Santa Barbara Park Residents Work With City Agencies On Creek Flood Control
[Although the following project is not strictly “Chapter” news, since it is being spearheaded by Flamingo’s Disaster Preparedness Team, it shows how a park’s DP team, GSMOL Chapter and HOA – and even the park managers! – can work with each other and with city agencies to get things done. -ED]
Twenty years ago, Flamingo MHP in Santa Barbara was devastated by two monster floods from Sycamore Creek, which runs through the park. Due to predictions of a big El Nino this winter, homeowners under the leadership of Disaster Preparedness Team leader Sara Patchen have begun working with city officials to get the creek cleared of excess vegetation and debris, aided by an energetic City Council candidate from their district, Jacqueline Inda. Ms. Inda came to a meeting of the park’s conjoined GSMOL Chapter and Homeowners Association in August. Members of the Flamingo Disaster Preparedness Team, as well as the park’s onsite managers Gary and Suzie Palmer, were also there to share their concerns with her. The Disaster Team then met with the Neighborhood Advisory Council, some of whose members did a “creek walk” with Flamingo residents.
Upon discovering that Santa Barbara County Flood Control had plans to do “routine maintenance” on the creek in October, the homeowners pushed for it to happen sooner.
On September 30, a group from Santa Barbara County Public Works came to assess the concerns regarding Sycamore Creek. Three Public Works agents, along with Chapter 1102 Secretary Jim Farned, park manager Suzie Palmer, and a representative from the Neighborhood Advisory Council, walked the creek, starting from the footbridge connecting the two sections of the park, down to a bridge two blocks downstream where there is concern that debris can accumulate at a culvert.
Stay tuned for further reports!
Based upon reports from Sara Patchen, Disaster Preparedness Team leader, and Christel Barros, DP Team point person and Chapter 1102 Board member
CHAPTER 1102, FLAMINGO MHP, SANTA BARBARA
