County officials alert Montecito homeowners that they face prosecution, including daily fines of $850 if stones are not removed

County officials alert Montecito homeowners that they face prosecution, including daily fines of $850 if stones are not removed

Montecito, California, is known for being home to Oprah, a former royal family, and a stunning stretch of coastline. It’s also home to miles of trails, some of which are being blocked by residents hoping to stop people from accessing public hot springs.

Santa Barbara county has been watching encroachments on East Mountain Drive and Riven Rock Road in Montecito since at least 2022, when they sent letters to residents warning them to remove large stones.

Last month, county officials sent letters again to at least six homes alerting residents to remove the stones by 28 March or face civil or criminal prosecution, including daily fines of $850. The county insists that these roads are a public right of way.

The issue seems to be with parking at the trailhead, where a tiny lot allows for just eight vehicles. When that fills up, hikers have to park on roadsides. The hot springs contain six bright blue pools that are located 1.3 miles from the trailhead in the San Padres Forest, surrounded by a deep forest and rocky hills. It became popular during the pandemic when hiking surged in the area, and has also taken off on social media as a destination.

    • werefreeatlast@lemmy.world
      4·
      8 months ago

      Or you might wanna take a look at the big yellow double arch natural stone carving McDonald’s stone ad! Para pa pa pa! I’m loving it!.. Drink responsibility…come frutas y verduras. For every one minute you stare at the rock, McDonald’s will donate 1 mcflurry to a homeless person nearby. All you have to do is scan the code at the bottom of the rock, attach your GPS coordinates and heading angle, pitch and jaw, then fill in the form with your name and address, print it out, sign it, and mail it to 1800 Elm St. Zaragoza California 92322. Then just wait two to three weeks and invite your favorite homeless person. You’ll need proof of purchase and a print out of your form that you’ll need to sign once more. They may have to as you the form questions again, but don’t worry, they are used to doing that, they worked for the DMV before. Enjoy the outdoors and give a homeless a helping hand! And don’t forget this form too after you’re done with the quickie! He’ll enjoy knowing there’s someone who cares, and you’ll enjoy knowing you cared! Because who cares? You cares!