Surfrider Foundation, MAKING WAVES, Feb. 2003

By Joe Geever

Last December, the Surfrider Foundation's Santa Barbara Chapter celebrated what can best be described as a "David vs. Goliath" victory. In a stunning unanimous vote, the California Coastal Commission voted to reject Dos Pueblos Associates' proposal to construct a golf resort along the Gaviota coastline. The decision capped over a decade's worth of effort by the Santa Barbara Chapter to stop the development of the Dos Pueblos Golf Links project.

Gaviota coast in California

Located just north of Santa Barbara, Gaviota is one of the last stretches of relatively undeveloped California coastline remaining below Point Conception. Surfers and other ocean enthusiasts have long enjoyed the area, which is noted for its natural beauty, uncrowded surf and unspoiled beaches. In addition to its recreational value, the Gaviota coastline provides crucial habitat for threatened marine mammals and other aquatic life, as well as numerous terrestrial plants and animals.

In 1991, the ARCO Corporation announced plans to develop a massive golf resort on a piece of coastal property in Gaviota. The proposal posed significant threats to the surrounding coastline, including a likely increase in water pollution, destruction of rare coastal habitat, disturbance of endangered species, and possible loss of beach access. In response, Surfrider's Santa Barbara Chapter began compiling information in an effort to build its case against the development. Over the next decade, chapter activists donated thousands of hours attending Coastal Commission meetings and conducting extensive biological research in the Gaviota area. The chapter also succeeded in raising significant amounts of money to support legal actions challenging the development.

In 1999, Surfrider's efforts were bolstered by the discovery of a population of red-legged frogs on the property. The amphibian is listed on the Government's threatened species list. After documenting several other rare species of plant and animal life inhabiting the project site, the chapter eventually succeeded in convincing the Coastal Commission to deny the permit.

According to long-time Surfrider member and campaign organizer Keith Zandona, the campaign exemplified the effectiveness of grassroots activism. "The developers spent over 11 million dollars defending the project. However, our most important resource was our activists," said Zandona. "This victory is the result of every member who took a few hours out of their busy lives to help out."

Zandona credits the entire chapter for the victory; from the anonymous member who donated a couple bucks at a local fundraiser, to committed activists such as Bob Keats and Nate Post, who worked tirelessly for over a decade on the campaign.

The Santa Barbara Chapter is now focusing its efforts upon fighting a similar battle to preserve neighboring Naples beach.

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