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 .
San Ysidro Ranch may add a botanical garden to its manicured property, a major change from the current habitat restoration project on the proposed site. The new garden plans are technically a permit revision, not a new project, and are still under review with the County of Santa Barbara. Approval will not require a hearing or a formal public comment period.
Less than 10 minutes from the head of San Ysidro Trail is a fenced-in swath of green space. California Oaks grow in cleared, rocky soil along with grasses and shrubs. If a hiker follows the perimeter of the fenced-in property, they’ll travel onto McMenemy Trail, cross an (often running) stream, and discover a sign: “erosion control and landscape restoration in progress.”