A plan for a network of multi-use trails in Orcutt cleared a major hurdle on Dec. 13, when Santa Barbara County supervisors voted unanimously to accept an offer of more than 300 acres from a local housing developer.
For Luis Escobar, a distance runner and cross-country coach who spearheaded the idea of building a recreational trail system in the area, the vote was a historic moment.
“For the first time ever, there’s a significant amount of public open space in Orcutt,” Escobar said. “It’s a pretty major thing, because I think it’s going to really change the look of our community.”
Inspired to take up the cause after sheriff’s deputies issued trespassing tickets to people using unofficial trails in the Rice Ranch development of Orcutt Hills, Escobar formed the grassroots Santa Maria Valley Open Space Partnership in the fall. The group eventually caught the attention of 5th District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino, his chief of staff Corey Bantilan, and 4th District Supervisor Joni Gray.
“Luis Escobar did a great job of getting all that interest organized,” Gray said. “Between he and [Orcutt Trail Commission member] Jon [Blanchard] and some of those folks, they were willing to take on that responsibility and shepherd that project and make sure we get it right.”
As part of a 2002 agreement between Rice Ranch Ventures and the county, the 306 acres handed over to the county had been dedicated as open space by the developer and previously offered several times. The county officially declined the land in 2005, citing financial reasons, but reserved the right to accept it in the future.
“The original plan was that the development would build out and there’d be plenty of homeowner fees to pay for taking care of the trails,” Gray explained. “That didn’t happen as the economy turned around. The county was a bit hesitant to go ahead and put that much open space into the system because of the costs.”
But with the economy still struggling, Gray said the county had to act now or risk dealing with a new landowner in the future.
“It was kind of a perfect storm, only it wasn’t a storm. Everything came together at the right time,” she said. “We finally decided we’d better get this while that opportunity is still there.”
With the land finally in the county’s hands, Gray formed the Orcutt Trail Commission, composed of eight volunteers representing various user groups. They’ve been tasked with building, maintaining, and partially financing the trail system, and will report their progress directly to Gray. Once they’ve mapped out the trails, they’ll coordinate with county planners, the county parks department, and surveyors to ensure the trails are laid out as described in the Orcutt Community Plan.
“I just can’t emphasize enough what a great group of people are on the Trail Commission,” Gray said. “In my estimation, it will be a whole lot better trail system because these guys know what they’re doing, they live here, and they care.”
Trail commissioners run the gamut of interests in the outdoors, from running and hiking to biking and horseback riding. Members include Kathy Phelps, for equestrian issues; Jon Blanchard, hiking; Rick Corbo, dog issues; Escobar, running and cross country; Aaron Sturges-Melby and Jon Bravo for cycling; and Mary Wilson and Elaine McCormick splitting a position with interests in running.
Corbo, who would walk his dogs in the Orcutt Hills before the closure, said he’d like the future trail system to incorporate access for off-leash dogs under voice control.
“In Orcutt and Santa Maria in general, we’re a big dog community,” he said. “There are a lot of people who like to recreate with their dogs. Having the space now, once it opens up, it will change the dynamics of this community.”
Escobar, who was also appointed to the county’s 20-member Riding and Hiking Advisory Committee, said the first step for the commission will be to tour the area with county officials and determine how to improve and connect the trails already on the ground. He has handed over the reigns of the Open Space Partnership to Jon Blanchard, the group’s newly-elected president, but will stay on as its vice president.
The partnership, which is in the process of incorporating as a nonprofit, will be seeking grants and raising money for trail creation and management, beginning with its first fundraiser on April 21, 2012, at the Orcutt Community Park.
The trail system plan hasn’t been without its detractors. Sonny Russell, a cattle rancher in the Orcutt Hills area, expressed to supervisors his belief that the trails would encourage users to spread to his and other ranch properties. He pointed out past incidences of trespassing and vandalism.
The partnership has discussed the issue with Russell, Escobar said. He added that when people have a legal option, they’ll be less inclined to jump fences or disturb cattle.
“We completely agree with him that trespassing and vandalism is not something we support in any way,” Escobar said. “We’re hoping we can help solve that problem. If we can contain the hiking and recreational use to a confined spot, it’s going to be better for everyone.”
Representatives of BreitBurn Energy, owners of the Orcutt Oil Fields where some of the proposed trails overlay, have voiced concerns over how the trails might impact production. Rice Ranch Ventures, too, has raised questions over how the recent transfer could impact completion of their development. The Orcutt Trail Commission will be meeting with BreitBurn on a regular basis to discuss mitigation and other issues, and Gray said the county is “working things out” with the developer.
“I’m going to be a cheerleader, because I want it to happen,” Gray said. “I think it would add a tremendous amount [to the community], especially for those folks who are buying homes in the Rice Ranch area. That’s a real plus to have a trail right outside your door.”
The existing trails in the Orcutt Hills, which is currently gated, won’t open up again until county planners give the go-ahead. There are no official deadlines, but the commission will explore the area with county officials in January, and Escobar hopes to have the necessary pieces in place by July 4, 2012, for the first ceremonial hike on a sanctioned trail.
Overall, the group envisions a trail system similar to Bishop Peak or Johnson Ranch in San Luis Obispo—a “passive and spontaneous” recreation area with no reservations, waivers, or memberships required. Eventually, the goal is to incorporate staging areas in Old Orcutt and at Orcutt Community Park, where people can park and walk to trailheads. The long-term dream of the commission, Escobar said, is to someday connect the system to Las Flores Ranch.
“It seems a little overdramatic to say, but I think this is going to have a huge positive financial impact on the community,” Escobar said. “Other communities see the importance of open space and public trails and have embraced it, and it’s worked for them financially. It can work here in Orcutt, and I think it will. I’m excited and really optimistic about what’s going to be happening.”
Staff Writer Jeremy Thomas can be contacted at jthomas@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Dec 22-29, 2011.
