When the Levee Breaks

Santa Maria Riverbed - Dry as a Bone

Mr El Niño
Hopefully you will arrive as predicted and fill this riverbed with water. Precious water. Much needed water. As much of a hoped for event, the perils remain to be seen. Can this levee and sandstone cliffs hold the expected deluge? Or will the levee break?

In January 1969 this humble riverbed in Santa Maria, CA was brimming over with water. Breached by a magnificent 100-year storm who's downfall lasted 10 days straight. One for the records books. Soon water was overflowing and threatening to expand its containment area. Mud and debris flowed bank to bank. Farm lands so desperately in need of rain were flooded and crops destroyed. Nearby houses normally high and dry were flooded. Families and businesses were displaced and daily life disrupted. The seasonal cleanup was huge and county resources were stretched to capacity.

Recent draft maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency showed that much of Santa Maria, including 20,000 parcels and 17,000 structures, would be designated as in the flood plain, triggering a flood-insurance requirement for many property owners. Fortunately mistakes were learned and infrastructure improved in a critical 2009 federal/Santa Barbara County project that rehabilitated approximately 6.3 miles of the 50-year-old structure. Five years and $47 million dollars later the old bridge that crosses the river has been retrofitted and the levee re-engineered. Now it stands ready to take on this Winter's expected heavy rain storm. Assuredly, one day, Mother Nature will test this levees structural ability to hold back water. So come on...My sandbags are ready. I dare you Mr El Niño! Give me all you've got! Let's end this drought!

Slide Show Santa Maria Levee History

Santa Maria River Levee Trail

Granada Theatre

This is definitely my favorite place in which to see a special event! I call it the Disneyland theatre because the inside is decorated with a gingerbread-ish ornamentation reminiscent of "It's a Small World After All" park attraction. Really it's like a Paris Opera House inside. The Granada, built in 1924 and beautifully restored in 2008, is a landmark theatre and hosts a year-round performing arts venue featuring some of the finest entertainment in the area. Home to Santa Barbara's Symphony, Opera, Ballet and Choral Society it offers national and international performances in genres from classical to rock. You have to see this!!! Thank you for taking my photo Zanna that was fun!

Granada Theatre

Chapel of San Ramon

The Chapel of San Ramon, located between Santa Maria and Los Olivos, California, is a historical landmark. Erected in 1875 by Frederick and Ramona Foxen Wickenden for local settlers, the redwood framed chapel sits on a quaint hillock overlooking the surrounding country side.  It offers a unique example of the use of wood to create strong, simple forms that had previously been constructed in adobe brick. It beautifully illustrates the transition between the architecture of the old missions and the frame churches of the later American settlers. And old cemetery with some very interesting headstones of the local pioneers surrounds the Chapel of San Ramon. There are many ghost stories involving the old Sisquoc church grounds and some have become local legends.

http://www.sanramonchapel.org/

www.ranchosisquoc.com/OURHISTORY.html

Sisquoc General Store

This store is surely the most exciting thing happening in the sleepy town of Sisquoc. If you do decide to make the drive along Foxen Canyon Road be sure and visit the historic Sisquoc General Store built in 1910. It's a good place to buy essential picnic groceries before you do some back country wine tasting. You will find lot's of small town charm so sit a spell and travel back in time under the old oak trees. The region has a mild micro-climate year round making it perfect growing conditions for vineyards and popular with the cyclists. Sisquoc, with a population of 183, comes complete with a fire station, a church, and a Kindergarden - 8th grade school. What more do you need to be happy in a small California town?

Lompoc Record reviews Sisquoc Store

Nojoqui Falls

What a hidden treasure! Nojoqui Falls pronounced "no-HO-wee" is an impressive 70ft moss and fern fringed waterfall. At this time of year the falls were just a trickle but during the rainy season the falls are lush and strong. The shaded tree lined path which leads to the falls is beautiful and has benches along the way. Pictures don't do it justice, either.  Take your time and enjoy the creek as it twists past you along the trail, it's an easy 10 minute hike for adults and children alike. At the end, there's a nice seating area for a relaxing picnic or just taking in the view. If you are looking for a diversion from the crowds in Solvang this spot is a hidden gem. You won't believe how high the falls are!!!

Nojoqui Falls Walk Solvang

Toro Canyon Park

Toro Canyon Park is 74 heavily wooded acres of secluded beauty located above Summerland in the foothills between Montecito and Carpinteria. Kids will be tempted by the tadpole filled creek which meanders through an oak shaded playground. Great park for a company picnic or wedding reception with several large group BBQ areas, an off-lease dog park, horse trails, hiking trails and even a sand volleyball court. Try climbing up the huge sandstone rocks and enjoy the view from the top. An easy hike takes you 1 mile up to a gazebo at the top of a hill with sweeping 360-degree vistas. Stay on the well maintained trails as mountain lions have been seen in this area. Still it's a great spot for a picnic, some photo ops or just a short break from driving between LA and Santa Barbara.

Where is Toro Canyon?

Haunted Union Hotel

The Haunted Union Hotel situated in the Santa Ynez wine country is where Michael Jackson, filmed the video for “Say, Say, Say” here with Paul McCartney back in 1983. Right off the 101 freeway, Los Alamos is a natural stop on the way to see Hearst Castle or on the road to San Francisco. We really enjoyed the Victorian ambiance of this historic mansion which has been converted to a 14 room hotel. Comfortable antique beds reside in charming western theme rooms. Downstairs a country kitchen prepares delicious meals. A live band plays on the weekend and the saloon bar is authentic and offers good libations. It also has a very nice private garden, with a large patio for weddings or birthdays.

Union Hotel Los Alamos, CA

Historic Saloons of Central California

Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney Music Video

Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park

This 230-acre reserve is one of the only places left where the land meets the ocean, providing an essential environment for numerous plants and wildlife. The Carpinteria Salt Marsh is one of the largest and most ecologically important coastal estuaries in California. Over 35 species of fish have been reported from the marsh, including the Leopard Shark, Diamond Turbot and the Longjaw Mudsucker. Waterfowl such as the Snowy Egret, Osprey and Horned Grebe also make use of this habitat. Level walking trails allow people to easily visit and learn about the coastal environment.

http://www.carpinteriacoast.com/salt_marsh.html

Hot Sulphur Springs

My first Hairflipp!
Getting Poison Oak was worth it.

Natural aqua blue hot springs in a beautiful canyon less than a mile off U.S. Highway 101 at Lompoc Exit (North Santa Barbara County). A short trail takes you to this sulphur hot springs which provides a great soak while lush vegetation makes you feel like you’re in a jungle. The Palm tree at water's edge was supposedly planted by Jim Morrison of the Doors. Truth or Fiction? You decide. Beware of poison oak along the trail. Water temperature can be near 90 degrees but varies with the season. The spring is only open during daylight hours as the parking lot closes at dusk.

Read more at Trails.com: Gaviota State Park (Las Cruces) Hot Spring