tMo
By Tom Modugno of Goleta Surfing
We are blessed to live near the largest stretch of undeveloped coastline remaining in Southern California, the Gaviota Coast. It’s a pleasure to drive through and a special treat to walk through.
Unfortunately, most of it is for sale, for Big Bucks. From rookie agents to veteran brokers, they all have the fantasy of selling a big ranch on the Gaviota Coast and cashing in for a big payday, similar to winning the lottery.
That’s nothing new of course, it’s the same story all over the world. Find the most naturally beautiful, serene and perfect place in the world, and there’ll be a line of potential developers, hoping to improve upon it. And of course, make a quick buck.
While enjoying my pleasant Spring drive one day, I saw this happening. I knew there were homes proposed for this parcel, but didn’t think it was a done deal yet. I found out later the developers need to do some kind of “improvements” to retain their permits. But, more than that, they were making a big wide path for their upcoming event.
The coast this time of year is especially spectacular. Everything is blooming and alive and the birds and the bees are singing and buzzing.
Unfortunately, there was another noise this particular Saturday that wasn’t pleasant at all, and it overpowered all the beautiful, natural sounds. It was the sound of a private helicopter. Hired by real estate agents to show potential buyers the expanse of the land they were offering. It was constantly circling overhead, giving our afternoon walk the feel of a military mission.
Our little hike seemed even more like a conflict when a Rent-A-Cop made a bee line for us as soon as we entered the property. He did not look happy with a serious scowl on his face.
Officer Stadanko escorted us to the trail, as he was instructed to do by his superior, not saying more than a few words.
With a smile, I asked him if the party was open to the public, but he only mumbled something about me taking his picture. Still not sure if he wanted me to or not…
We continued on our merry way, with the constant thumping of rotor blades in our heads.
When we got to the old oil company road, things got even more surreal. Brand new ATVs loaded with glamorous peeps, dressed like they were going to the Kentucky Derby, kept whizzing by. Military vehicles, a chopper circling overhead and fancy folks: it was like we were at war with Beverly Hills.
They were being carted from this lovely picnic spot on the bluffs. I guess the desired thought process would be, “such a beautiful and pristine setting, we should build a big house here.”
They had imaginary photos of your future dream home complete with floor plans.
We pondered long and hard, but just didn’t dig the vibe of the house at all. Way too Post Modern Barnish for our liking… must have been designed by Frank Lloyd Wrong 🙂
We made ourselves comfortable for a moment, but we knew our attire was lacking. So we decided to beat it before the next load of aristocrats was dumped off.
We made it down to the beach to enjoy our picnic.
All the while potential developers buzzed ahead.
Like vultures waiting to move in.
Of course, we’ve got nothing against realtors, some of our best friends are in the real estate biz.
But when they want to sell a place that we have loved our whole life to someone that wants to rape it, we gotta hope they fail. Sorry about that…
Here’s a link to the group that put on the gala event. They really are from Beverly Hills! Here’s a link to their website.
If you want to help save the Gaviota Coast from development, check out this website.
Read more on GoletaSurfing.com
Officer Stadenko! Frank Lloyd Wrong! Hilarious! Thank you Tom for your opinions.
Just got back from a morning hiking across Gaviota State Park from the Las Cruces side. I hope “Paradiso del Mare” (the ad calls it “Truly a Billionaire’s pad”) never gets built.
Bet the waves are still flat too.
If I had the $$, I’d buy up as much coastal property as I possibly could. I would not open it up to the public because of the liability, but mainly because of the immense amount of trash and filth people would leave behind. Just visit any Red Rock campground or picnic area if you need an example. My staff would end up spending most of their work day picking up cans, wrappers, and used diapers…..sorry, but I’m not paying them to do that! Tom, you would be welcome at any time to surf, hike, and take pictures. I’d consider installing one of those wave machines on the property just like Kelly Slater’s…..except mine would have stand-up barrels.
On the realtors’ page it suggests you can play a round of “gold” at Sandpiper because Bacara is “one lot away.” Sigh.
Sure a lot of animosity toward the poor old security guard. Weren’t you trespassing ?
Some of us simple folk would hope that successful business people, like the Dangermonds, might recognize the incredible value of open space and endangered wildlife habitats and buy more Gaviota land and place it into conservation easements. Not all beautiful places have to be built on! As John Lennon once said, “You May say I’m a dreamer but I’m not the only one”
One mansion leads to another!
…. and another
Did you know the public has been using this particular trail for decades? It’s a fact.
Did you know they were not on the public easement when they encountered the security guard. It’s a fact.
Tom, that was a nice article you trespassing snob!
Aren’t we jealous. And what an angry boy you are. You have some right to that land because you have “loved it our whole life” ? They are going to “rape it” ? You appear to be around 35 years old, but act like 15 when you post a picture flipping the bird. And you seem to hate people who get dressed up for the Kentucky Derby. You really are a sad excuse for making your case. It’s one home on a HUGE parcel. Keep your hat on, go to your room, and sit in the corner.
Build only in this one spot. Fine. But don’t keep building up all the way to Gaviota. That’s the worry here.