Senator Limón Presented $500,000 in State Funds for the Gaviota Overlook

(SANTA BARBARA) – Today, Senator Monique Limón, along with Assemblymember Gregg Hart, presented $500,000 in state funding to the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County to support the acquisition and preservation of the Gaviota Overlook at the Arroyo Hondo Preserve.

Senator Limón secured this funding with support from Assemblymember Hart in the 2023 State Budget to aid in the permanent protection of an important highly visible property on the iconic Gaviota Coast and to expand the Arroyo Hondo Preserve trail network.

“The protection and acquisition of the Gaviota Overlook is an integral part of the Arroyo Hondo Preserve,” said Senator Limón. “This acquisition will increase opportunities for flooding and wildfire resilience, habitat restoration, and serve as a catalyst for the future conservation of currently unprotected spaces. I am proud to have worked to secure this funding to protect an essential part of the central coast.”  

“Acquiring and preserving the Gaviota Overlook will enhance our community’s access to beautiful trails, educational opportunities, and rich biodiversity,” said Assemblymember Hart. “I’m proud to have worked closely with Senator Limón to secure this funding, and I look forward to the important work that The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is providing for our community.” 

“Conservation of the Gaviota Coast enhances quality of life, climate resilience and ensures future generations will benefit from a network of protected open space. Support from the State Of California for the addition of the Gaviota Overlook is essential to our plans to expand access on the coast and restore habitat to provide a climate buffer,” said Meredith Hendricks, Executive Director of the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County. “The Land Trust is thrilled to announce we have now secured $3.5 million for acquisition, restoration and access to the Gaviota Overlook!” 

The acquisition of the Gaviota Overlook is the first new piece of land conservation on the Gaviota Coast since the early 2000s, when the Land Trust successfully protected three Gaviota Coast properties. With this funding, The Land Trust hopes to open the Gaviota Overlook to the public by the summer of 2024. 

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Monique Limón represents the 19th Senate District, which includes Santa Barbara, Ventura, Goleta, Carpinteria, Ojai, Santa Paula, Fillmore, Buellton, Solvang, Summerland, Isla Vista, Montecito and parts of Oxnard. She currently serves as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Banking and Financial Institution and the Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector. 
Social Media: @MoniqueLimonCA