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.

  • FiniteBanjo@lemmy.today
    0·
    3 months ago

    I’ve said this so many times now, but on top of the $850 daily fines they will face further prosecution if they don’t remove the boulders. They’re ordered to remove the boulders, they cannot make that go away with money in any legal avenue.

    • melpomenesclevage@lemm.ee
      0·
      3 months ago

      Uh huh. Why do they care though? Its basically an expensive rental.

      They’re not going to be punished. Thats not what laws are for. Not unless theres a mob of people with pitchforks and torches, and the parasites need to be rescued with a wrist slap and some community service.

      • FiniteBanjo@lemmy.today
        0·
        3 months ago

        It’s going to become an ever more expensive rental as time goes on and I’m all for it. I hope they get drained of every drop and have to start selling properties and stock portfolios.