This article was underwritten in part by the Mickey Flacks Journalism Fund for Social Justice, a proud, innovative supporter of local news. To make a contribution go to sbcan.org/journalism_fund .
Planting and landscaping on a piece of land near one of Montecito’s luxury hotels is either habitat enhancement or a botanical garden depending on who you ask. Santa Barbara County’s Trails Advisory Committee discussed the project and its potential impact on a nearby public trail at its June 8 meeting, marking the first public hearing on a project that has community members asking questions.
Bushes, grass, and trees, including coast live oaks and redwoods, grow on the spindle-like stretch of land in the Montecito foothills. A public hiking trail, McMenemy Trail, lines the northern perimeter of the property and billionaire Ty Warner’s San Ysidro Ranch, where rooms start at more than $2,800 per night, is located nearby. Warner, in turn, owns the two limited liability companies — Hill Road Ventures LLC and San Ysidro BB Property LLC — who own the two parcels that make up the site.