The Carpinteria Bluffs are a series of clifftop properties that are either commercially-run (as industrial space, business parks & a driving range) or natural ‘wild’ acreage (with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean). The ‘Bluffs’ are an attraction for hikers, bikers, runners, plant & animal enthusiasts and local artists. Below you’ll see a number of works by local artists who have donated their work in support of saving the bluffs. More specifically to bringing awareness to the need for public & private donations that can someday purchase another parcel to add to their public land acquisitions.
Among the many challenges to acquiring such valuable property for public use, is the issue of security. At present there is little or no security on site (since much of the bluff property is not officially managed by any local, county or State parks agency) and as such you will need to be very mindful of your surroundings as the bushes and shrubs that line the trails are well overhead in many places preventing you from seeing anything that may be lying in wait just around the next corner.
When visiting these wild unincorporated and non-secure areas of the bluffs be sure to carry with you a whistle, a cell phone, some sort of repellant spray and preferably a dog that isn’t afraid to bark or a hiking partner who stays a few yards in front or behind you. Also be mindful that the trail from the main parking lot at Ballard Rd. is deeply rutted by rain runoff (erosion) and by the use of mountain bikes on muddy trails, ruts that can and do pose a tripping hazard to anyone attempting to hike or run on them. There is also no security present at the parking lot so park at your own risk. Even adjacent blufftop properties that have been purchased for public use are not completely safe to use. Especially where the shrubs & bushes are high overhead.
In other parts of Ventura & Santa Barbara counties there are land acquisitions where the public is not yet allowed access due to such security (and trail safety) concerns, but being so easily accessed from a parking lot next to a major freeway offramp (from the 101) makes keeping the public away from the Carpinteria bluffs a practical impossibility. Thankfully the Carpinteria City Hall (and Police Dept.) is less than a mile from the parking lot (at Ballard & the 101 fwy). But you still visit at your own risk.
The Coast & River Report is attempting to get comments from the group that is trying to raise the funds to purchase this wild & potentially dangerous property for public use, but they have refused to be willing to answer any of the tough questions about what type of security will be provided to protect the public, and exactly who will be paying for it.
In the meantime, please enjoy the artwork but be mindful that the Coast & River Report does not condone or advocate that anyone attempt to set up an eisel and canvas for painting at the bluffs unless they bring adequate security (and others) with them.
This website will provide updates on security at the bluffs as the information becomes available.
The Coast & River Report would like to thank the Palm Loft Gallery for their permission to post these incredible works of art, that are available for purchase to help support the efforts to acquire & secure additional bluff property for public use.
Please note that most (if not all) of these images do not depict the actual foliage that is currently (and for most of the year) comprised of bushes and shrubery that is well overhead of anyone under 8ft. tall.
For more information please contact http://www.palmloft.com