signature=cDiSNUzAB~9IoJpCwFSlP2DZGEtnybYRatOV6cJNWcVpRpDFJLfz2FN0qKRr0c1s588AfH9tH~KsxJtOsRUUdw8gSo0YPtH4cNDvZivRsyiNeHseFGb1Y-IDGZrz7N57Dl~Syfx5G9PTLbwwjTNRo3yzy-95pP4wv3c95UuuL5PW57Ht8Wfe20Q1eatDs8DzxY7CswEympys~A0FCMhLmf6s216RAOt1R5q~x7QiiQmwqrAIZaSx8v7775sJAT21viPbbMk5Q2hwKYQHmeZxRPF8xqg-4u-GtQvbMopExFleR54Po2~B3703MDRa2dST5JbkBa9LwCya0z46TYt1lg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Parks and Recreation Commission on Jan. 29 reversed the Street Tree Advisory Committee's recommendation and approved an application to remove two Italian stone pines at 318 El Monte Drive.

The property owner and project representatives said the mature trees have caused repeated hardscape damage to driveways and foundations, have extensive roots close to garages and driveways, and present ongoing maintenance and insurance concerns. Applicant representative Sean Lynch told the commission the owners initially sought to retain the trees but, after on-site review and further consultation, concluded the trees' impacts on structural elements and repeated root disturbance warranted removal. Neighbor Danny Siegel, who lives uphill of the site, described prior costly repairs (including a reported sewer-lateral replacement) and said the roots had been cut and that the trees posed a structural and safety risk.

STAC had reviewed the trees, inspected the site and recommended denial, stating both trees appeared healthy and had significant amenity value; STAC members urged alternatives such as root-management measures, pruning or driveway realignment. Duke McPherson, a STAC member, noted preservation options such as root pruning were possible but acknowledged driveway routing would be challenging.

Commissioner O'Donough (mover) asked the commission to weigh the property-level safety and repeated structural impacts against STAC's preservation recommendation. After discussion, the commission voted to approve the removals with a finding under the municipal code that removal is warranted \"for the safety of persons or property.\" The motion included a planting condition; the applicant indicated replacement plantings as described in the application will be installed. (Transcript language contained a transcription error describing replacement sizes; staff recorded the applicant's replacement proposal as one 24-inch coast live oak and four 48-inch fruitless olive trees.)

Next steps: Staff will issue a removal permit conditioned on the replacement plantings and will monitor installation and compliance. The commission decision overwrote STAC's denial for this front-setback request and recorded the safety-of-persons-or-property finding as the basis for approval.","After hearing testimony from neighbors and the property owner, the commission voted to approve removal of two mature Italian stone pines at 318 El Monte Drive, finding a safety/property-damage basis for removal and requiring replacement plantings per the applicant's plan.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6747770,"Commission conditionally approves removal of five trees at 330 Sherman Road; replacement plan required",234,5040000,5274000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171723-fc85339330c52197140f09adf8d6cef3&start=5040&end=5274","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171723-fc85339330c52197140f09adf8d6cef3/thumbnail_5040000.jpg","/articles/6747770/Santa-Barbara-City/Santa-Barbara-County/California/Commission-conditionally-approves-removal-of-five-trees-at-330-Sherman-Road-replacement-plan-required","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6747770-00aaa8f5a8bf161e5cf8ec83b73b0943/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184098&Signature=dkwufxDpTp9Owna4kSETKEOAaVaEqa6FVRybCgUTutp8h6LJMEjttdtcE~-nX0u3Zr03U3tLg8cV~HsDVGp0um-WkVeKst-nghg52e0XteSGEt1fIL3ksukel0gIdoK3WUlYamYGRM6SMbEH4ap3mgF05iQBGBMxOOh8MaHXsEjj-3BxWh86ILzHY0o21CoJDSjTVEt~Oli-zefOZp6NIqVuKw1zqc-Koozsw1HgqKPfwXp1Kllwae6x1M5q5XyujH2qCkWA-PK1HxGeAKI~bPwlGvCzmM4NEjGLJ5yOs-jfmYVJkxcVro0KOEjzIDA-Wxg42y46MhepKPqkc073ew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Parks and Recreation Commission on Jan. 29, 2025 conditionally approved the applicant's request to remove five front-setback trees at 330 Sherman Road to allow comprehensive redevelopment of the lot.

Staff presented the application and the Street Tree Advisory Committee's review. STAC concluded the proposed replacement landscape plan—showing six native coast live-oak replacements—was adequate to offset on-site biomass loss and recommended approval, conditioned on implementing the landscape plan.

Maddie Shelton, representing the project team on Zoom, said the applicant accepted the condition and was available to answer detail questions about the landscape plan. Chair McGill moved to approve the removals with the finding that the development constitutes a reasonable and practical development of the property and conditioned the approval on replanting per the submitted landscape plan; the motion was seconded and the commission approved the request.

Next steps: Staff will issue the required permits and monitor compliance with the replacement condition; the permit will include specific planting requirements and a timeline for installation.","The commission approved removal of five trees on the front setback at 330 Sherman Road as part of a redevelopment plan, on the condition that the applicant implement the replacement tree plan submitted with the application.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6747762,"Santa Barbara Youth Council outlines leadership award and Youth Speak Out event",0,638000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171723-fc85339330c52197140f09adf8d6cef3&start=638&end=638","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171723-fc85339330c52197140f09adf8d6cef3/thumbnail_638000.jpg","/articles/6747762/Santa-Barbara-City/Santa-Barbara-County/California/Santa-Barbara-Youth-Council-outlines-leadership-award-and-Youth-Speak-Out-event","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6747762-222f452fcc20795df83b951f645109d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184098&Signature=WymDL4tKtdD8RvCCZ5bnN-iZkVFlPR9ojYoh~qVkl-18OikhmJKpEadGQBaVpH0BZZmQhOsYMFc-m2FGM2QHeAFW1P~BjSAWmEEuMADWRHb8Ov1af5h6gushZ3wlKBIK5SjzpMu4xYCdvuO9rCAanhTg71fLX2BMeVRA82KRr1tEgB-c3IwkOuKNXEW~2cKbaDSR5KBXgbpPurQWNxc7qXN2FT8M8UNEZv6rS8qYKWvIF2zPabqgR9u4B6PCvHMUoSr3yAG959XGO3vR4okux4MrXVQs4R7ghyngvBmRvxNt4WfnuOBGlKXHE9gNkMg7br5A6FXFDwwuncD1lSlFtg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Jan. 29 meeting, Carlos Vasquez, parliamentarian of the Santa Barbara Youth Council, presented the council's monthly report. Vasquez said the Youth Council resumed regular meetings on Jan. 6, welcomed two new voting members and a new junior-high nonvoting member, and is working on two main projects.

The first is the Harriet Miller Youth Leadership Award: applications opened Jan. 17 and are due Feb. 5. Eligibility requires Santa Barbara high-school seniors (Santa Barbara Unified School District) with a minimum 2.5 GPA and 45 community-service hours; selected students must be able to attend the awards ceremony on Feb. 19. The Youth Council's ad hoc subcommittee (non-seniors) will review submissions and recommend a recipient with assistance from the council advisor.

The second project is the Youth Speak Out event planned for March 2025 for students in grades 7 through 12. The event will be hybrid and is structured in two parts: a discussion segment for brainstorming and a panel segment where experts will respond to student questions. The event's four topic areas are anti-discrimination, public spaces for teens, mental wellness and environment/sustainability. Vasquez said the Youth Council was pursuing grant funding through a Youth Making Change program to support the event and is coordinating with partner organizations and the school district to publicize the opportunity.","Carlos Vasquez, parliamentarian for the Santa Barbara Youth Council, reported the group opened applications for the Harriet Miller Youth Leadership Award (deadline Feb. 5, 2025) and is planning a hybrid Youth Speak Out event for March 2025 covering anti-discrimination, public space, mental wellness and environment/sustainability.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Parks commission appoints members to golf and street-tree advisory panels

Parks commission approves removal of 13 trees on North Milpas Street, conditions at least 30 replacements

Commission approves removal of two Italian stone pines at 318 El Monte Drive, reverses STAC denial

Commission conditionally approves removal of five trees at 330 Sherman Road; replacement plan required

Santa Barbara Youth Council outlines leadership award and Youth Speak Out event