SPEAK UP FOR THE SANTA MARIA RIVER LEVEE TRAIL EXTENSION

3 p.m., Tuesday, June 30
Betteravia Government Center 
511 E Lakeside Parkway
Santa Maria

The County is taking comments on its Draft Environmental Impact Report for extending the Santa Maria River levee trail from Santa Maria to Guadalupe.

Since there is strong opposition to the project, we must show the County that the community wants and needs this trail.

Read talking points here from SB Trails Council, County Riding and Hiking Trails Advisory Committee and others who have studied the DEIR: SMRiverTrailComments.pdf

The Draft EIR and all documents related to it may be reviewed on the County’s website at https://www.countyofsb.org/4804/Santa-Maria-Levee-Trail or at the Public Works offices at 123 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara and 620 W. Foster Rd., Santa Maria; or Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria; or Guadalupe Branch Library, 4719 W. Main St., Guadalupe.

Objections to the proposed extension of the trail can be read here: https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/ca-santabarbaracounty/aae5a338-a7e7-48a3-b9a1-67339376d588

Comments can be made to the County on the adequacy and completeness of the Draft EIR during a public hearing on June 30 at 3 p.m. at the Betteravia Government Center, 511 E Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria, or they can be submitted by July 14 at 5 p.m. to Project Manager, [email protected] or to 123 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

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Candidates for the Fifth District Supervisor's seat have taken positions on the issue. They were quoted in the Santa Barbara News-Press:

"Would the candidates support extending the Santa Maria Levee Trail to connect Guadalupe with Santa Maria?

"[Ricardo] Valencia: Absolutely, and especially to provide low-income residents with more green space to enjoy.

"[Maribel] Aguilera: No, it would be irresponsible amid layoffs, and it would contaminate food supplies. “What I would support is expanding the (Highway) 166,” Aguilera said, adding it would make sense to build a trail adjacent to the motorway."

Read the News-Press article here: https://www.newspress.com/2026/05/22/fiscal-priorities-sharpen-as-fifth-district-candidates-face-off-at-round-2-forum/