[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6461486,"mediaKeyId","5824158-253af910ea015a5862839ac6bd4032b9","parentId",5824158,"title","Parks commission approves removals at Seacliff lot, conditions replacement for Braemar coral tree and updates street-tree species","audioSeconds",277,"startMs",2169000,"endMs",2446000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5824158-253af910ea015a5862839ac6bd4032b9&start=2169&end=2446","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5824158-253af910ea015a5862839ac6bd4032b9/thumbnail_2169000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6461486/Santa-Barbara-City/Santa-Barbara-County/California/Parks-commission-approves-removals-at-Seacliff-lot-conditions-replacement-for-Braemar-coral-tree-and-updates-street-tree-species","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461486-6b1cbae5135b83ef8e272410302e91e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770504700&Signature=lMZ0ehHdKcrFQr06mznUIQ5fPUUmzux0mjN~K9lkcFBfTGFFvw8KKcm6jTJb6kdBaTuHlMvq3AKdjiXJqfwFxG-GPsgpe31Up7FFwPSIWX3WFIppitA8SQuqS2JTvJoNVhz68csCheVt0OL263ruOjtku6YAN7tp2nTltYsTFyrvDMXOKIaHTAPrBNTNeVEgTnzsHK6LsDekhNsSPRj2cJ14AM5MLjp3wpfJBqiM33PxbE0GZ1FW4Cx61O7hUG8YMIzLby65KXRY8v2DzWbXXzMbZpPc7dmxCcj0CU6EXYP2G-pTjwiSgMGKxzBugKh36hm~77WAcBWTUge4otboIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Santa Barbara, CA","date","2025-09-25T01:25:42.007Z","article","The Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Commission on Sept. 24 approved a set of street-tree actions that include removing 17 mature trees at a Seacliff property to allow required soil remediation, conditionally approving removal of a large South African coral tree on Braemar Drive with a three-tree replacement requirement, and adopting new street-tree species for several blocks along Calle Cesar Chavez and Channel Drive.

Commission staff and the Street Tree Advisory Committee told the commission that 3139 Cliff Drive — a parcel formerly used as a nursery — contains soil contamination from historic herbicide use and requires extensive excavation and off-site disposal of soil. That remediation, staff said, would prevent preservation of 13 weeping red gum eucalyptus, three lemon-scented gum eucalyptus and one Cook pine in the front setback and additional interior volunteer trees. The committee recommended approving removal as a “reasonable and practical development of the property.” The commission approved the committee’s recommendation.

The applicant submitted a landscape plan that shows 55 proposed new trees for the site, including 17 trees identified as offset replacements for the front-setback removals. Mr. Slack, who presented the Street Tree Advisory Committee recommendations, said the replacement ratio and the landscape plan would be finalized through the planning review process. Linda Blackburn of RRM Design Group, speaking for the property owners, said, “We are in support of Slack’s recommendation to the commission, and I am available to answer any questions you may have.”

On a separate item, the commission approved removal of a single large South African coral tree at 3205 Braemar Drive. The applicant plans to extend the house with a new garage and realign a driveway that would conflict with the tree. The Street Tree Advisory Committee recommended conditional approval on the requirement that three replacement trees be planted in locations where they can reach a minimum 20-foot mature height; the commission approved that condition.

The commission also moved forward with two master-plan species-designation changes recommended by the committee. For several blocks of Calle Cesar Chavez staff and the committee recommended replacing the current little gem magnolia designation with a palette of four species — gold medallion tree, Catalina cherry, sweetshade and New Zealand Christmas tree — selected in part for lower water use and coastal tolerance. For a small section of Channel Drive adjacent to the Cabrillo roundabout, the commission adopted primrose tree and flame tree as the designated street species; the committee said the road segment had not previously had a formal designation because it was unimproved.

Commissioners discussed water use classifications (WUCOLS) and the committee’s emphasis on plant species that match local rooting volume and coastal exposure. Commissioners asked staff to confirm that landscape plans and planning approvals will carry the tree-planting requirements forward so offsets are installed if the removals proceed.

The two property removals and the species-designation changes were presented by City/committee staff and approved by motions of the commission. No formal vote tally was recorded in the transcript; each motion was noted by the chair as passed at the meeting.

The commission’s actions will be reflected in the planning review for each site; staff said landscape plans and planning approvals will be the mechanism to require planting of the replacement trees.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Parks and Recreation Commission - September 24, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","On Sept. 24 the Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Commission approved removal of 17 trees at 3139 Cliff Drive because of required soil remediation, conditionally approved removal of a large coral tree at 3205 Braemar Drive (requiring three replacement trees), and adopted new street-tree species for blocks of Calle Cesar Chavez and Channel Drive.","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},6461471,"Votes at a glance: minutes, tree removals and species-designation changes approved",287,1857000,2144000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5824158-253af910ea015a5862839ac6bd4032b9&start=1857&end=2144","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5824158-253af910ea015a5862839ac6bd4032b9/thumbnail_1857000.jpg","/articles/6461471/Santa-Barbara-City/Santa-Barbara-County/California/Votes-at-a-glance-minutes-tree-removals-and-species-designation-changes-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461471-95384b5218bedad4da26c9c15a9edf1d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770504700&Signature=S0xjtwPT9OrBQekTJ9NjefCae2GcIEhPxpJtwZKYQm2Mz9rQL639EUuAag3tLaLWfo0wqgSPPaangQBjO1OsK38dK4Uv8iAea-J1JoFWn3bMv1II8ts6ORWHSVwLxg6ReNWRKq1zhBkAIyhi7fOGDxBd5xa6IRTXquGODVMO9qtixQUy9JsKBxI5HD7XCZR77G97IZO3BsrzJ6zJIBwXRXngQL69kyAInJFbykCcqxiEtbqNB9~z7~qJhUmCZw6TGjqfnKv0RwDy0rwMWyMBwfrn7sSgEciVC4CzSS~gbPQ8hETwI1SS7qUml0ICyORsnyC1h0uu2B54-WHbLO0A0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its Sept. 24 meeting the Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Commission recorded the following formal actions (motions and outcomes as stated in the meeting transcript). The transcript did not include roll-call tallies for the individual yes/no votes; each motion was announced as carried by the chair at the meeting.

- Waive reading and approve minutes of the regular meeting of Aug. 27, 2025. Motion made and seconded; chair recorded the motion as passed.

- Waive reading and approve minutes of the special meeting/site visit of Aug. 27, 2025 (Alice Keck site visit). Motion made and seconded; chair recorded the motion as passed.

- Approve removal of 17 trees at 3139 Cliff Drive (13 weeping red gum eucalyptus, three lemon-scented gum eucalyptus and one Cook pine) as recommended by the Street Tree Advisory Committee; applicant-provided landscape plan shows 55 replacement trees including 17 offsets for the front-setback removals. Motion made on the finding that reasonable and practical development of the property necessitates removal; chair recorded the motion as passed.

- Conditionally approve removal of a large South African coral tree at 3205 Braemar Drive, conditioned on planting three replacement trees that reach at least 20 feet at maturity. Motion made; chair recorded the motion as passed.

- Adopt new species designations for specified blocks of Calle Cesar Chavez: gold medallion tree, Catalina cherry, sweetshade and New Zealand Christmas tree (replacement of previous little gem magnolia designation). Motion made; chair recorded the motion as passed.

- Adopt primrose tree and flame tree as the species designation for the identified portion of Channel Drive tied to upcoming frontage improvements. Motion made; chair recorded the motion as passed.

Where the transcript recorded a mover or second explicitly, that information is shown below; where the transcript did not name a mover or second, the field is marked \"not specified.\"","The Parks and Recreation Commission approved waiver of reading and approval of minutes for Aug. 27 (regular and special meeting), approved the Seacliff and Braemar tree removals (with replacement conditions), and adopted street-tree species designations for Calle Cesar Chavez and Channel Drive.",{"_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},6461476,"CourseCo and city staff report improved finances, capital plans for municipal golf course",1975,3557000,5532000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5824158-253af910ea015a5862839ac6bd4032b9&start=3557&end=5532","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5824158-253af910ea015a5862839ac6bd4032b9/thumbnail_3557000.jpg","/articles/6461476/Santa-Barbara-City/Santa-Barbara-County/California/CourseCo-and-city-staff-report-improved-finances-capital-plans-for-municipal-golf-course","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461476-bb1cec4a225ac1c99656024024f344ac/orig.mp4?Expires=1770504700&Signature=TAoQYpWk3OQ1nLVCO-DBDc-8WJPHwBMHXkNPCOYC6vOQvEOmHuljFIVWHJdkCzWizrKhUuecSTIkccR-oK77D2UhPA-aJ5~uvUOqh7ltgkPAr8sK~UdXqjXrJhSNWJjZEk8hdO71XX1eVDB3-QEiVvK1y2w7XZ0V59YXo1sYkG3x~Jo1Q4GcjSKrpPyayVaWGqh2BJ5IyRcI4joi6TN2Epkgwoe090e~j1wZp7ETLI7yvVbteR-mav~vqBKHn5Qomi-9dzv-cnYuT13gxK3hYOfkshT3HSDEWntouCLNPLWFDVF-tTBBkAtZQF8VzAtra2N-q1pIVhaFM35IRz3DmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tina Nelson, the Parks and Recreation business manager, and CourseCo Chief Operating Officer Tom Bugby briefed the Parks and Recreation Commission on Sept. 24 on the Santa Barbara Municipal Golf Course’s operations, finances and capital plan.

Nelson summarized the course’s history and the 2016 transition to CourseCo management. She said the golf enterprise operates as a self-sustaining fund: revenues generated by golf pay for staffing, maintenance, capital improvements and reserves, and the course does not receive general-fund subsidies for operations. Nelson provided fiscal-year 2026 figures the staff prepared: total operating revenue projected at about $5,200,000 (comprised of golf fees and charges as the largest share at approximately $4,800,000, interest income and restaurant concession receipts), $1,670,000 in capital outlays for the year and a net operating deficit in the 2026 budget of about $474,000 that staff said will be covered by a reserve surplus.

Nelson said the city has rebuilt reserves, paid off prior debt at the course, and increased investment in deferred capital work. She described major capital priorities that include maintenance-road work, tee-box renovations, green and bunker reconstruction, driving-range redesign and equipment replacement. Nelson referred to a players-improvement fund comprised of one dollar from each full-priced paid round; those funds are earmarked for course improvements and prioritized based on golfer surveys and Golf Advisory Committee recommendations.

Tom Bugby described CourseCo’s operational approach and national portfolio. He said CourseCo and the city aim to balance affordability and access with long-term financial performance, community programming and environmental stewardship. Bugby noted industry trends that have driven participation since the pandemic — including increased junior and women’s participation — and said Santa Barbara’s rounds recovered strongly and have been among CourseCo’s better-performing municipal properties. He highlighted community programs (movie night and nontraditional events) used to broaden participation and support junior programming.

Commissioners asked about protections for the course in a potential future demand downturn. Bugby and Nelson pointed to reserves, the increased capital investment now under way, and CourseCo’s contract structure (including direct reimbursement of operating costs and an incentive fee paid when revenues exceed thresholds). Nelson said CourseCo’s base accounting and management fee is approximately $130,000 annually and the contract also allows for an incentive fee in stronger years; the transcript referenced past incentive awards up to about $200,000 in some years.

Commissioners and staff also discussed water costs (which have risen and remain a significant operating expense), the closed driving range and plans for a range master plan and redesign, and environmental stewardship practices at the course (including Audubon certification and youth First Green educational activities).

Nelson and Bugby said the course produces revenue that is reinvested in operations and capital, and staff urged continued oversight and staged capital work funded from reserves and the course’s operating surplus.

","City staff and CourseCo reported that municipal golf operations have stabilized since CourseCo began managing the course in 2016, with fiscal-year 2026 revenues projected at about $5.2 million, a $1.67 million capital program this year and a projected operating shortfall offset by reserve funds.",{"_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},6461481,"Santa Barbara Youth Council seeks applicants, plans trunk-or-treat and creek cleanup activities",198,488000,686000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5824158-253af910ea015a5862839ac6bd4032b9&start=488&end=686","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5824158-253af910ea015a5862839ac6bd4032b9/thumbnail_488000.jpg","/articles/6461481/Santa-Barbara-City/Santa-Barbara-County/California/Santa-Barbara-Youth-Council-seeks-applicants-plans-trunk-or-treat-and-creek-cleanup-activities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461481-8ec563baec793c05bb0667632bda2e59/orig.mp4?Expires=1770504700&Signature=WwKRQkmFhGAUr17niZXMe7UTCx82wf4J~XWenpcjh~HbV~BIq~~BhbBm29cBU1CkOs~krJuOhdWF62pLcBtVPvUNOcOezi4dafiS~ZI-D7CNbFwtX8RUwTcA7h0sSjw40sAomueO9HtuNTEwEtE54gzIZki4APX~KusEoDIgSYxWXy9rY9hSoVNzXr2UVDGyoawsokZ8kzcvw29atPUQizx-wwbbo33fL5b4~Xb6f9afjEWisNek5tvq6XToxjCwoh4R9TFqgd1LsY57aSYEeNw7PiXBWfEPwkZGT-XgUIadVqFxnZ0nvZNZW~qblSm7a~hNw5N2Z1rVQugwbBdawQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Carlos Vasquez, chair of the Santa Barbara Youth Council, updated the Parks and Recreation Commission on Sept. 24 on recruitment, events and recent outreach.

Vasquez said the youth council resumed meeting Aug. 25, has welcomed three new members and is seeking applicants for six open voting seats. Applications for the regular voting positions are due Friday, Oct. 3, with interviews scheduled Oct. 6 and Oct. 20. He said the council has also set five non-voting junior-high positions that do not use the city clerk’s appointment process and encouraged interested junior-high students to attend meetings to learn more.

On Sept. 15 the youth council received a presentation from city planner Jillian Ferguson on the city’s Open Space Element. Vasquez said members appreciated the briefing and offered input on beach and park access and sustainability.

The council said it is applying again for the Youth Making Change grant; last year it received $2,000 to support a Youth Speak Out event. The Youth Council also participated in Creek Week’s Coastal Cleanup Day on Sept. 20 near East Beach, collecting 37.3 pounds of trash (the youth council reported 28.5 pounds collected the previous year).

Vasquez also announced a trunk-or-treat event the youth council is organizing with the Santa Barbara Police Activities League (PAL) at Spencer Adams Lot on Thursday, Oct. 30. The youth council gave a start time of 5 p.m.; the transcript includes a later reference to 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. as end times. Vasquez invited participation from city departments and nonprofits and asked for help promoting recruitment and events through social media and school channels.

Commissioners thanked Vasquez for the report and suggested outreach to student governments and social media promotion to help recruit applicants.

","Youth Council Chair Carlos Vasquez told the Parks and Recreation Commission that recruitment is open through Oct. 3 for six voting seats and that the council is planning a trunk-or-treat event Oct. 30 at Spencer Adams Lot; the council reported creek cleanup results and a presentation on the Open Space Element.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Parks commission approves removals at Seacliff lot, conditions replacement for Braemar coral tree and updates street-tree species

Votes at a glance: minutes, tree removals and species-designation changes approved

CourseCo and city staff report improved finances, capital plans for municipal golf course

Santa Barbara Youth Council seeks applicants, plans trunk-or-treat and creek cleanup activities