Save Elings Park South

"This verdant canyon is an enchanted forest for today’s young car travelers, a place where suburbia coexists with Santa Barbara’s original nature..."

What a bunch of nonsense. Eling's park is a former landfill aka dump. Pretending its some pristine "wilderness" is cute, but it's just not true.

A BMX park sounds like a great idea and this article reeks of the typical SB NIMBY hog wash.

What I haven't heard is why the current successful Santa Barbara BMX track is being abandoned from its location in Elings along the entrance road off Las Positas. What is going to replace the existing track? Are they being pushed out? What is behind the proposed move? Can somebody tell me?

The current bmx track hardly gets enough use. Do they really need 55,000 feet? This will end up just like the amazing outdoor in-line skating rink at Earl Warren. A dirty mess that nobody uses after a couple of years. Once you get rid of open space you never get it back. The entire mesa used to be open space, can't we just leave a few spots open? Go spend that money on something to get bums out of downtown.

The current track is for BMX bicycles, this is for BMX motorcycles. Did the person who wrote this do ANY research at all?

I'd rather give bikes a place to go then have them tearing up our state parks and beaches. Isn't that why Santa Barbara built that skate park next to the wharf?

And ya, that land was a partial landfill. I think it's great it's being put to good use to give people something else to do with SB. Too bad about this misguided article smearing a good idea...

Not true. The proposed track is for bmx bicycles, not motorcycles. However, I agree that the author clearly needed to do more research before writing the article. The proposed track can't be seen from the road.

Besides, what kind of thought process leads one to think we should deny organized outdoor recreational opportunities for the children in this town in order to preserve the view from their fossil guzzling car? Perhaps the author should get out of her car and go ride her bike on the numerous trails at the park. She might then have a different perspective on the substantial benefits of these improvements.

One last thing, I don't see how the "owners" are going to profit from changing the location of the bmx track. Isn't the park run by a privately funded non-profit organization? Or was that just meant as a scare tactic to fabricate opposition?

can someone explain why they need to run night races and why the current track isn't enough?

As an active member of the Elings Park BMX program (racing BMX since 1973, riding/racing Elings since 1998) it is my job to clarify some untruths (read LIES) by those against the construction of said track.
The 1st issue is night usage. In the late spring/summer/early fall months the usage of lights that would create any light pollution is non-existent as there is sunlight to illuminate the area.
When the lights are used, it is only until 8:00 pm when practice on Mon & Wed nites comes to a close & MAYBE 8:30 pm on Fri race nites.
The 2nd issue is the vehicles used. What part of BICYCLE motocross don't these folks undersatnd. The author of this piece of dis-information supposedly lived in Surrey, England, the birthplace of the English language. Look up the word BICYCLE in the dictionary for further research. There is NO MOTOR other than a human powering these bikes.
The 3rd issue is that of environmental impact. What impact? There's no exhaust in the form of CO, NO, or even CH4 being produced. In fact, the area's previous usage as a dump produces more gases than a bunch of people on bicycles.
The 4th issue is usage. The reason the track (where it currently sits) didn't get enough usage before was because the management of said track didn't keep up w/ the challenging designs used @ many other tracks, the maintenance went by the wayside & the ridership dropped drastically. Since the rebuild of the track back in May the ridership has increased & many new kids, as well as older members have come out to use this facility than before. Many of those against the track have only lived in this area for a short time & therefore don't remember when this track was a mecca for some of the best racers on the state, regional, national & international pro or amateur level of competition.
The 5th issue is that of intolerance. Those opposed to the track have to be the most bitter-beer faced individuals w/ no clue about sports that I have ever met. They're hateful, lying and vengeful on so many levels! I can only say that the Architectural Review Board meeting a while back on the issue of the BMX track was nothing shy of interesting.
6th & foremost issue is that many of those homes are built ON park property & I ain't going to go into that issue because it speaks for itself.
The hypocrisy, intolerance, ignorance & just plain mean spirited nature of the opponents of the BMX track is nothing less than a self-serving, tyranical fascist/communist mentality.
This could go on, but I'm only allowed 3k chararcters so I'll end by inviting anyone on here to stop by the track on a Mon, Wed or Fri nite from 6-8 pm, check out what goes on, talk to the people that ACTUALLY use the track (such as myself) & maybe even bring your mountain bike or BMX bike (if you have 1) for some fun on the dirt.
I'd be glad to make your acquaintance & help you out, which is more than any of these ignorant self-serving do-gooders against the track would EVER be willing to do :) henry

Yea man, let Cru Jones ride the Helltrack bro!

So we should let you have 55,000 square feet of public land for something that is currently only used 6 hours a week?

The park is wonderful as it is. Let's leave it that way.

Someguy:"So we should let you have 55,000 square feet of public land for something that is currently only used 6 hours a week?"

Great question & the answer to that is in the form of an explanation. If the track got more usage, then yes, but as it currently stands the current location works just fine, especially after the rebuild that was done, compliments of Jeff Elings' kind contribution.
By the way, it isn't "you" or "we" that is giving the land, it is the Elings Park management & organization. there's no tax $$$ being used for this, so if that's your concern, please put it to rest. As for "public land" goes, Elings Park is a private park that relies on business & donations, not "public" funds.
Hopefully w/ some changes coming up the track WILL get more usage & the 55k sq.ft. will be a welcome contribution/additon.
Oh, by the way, I got an autographed picture of Cru from the 2008 Interbike show in Las Vegas. He's actually Bill Allen.
As for the "Hell Track" thing, nothing near real BMX racing, no backflips, 360's or tailwhips, no judges scores, just the fastest racer wins :) henry

I encourage the dog owners who annually pay $90 for use of the park to look at Page 40 of Elings Park Phase III Initial Study. The park is considering adding a 2.5-acre fenced dog walk; restricting dogs to that area during busy periods; and increasing the number of dog memberships from 550 to 700. The study is available at www.elingspark.org as part of the Draft Environmental Impact Report.

tell you what Hank, if you were building Helltrack, I'd actually support your efforts. But only if it comes complete with a Kix cereal bowl with a spoon to jump off of.

To be clear, I say "we" referring to "the general public that uses the space currently" as even though it is a private park, it is open to the public.

I know you're trying to do the right thing but I don't see the demand for it. The 'build it and they will come approach' seems a bit backwards to me is all.

Whatever, good luck getting anything built in this town anyways, even if it is just making some dirt jumps

Rad!

Just because the south park is currently open to the public doesn't somehow make it "public land." The public's access on that property is being subsidized in part by organized activities like the kids currently paying to use the bmx track. I hope the people who are against creating organized recreational activities for the kids aren't the same ones who complain about the gang activity in this town.

Moonrunner, thanks for the link. However, I read the section you referenced and it appears you've misstated what they are proposing. You currently can't let your dog run around on the softball fields, soccer fields, etc. during games. I don't read anywhere that this policy is changing. Instead it appears they are putting in a dedicated off leash area so that there is always open space available for the dog owners on the north park side irrespective of what else is going on. The report specifically says there will be "no change to existing use of the EP South property for off-leash dogs." All the dog owners I know that regularly use the park are overwhelmingly in support of this aspect of the project as it is to their benefit.

Someguy, thanks for the good wishes, we'll try to make it work as best as we can. As for it being a cereal bowl w/ a spoon jump, come out & actually ride it, you might just change your view. I'm thinking of putting in some serious dirt jumps in the middle, you might enjoy that. Anyone is welcome.
In the end, yes, Elings Park has a responsibility to it's neighbors, but there's a reality the neighbors must face & that is the track will be built there.
Let me clarify something about that 55k sq.ft. figure. The track itself will NOT be utilizing the 55k sq.ft. as opponents are ignorantly complaining. That total footage is for apron area, the actual track is smaller.
In a way this makes me think of the battle to get a skatepark in this town. I can remember the Cabrillo Waterfront Association (I believe that's what they called themselves) claiming it was going to attract gangs, drugs & crime if the park was built. It hasn't, even considering 1 isolated issue involving out-of-towners w/ an attitude.
During the hearings for that park I dug up an old article stating that if the Cabrillo Arts Show was to be allowed, it would attract drugs, prostitution & crime. Did it? No.
Where I originally come from (Hialeah, FL) there were BMX tracks built in county, state & private parks & have all been successful. By the way, these are some of the MOST beautiful parks there are, w/ homes nearby & everyone gets along great. Same thing w/ Derby City BMX in Louisville, KY where the NBL holds the annual grand national championship. Super nice homes right next to the park, every loves to come out & check the racing out.
The people opposing this are whacked, in fact 1 of them actually threatened me w/ physical violence @ the ARB meeting. Nice folks! Yeah, it takes all kinds & we sure gots them :) henry

Just curious... Why aren't they considering building a new track where the old one is now?

Mike, that is actually an awesome question! The area where the track is now is slated to become yet another soccer field so a "new" location has been drawn up on the south side of the park.
Personally, I wish it would stay where it's @ for a # of reasons, mainly because it is sheltered from on shore winds & because the rebuild done in May is fantastic.
The cool thing about the relocation though is that when there's the annual Bike Fest, part of the track can be incorporated into the downhill course by just opening a gate. That would make the downhill course longer & more exciting.
I love the current location, it is where I've been racing since 1998 & is kind of a home for me. If it could stay there, that would be great too.Great question! :) henry

yeah, it seems like it would make more sense to just expand on the track that is already there, since there is already parking and also for the other reasons that you mentioned Hank.

But from what I've heard (and this is coming from vague memories, they don't have any info on their site concerning this, which makes me wonder why they are being so hush about it) they want to build a visitors center, which would mean paving over what is basically open space as it is now for parking etc. Things would be less visible in the canyon where there is already parking, soccer fields etc. I do understand that they probably have the intentions of creating more revenue with additional fields and activities, and it is their land, but leaving that space open would seem too be a wise choice, as open spaces like that are getting paved over left and right.

Also on the issue of more soccer fields, I've been over there a few times to kick the ball around with some buddies, only to be told that we couldn't play on the pitch unless we were part of the league, or something to that effect, so it seems to me like adding more pitches that aren't really open to the public isn't really serving any purpose, besides allowing them to generate more revenue from the various leagues, which is their right I suppose. I dunno, maybe it had recently rained and they didn't want like 4 people mucking up their pitch...

If that's what they are planning on doing, I would rather see soccer pitches in that location as opposed to a vistor's center and a parking lot.

Mike, the draft EIR that Moonrunner linked to shows they are planning on putting in two new soccer fields and an arena soccer area where the current temporary bmx track is located. Seems hank is right that the southpark location is a much better site given all of the bike riding and trails already existing over there.

Mike, again, great question & I hope it explains some things.
William, there's definately the advantage to moving to the south side & it would be a fantastic addition to the already existing bike activities there.
The question I do have is this: Given the current economic state of affairs, is it a wise thing to move anything around?
There's even talk of an 18 hole frisbee golf course as well on the south side. I love frisbee golf, that would be cool to have!
I'm sure this issue is going to create a stir, as it already has, but the difference between the pro & con side is that the con side is more based on emotion, rhetoric & untruths to promote their selfish agenda.
These folks have a gem in their midst, but as w/ any greedy, selfish person, want to exclude others from enjoying it.
Did any of you all know that there's a guy on Calle Andalucia (where a public entrance to the park is) that has been known to "key" cars because they park there (not on anyone's property mind you) to use the park?
Yeah, it's a real nice set of folks we got there! All we want is a multi-use park. All they want is to squelch people from enjoying the area :) henry

Hank, you've been great at answering questions and keeping a level-head. I ride my mountain bike on the trials at Elings and love it. I enjoy that because it doesn't detract much from the open, natural feel of the place.

If you're getting booted from your existing space for another soccer field eh, I feel for you.

I'm flip-flopping on this one completely.

Before that was a park it was dead land. Then for years it was just a place to launch paragliders. Now South Elings has fun bike tracks and hiking. All of the improvements in the last 20 years to that area have been positive. Why not this too.

BUT, keeping kids out of gangs and into BMX? yea right. The price entry point of a bike is too high for that.

Long live Cru Jones.

Just for the record, I'm not opposed to the expansion, I think creating more positive outdoor activities is great for kids and adults. I live on the mesa across from the park, and the last time that they had bike races on that side of the park, I could clearly hear the PA. It didn't bother me at all, but I could see how some people would be. As far as the light "pollution", that already happens from the softball fields, and again this doesn't bother me the slightest, but I can't speak for everyone that lives in the area.

I guess what concerns me most (I don't drive so any additional traffic simply doesn't affect me whatsoever, unless I'm getting hit on my bike, which could happen anywhere in this town) is the 1,350 sq. ft. park office building (16-feet high) that they are proposing. Is this really necessary, and is this the right location for it? I suppose that additional parking is needed in that area if they are going to be putting in a new bmx track and frisbee golf etc..

Someguy, we hope to start an event called the "Fat Tire Series" @ the BMX track where MTB's can get in on the fun & race against other MTB's.
It'll be a class just for MTB's only, but the racing is on the BMX track, kind of like 4X. I hope this gets a good reception from the local cycling community & it would also boost the current usage of that facility as well.
As for keepoing the kids out of gangs thorugh BMX, it is do-able. The cost of bikes is high, that's for sure, but you don't need the state of the art all-out BMX machine to get in on the fun.
Most kids just want to ride, not race, any 20" or 24" BMX bike will do, it could even be a dirt jumper (as long as it doesn't have pegs, those are a hazard) or even a MTB.
We also have loaner bikes for little kids & a couple of expert sized loaner bikes for bigger kids.
Sure, cost is something to consider, but there's ways around that & loaner bikes is 1 way.
As for the open space & natural feel of the place, I know what you mean, but if you notice, we keep a tight & low profile as it is & what is being used is kept as natural as possible.
After Jeff Elings' helpful & generous contribution, we now look more official than when it looked like a dirt farm, but still have managed to keep it quaint :) henry

By the way, leaving work in 5 minutes, off to the track to set up things for tonight's practice, not riding because I'm exhausted from racing a national in Las Vegas this past weekend.
But if any of you all would like to come out & chat for a bit as well as check things out, that's where I'll be. I'm sure the con side would want to come out & break my legs! HAHAHA! :) henry

As a past BMX parent AND someone who has been riding mtn. bikes on the South Park area since 1985, several things are clear to me. One, the park has never "liked" BMX for one reason or another and has been wanting to expand those perfectly manicured soccer/baseball fields for quite some time. But many of us have always felt the current track area is just fine, it just needs modern amenties. Past BMX track managers suffered many years of uncaring park management denying them electricity, bathroom facilities, adequate parking, but hey... BMX made it into the Olympics in record time while soccer participation has dropped nation-wide. Go figure. Two, the South Park area over off Cliff Drive was previously owned by the Jesusites and never had more than a scattering of some simple farming on it here and there. South Park is NOT on old landfill— that is where the present BMX track and soccer fields are. South Park represents the classic example of a healthy urban wildlife oasis and serves as a wildlife corridor down from the foothills via the creek drainages and up into the Wilcox property. The wildlife in this Coastal Sage Scrub habitat speaks for itself and the amount and diversity of animals species representing what SB used to look like is amazing, including coyotes, fox, bobcat, deer, hawk species, road runners, a variety of reptiles and birds, and I wouldn't ever doubt seeing a mountain lion someday (though that would be a bit scary). Passive use would not involve running a BMX track over there and the current mtn. biking trails are borderline as it is but very nice to ride on. So it seems rather clear to me that the South Park area should stay as it is first and foremost because of what it really is.... one of the last remaining pieces of open-space property in the whole of SB County representing an urban wildlife environment. Keep the hiking and biking trails, they fit in... they are passive. But ditch all the other non-passive plans and hold true for what the original vision had in mind. Just as the saying goes, once it's gone— it's gone forever. I bet the community would rally for another WIlcox, er sorry DFP. Where do I contribute?

I don't think some of the opponents realize there are already lots of bike trails on this so-called pristine land.

I think giving kids something outdoors to do is a good thing. Our kids are becoming obese because we've ceased to be an outdoor culture.

The area is not some untouched wildlife wonderland. It's a semi-urban park and the perfect place to put in relatively low profile outdoor activity venues such as BMX and disc golf. I don't participate in either, but I know kids who do and who would rather do these things than stay inside and play video games if they had safe venues close to home.

Someone wants to see a mountain lion out there? Are you nuts? If one was seen there, it would result in a massive hunt and the animal would be shot by law enforcement for threatening people and their pets. There's not enough area there for such creatures unless we want to see them on the news like the bear shot recently.

Hey, you know what's really crazy is that we didn't have a any sort of an obesity problem with kids way before BMX even existed back when all of the mesa was open space and kids would build forts and run around.

hmmmm.....you guys need to brush up on what "CREF" means-----and its relation to public land----the half million dollars provided for the South part was not so that a 55,000 sf track, bleachers and lights could go in. simple. too bad the Elings leadership didn't do their homework.

I didn't say lack of a BMX track is the only reason kids are fat today. There are a number of factors causing that shift, but opportunities for outdoor activities can only help to turn the tide back. A BMX track is one venue that would provide an outlet.

One thing I didn't understand from above is the desire to build a "visitor's center" where the current track is. What the heck is that? Sounds like a building with signs explaining the place that nobody would ever use and it would just get grafitti'd and take up space. It seems like more people would find a venue for activities a lot more useful than a visitor's center they maybe look at once, if at all.

The EIR Moonrunner linked to is pretty informative as there appears to be a lot of people on here totally speculating (including the author) without bothering to read the information on the Park's website and in the EIR. I don't see any plans for a visitor's center. It seems pretty clear that two soccer fields and an arena soccer field are proposed for where the current bmx track is located. Anyone who thinks we already have too many soccer fields in this town needs to contact the Parks & Rec department and ask them.

SBSleuth99, where are you reading that the covenant at the Park was tied to a half million in CREF funds? I heard the covenant was actually tied to half that amount and the remainder was for other purposes. You also state the south park is public land but I thought it was private land that they've kept open to the public. Thanks for whatever info you can provide as you seem to be in the know. My opinion as to what the park can propose on the south park is based partially on my belief that this is private land. So I am thankful they've kept it open to the public and appreciate whatever improvements they continue to make for the public to enjoy. However, my opinion will certainly change if we're talking about public land owned by the city or the county.

LRaf, who is this? Man, you told it like it is & that is the truth! Come out & say hi sometime, Mon, Wed or Fri nite.
See, here's somebody else who has had involvement & is presenting fact rather than fiction, which the opposition to the BMX track seems to thrive on (fiction, that is).
Another issue I have to bring to light here is that of a amplified PA & the starting gate. As for the PA, it is ONLY used during race events, not during practice times & even when it is used, it is kept @ a low volume out of respect for our neighbors. To put it in a nutshell, OUR AMPS DON'T GO TO 11!
Secondly is the gate. You can BARELY hear the cadence from the street in front of the track, even on the quietest night & as for the sound of the gate dropping, there is technology available (which has been applied) to deaden the sound of the impact.
Of course, I mentioned a word here that the supposedly enviro-minded haters love to hate: Technology.
But of course, this word also incorporates logic, reason, fact & most important, DATA, which are all things the BMX track opposition omits from their rhetorical, emotional, intolerant & hateful rants.
Again, I invite ANY of you all to come out & check things out & if you have a bike, all the better! :) henry

"...there appears to be a lot of people on here totally speculating.... I don't see any plans for a visitor's center."

I couldn't open up the EIR from their site for some reason, but I found this on the Save Elings South website.

"Elings Park Foundation, however, has a huge development plan for this park area:"

* a 55,000 sq. ft. BMX track with starting gates covering 1.57 acres of currently natural land;
* four 8-feet tall spectator bleachers, amplified PA system, and lights for night racing events;

>>>>>> * 1,350 sq. ft. park office building (16-feet high);<<<<<<

* Individual picnic areas;
* frisbee golf course area; and
* re-zoning from “undeveloped parkland” to “regional park”

I'm not sure where they are planning on building that, maybe someone can see it on the EIR pdf? Seems to me like they should just put a map of their proposals on their site instead of a 20 MB pdf.

Mike, a map would be THE most useful thing & if it is to scale that would be better.
You're 1,000% (no misprint in the #) correct, speculation is the constant here, primarily on the opposition's behalf.
For example: "Starting GATES." Why the plural term? A typical BMX track only has 1 starting gate that holds 8 racers @ a time. They use the base 8 (8, 16, 32, 64...) system for qualifying & elimination in competition. There is ONLY 1 gate @ the beginning of the track.
Then there's lights for night racing events. That problem can easily be fixed by making racing events (where the PA would indeed be used, not cranked to high levels) daytime events, which most tracks do anyways.
The ONLY night time activities then would be practice, which has ZERO use for a PA system & would only need the lights during the time when the sun sets earlier, from 6-8 pm.
As for the bleachers/spectator stands, those are butted up right against the track to avoid excess real-estate usage from going to waste.
So yes, not only is speculation a big part of the opposition's attempts to ruin the fun for folks, disinformation is also key. It worked for communists & fascists alike, not to say these people are either, but they do strike me as uninformed, untruthful elitists :) henry

"Those opposed to the track have to be the most bitter-beer faced individuals w/ no clue about sports that I have ever met. They're hateful, lying and vengeful on so many levels!"

"It worked for communists & fascists alike, not to say these people are either, but they do strike me as uninformed, untruthful elitists"

Way to take the high road, Hank. Seems to me like you're hurting your cause more than helping it with this series of incoherent, accusatory, ramblings.

It's hilarious how you preach "intolerance" with very little self-awareness. Keep up the good work and I'm sure the park will never come to fruition.

Hey watchdog, takes 2 to play, you're 1, I'm the other. As for the so-called "high road" maybe you should talk to some of those opposed that have:
a) Their kids broke into the track's concession stand, stole a bunch of concession goods & trophies & left the words "Bitch, you got punked!" scrawled on the wall. These vermin were caught & rightfully prosecuted.
b) The individual that threatened me w/ physical violence @ the ARB meeting a while back. So much for civil discussion.
c) The guy on Calle Andalucia that has damaged & defaced numerous vehicles by keying them when the owners of said vehicles use the entrance there.
Man, again the hypocrisy speaks volumes about those opposed! Funny how we've tolerated your ilk, you don't even give folks a chance!
But hey, in a democratic society w/ freedoms such as the freedom to post & hide behind a screen name such as you're more than likely doing while using a mere little ruse to distract the TRUE facts of the matter that I have posted (which happen to be contrary to the opposition's untruths) it's all fair game.
Next thing you know you'll be asking the moderators on here to ban me from posting. Sounds like you & Hugo Chavez should spend some quality time together.
freedom of speech, use it, but tell the truth, something the opposition has yet to do :) henry

According to the DEIR, the BMX course, as proposed, would use 1% of the 130 acres of land of EP South. Visually, the BMX course would be screened by trees. The lights would be used 2 evenings a week from 6 to 8:30 during the winter. They are not needed during daylight savings time.

I don't live in the Santa Barbara area, but I do know something about BMX Tracks. I happen to run one. And I know something about running a BMX track located within a park setting and adjacent to a residential area too. The facility which I run, is situated within 100 feet of very nice residential homes. In fact, it is surrounded on three sides by a residential neighborhood. So, I think my personal experience may allow me to provide some insight which may contribute intelligently to the discussion at hand.

Our relationship with the Recreation District here has at times been strained, but not for the reasons one might think. Several years ago, the Recreation District wanted to build soccer fields where the BMX track sits. We were told by representatives of the Recreation District that soccer was more popular than BMX, and building soccer fields on the site would serve the community better. It is funny, but it was actually our residential neighbors that came to our defense and changed the Recreation District's plans. We had sort of resigned ourselves to the fact that we were going to be forced to close, but our neighbors showed overwhelming support for us and a fun, family oriented activity that had existed in that park for well over two decades. BMX racing.

We and our neighbors have always co-existed together peacefully. We have never had a single noise issue with our neighbors in over 27 years of operation. We do practice and race at night sometimes, however, neither noise or lighting has ever been an issue. In fact our neighbors enjoy coming out to the facility and watching the kids play. I have even had a lady who's house backs up to the track tell me she loves watching the kids ride while she is standing at the sink washing the dishes at night.

Funny, but since soccer participation locally is down now, and BMX participation is up. The Rec District is proposing using one of the empty soccer fields on the opposite side of the County here to build another BMX track for the kids. The Rec District here has come to realize that BMX racing as the only action sport in the Summer Olympics provides a GREAT alternative sport for today's kids.

Now I admit, BMX is not a sport for everybody, some kids will never like it, just as some kids don't like baseball or soccer. But I myself see the use of 55,000 square feet of space for a BMX track as a great way to utilize that property. From reading the above, I really can't quite understand why the track needs to be moved in the first place. But if it must be moved, there is nothing to fear from living next to a BMX track. It is actually fun. Just ask our neighbors.

Good grief! So they want to relocate and modernize the BMX track? So what?

When I was a kid, that place was a dump (literally) and we raced motorcycles there.

I bet nobody that has lived there since then sees any problem with this new plan.

This article is inflamitory at best loaded with mis-information and half truths. They paint a beautiful picture with words I'll give them that but that is the furthest from the truth. As someone who grew up on the mesa played in the hills around the "Dump" yes it was a dump till the 60's. I appreciate people who move here enjoying what it is now but the truth is many of us have been waiting for decades to take advantage of all aspects of the park. The Elings park foundation has a huge financial burden in maintaining the park let alone expanding the park. The staff has had plans for years your probably unaware of but the location of the current BMX Bicycle and RC track is going to become more soccer fields, yes more soccer fields. Part of the beauty of Elings park is the diversity of the type of sports or outdoor activities they allow for the community by cutting out these type of exsisting activities you are cutting out part of the community.
One of the posters mentioned why do they need lights? Duh safety and being able to see at night while maximizing the use of the space. In the same breath the poster mentioned they are hardly used? What is it hardly used or used to much including the night.

The BMX BICYCLE track (which had been at Earl Warren showgrounds to start) and the Radio Control Track are a good use of the property and providing for all segments of the community.

I for one laud the hard work and long term planning that Executive director Steen and the Elings Park Foundation board have done. Keep up the great work!

I want to take this opportunity to express a hearty THANK YOU to those that actually understand what the reality of the BMX program @ Elings Park (& elsewhere for that matter) is & have actually injected fact, truth & common sense to this thread.
I'm a very negotiable individual, actually nice too. Yes, maybe a little passionate about BMX (skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding & mountain biking as well) so bear w/ me on that.
W/ that said, here's my offer to those opposed to the relocation of the BMX track as well as ANYTHING the Elings Park Foundation wants to do to better the park: Stop speculating, lying, threatening/harassing/attacking park users, confusing the issues & mis-informing & I will cease & desist from using terms such as "uninformed, self serving, untruthful, vengeful bitter, hateful, lying elitists" to describe the opposition. That's my offer, take it otherwise all bets are off. I am a person of his word, the offer has been set & if accepted I will honor my end of it.
It is funny how a 1% plot usage in 130 acres of land for an activity that is enjoyed by members of the community, provides a fun, positive activity for youth & teaches morals & ethics can actually cause some people to just freak out! :) henry

Thanks for clearing things up, hank. Sounds like a great plan. Kids always need more activities like this.

I imagine the track will be open to the general public during the day when official practices aren't taking place?

Henry,

"... the freedom to post & hide behind a screen name such as you're more than likely doing"

You're a funny guy - were you planning on disclosing that you write for the Independent or were you going to continue to hide behind your screen name?

http://www.independent.com/staff/henry-s...

Apparently it's OK for you to have an opinion but not for anyone else, especially if they don't like your agenda. Looks like you might be the biggest hypocrite here.

Also, what's a 44-year old guy still doing on a BMX?

Help! I just downloaded the EIR--all 1313 pages. Have not found a map showing just where the BMX track is proposed. That makes a difference.

But it seems as if the current track is ideally located from the neighborhood perspective. And, um, it already exists, obviously. Why not make the improvements needed there? What's the rationale for a new track in a different part of the park?

Open space within the city is at such a premium, seems a shame to convert this piece, especially when a facility already exists in the same park!

And hank, could you dial back the language a little? Characterizing people as fascists or communists (!) doesn't help clarify the issues for anyone. It's clear you really care about this, and name-calling just puts off those of us who are honestly trying to figure out what's going on. It undermines your arguments, leads to knee-jerk reaction in others.

FYI ... I'm a paraglider and visit/fly South Elings most weeks and have been for the last 3-4 years. The PDF of the Draft EIR is here on the Elings website:

http://www.santabarbaraca.gov/Resident/E...

Be patient with slow connections; it's a big file with maps and photos.

The only problem I've encountered was that with the increased use from BMXers and others, some idiots with big trucks drive off-road and 4-wheel in the dirt areas. But, hey, stupidity and vandalism isn't confined to kids on bikes. Arguably with more eyes from more people, there might be less destruction even though there are more people.

Seems to me there is room for reasonable people to share the park. It's been working so far.

Drberticus:"what's a 44-year old guy still doing on a BMX?"
HAVING FUN! Just got back from a race in Las Vegas. Good racing, ended up in 2nd in the 41 over expert class & a 3rd in 40-44 cruiser.
The only way I can REALLY explain this is w/ a song lyric by Beck (I hate quoting song lyrics) & it says "you can't write if you can't relate."
If you've never raced BMX that would lead to a lack of understanding of the sport (not that I'm saying that's your case).
The camaraderie, sportsmanship, athleticism, skill & dedication from my fellow racers are what I enjoy & it is what keeps me going.
Truth be told, if I could still skateboard in contests like I used to I'd be doing that as well, but the ankles can't handle the tricks like they used to, even though I can still do them.
Here's my question: Would you rather me having a 3 pack/day habit building emphysema & doing 12 oz. remote lifts in front of the idiot tube developing cihrrosis that you'll eventually have to pay for in the form of taxes going to Medicare/Blue Cross Blue Shield?
As for the screen name thing, sorry, my assumption that by typing "henry" behind posts folks would know this is the henry that has written "Eye on I.V." columns for the SBI. My bad. As for the hypocrisy, everything regarding the BMX program stated by me has been truthful & hopefully educational for those who aren't educated on the matter. If you'd like to call me a name-caller, then so be it, guilty as charged.
Mtndriver, I agree, wish terms like that don't need to be used, but I have to go back to what my dearly departed mother used to refer to as "the politics of envy" w/ reference to those types of systems (remember, I was born in Havana, Cuba). Seems like some folks would use ANYTHING @ their disposal, including lies & misinformation to steal what little some people have. Like I kindly offered, once that stops so do the identifiers. The offer is still on the table.
As for the current location, it is functional, but the park's plans are what they are & to adapt to them is the present reality.
Loonpt, the track will more than likely be available to the general public under a blanket insurance. As it stands, under the current sanction affiliation, a membership is needed due to insurance reasons. That will more than likely change. Anohter thing we hope to start is an after school program for kids w/ BMX bikes or MTB's.
Wingnut, the 4X yahoo scenario is out of the picture in the future location due to the set up of the property. The ONLY vehicles that could possibly get in there to do as mentioned are the paraglider vans. If you're saying that all BMX racers drive MPE's (Motorized Penis Extenders), that is a false assumption, I personally drive a Honda Civic wagon.
Any questions, please drop by tonite, I'll actually be there from 5-8 working on the track then riding. If any of you want to see racing in action there will be the Commissioner's Cup on Sat, 11/14/09. Check out the fun & excitement! :) henry

Wingnut, I apologize about the "The ONLY vehicles that could possibly get in there to do as mentioned are the paraglider vans" comment, it came out TOTALLY wrong. What I meant to say was that the only vehicles that should be allowed in there are the paraglider vans. You guys have been running a wonderful program & have kept the area safe & fun for as long as I can remember. I've actually encouraged some folks to try out your program & look forward to working w/ you guys. Again, my apology for the mis-statement :) henry

Oh, & 1 more thing:
Drberticus:"Apparently it's OK for you to have an opinion but not for anyone else, especially if they don't like your agenda."
I admire your throwing the word "opinion" around so loosely, but just for the record, opinion is a formed thought used to bolster a view or agenda.
Yes, I admit, Ido have an agenda, but all that has been stated by me is fact regarding the sport of BMX & said program @ Elings Park, not opinion.
Not to sound petty or crass, but it appears drberticus, you're incorrect on all counts.
But there's still the name calling charge & you're more than welcome to call me that, as I said, guilty as charged.
But name calling, whcih I admit guilt to, is minimal in comparison to the threats/harassment/attacks committed by those opposed to the park's plans.
If you're going to accuse a person of something, accuse them of what they truly are guilty of, not a fabrication on limited contact such as the internet. After all, you don't want to be 1 of those ITG's (Internet Tough Guys). I love TLA's (Three Letter Acronyms)! :) henry

I think rbg's comments above are pretty spot on. Based on the EIR, the bmx track is only going to account for about 1% of the total land over on Elings Park South, yet the articles says we need to "Save Elings." Even funnier is the pictures used for the article above don't even show where the track is going to go. In fact, it seems that you wouldn't even be able to see the track from where these pictures were taken and that is before the trees are planted.

William, AWESOME OBSERVATION! I was actually hoping somebody would notice this FACT. So can we say that misrepresentation of the truth by the opposition seems to be the M.O. here? In the scientific world we have a joke: "When all else fails, manipulate the data."
I just don't understand why a group is so bent on squashing an activity that helps promote positive qualities in people that will last. Could it be that these same folks had bad sports experiences when they were younger & have been traumatized into the "everyone's a winner" sports mentality where there's awards for just participating?
I could go into this, but a psychologist I'm not & besides, the goal here is to introduce fact into the picture, something you've clearly done! BRAVO! :) henry

OK I was finally able to open the pdfs from the city site. It looks like they want to build a quite a bit of new stuff, not just at Elings Park south, but north as well.

At Elings park south here is what they have listed.

"Bicycle Motocross (BMX) Track with night lighting, Park office building and restrooms (1,350 square feet), Disc Golf Course, picnic areas, public pedestrian access and accessibility improvements, paved parking spaces (25 spaces), overflow parking area (approximately 100 spaces),and landscaping.

Special events that could draw 1,000 visitors or more are proposed to occur a maximum of 12 times per year."

The photos in the article look like they were taken from the wilcox property. Maybe trees are blocking where the proposed additions would go?

I do find it kinda funny that the people who have organized the SEPS website have photos on it, at someones house that overlooks the park. It seems a little selfish to me that they would oppose something that is clearly going to benefit the entire community just for the sake of preserving their view. With the added landscaping, who knows, maybe it improves their view?

My concern has not been voiced so far & is actually quite specific. I pay to take my dog to Elings, usually p.m after work. Walking down the hill from E.South to E. North (or vice-versa), I am literally blinded by the lights on the playing fields. It is treacherous walking down even with a flashlight because of the lights. If this happens on both sides of the hill (even a few days a week) it will really be a shame. I'm not saying to kill the BMX plans...just that it makes more sense to not move the track, for a variety of reasons. But frankly I HATE those lights. They give me migraines, are blinding, ruin the view from the top of E. North and are a source of light pollution. You can see them all over the area. Living off Veronica Springs, we see the glow of Elings and hear amplified events. Of course it's not that big of a deal, but people should be respected not criticized for concerns over what happens in their back yards.
Not so related... manicured fields use a lot of water. The BMX course must be far more sustainable. Green spaces that cause over-consumption are a travesty.

Because many of us are deviating from the real issues of passive use vs. recreational use AND the voiding of a long standing legal "Covenant Restricting Use" since 1999, I can't deny this song playing over and over in my head: (from Wikipedia) "Big Yellow Taxi" is a song written and originally performed by Joni Mitchell. It reached #67 in 1970 (U.S., Billboard). Mitchell got the idea for the song during a visit to Hawaii. She looked out of her hotel window at the spectacular Pacific mountain scenery, and then down to a parking lot. Joni said this about writing the song to journalist Alan McDougall in the early 1970s: “I wrote 'Big Yellow Taxi' on my first trip to Hawaii. I took a taxi to the hotel and when I woke up the next morning, I threw back the curtains and saw these beautiful green mountains in the distance. Then, I looked down and there was a parking lot as far as the eye could see, and it broke my heart... this blight on paradise. That's when I sat down and wrote the song". The song is known for its environmental statement (from the lyrics "Paved paradise to put up a parking lot", "Hey farmer, farmer, put away that DDT now") and sentimental sound.
So folks... sound familiar? We don't need more pretty perfect green soccer fields, our kids simply need modernized amenties at the CURRENT BMX site while keeping the South Park for low-key passive use, preserving FOREVER one of the last remaining pieces of open space/urban wildlife habitats in all of SB! My kids love roaming around on South Park after they ride their bikes over there, nothing like good 'ol plain dirt and open space. Take a walk thru this wild side next to rural neighborhoods and then try to envision the Park's ill-conceived plans.... we know what we've already got here and lets not let it be "gone". To the Park folks, I'm willing to pay for this if you keep it all "passive". How much for that simple use membership?

Curious, the lights you speak of are on the soccer/softball fields.
Again, I must reiterate the fact thgat the lights for the BMX track only get used when:
1) There's not enough sunlight, usually during the late fall/winter/early spring months.
2) They're ONLY on from 7-8 pm on Mon & Wed , maybe to 8:30 pm on Fri, during the late fall/winterearly spring months.
3) If practice or racing is rained out, those lights aren't used @ all.
4) The lights are positioned in a downward fashion as to illuminate the track, not horizontally or upward to illuminate the night sky.
5) If the track is moved to the new location, those lights would only be used on 2 nights, maybe, the race day could be changed to a weekend day so that NO lighting would be needed for that scheduled event.
Check the facts before running scared, it'll do more benefit to all concerned.
Mike, that's funny you mention the pictures of the Wilcox property & my insistence of the opposition's attempt @ confusing the public. There's more misinformation on the newly posted article in the Indy news page, check it out :) henry

This has drawn more commentary than any other issue lately--murders, rapes, meth labs, car rollovers, the election, health care reform, Michael Jackson, you name it. Amazing.

We used to live on the 800 block of W. Micheltorena, in the '80s and early '90s, and were flabbergasted by the resistance of some people on the hill (Calle Poniente, et al.) to having open park access along their streets to what was then called Las Positas Park. Now, I get it. They could see the camels' noses under the tent, and this was long before the park foundation got hold of the Jesuit property, now apparently known as Elings Park South.

I speak with some experience, as a former off-roader (a 250 four-stroke one-lung Benelli). NO. No motorcycles, no night lights, no amplified PA, none of that crap. No way, no how, not there. Ever. Spectator stands would be OK, with a loudmouth to do any announcing that may be necessary. Pedal-powered track riding should be enjoyed for itself; nobody needs some huckster screaming over a loudspeaker, and the kids should be doing something better after dark.

Greg, remember, the question here is "time" & not "light of day" as for kids doing something better after dark. In all reality, 6-8pm is not late & besides, from April to late September dark is all the way up to 8pm.
As for a huckster screaming over a PA, that ain't the case, the PA as it is currently used (ONLY DURING RACING EVENTS, NOT PRACTICE!) is not loud enough to even be heard on the track sometimes, in other words, the sound doesn't carry far & in most cases that is a direct function of the ambient sound levels. Like I said before, our amps don't go to 11 (but my Marshall stack does!) :) henry

There's a nice aerial photo on p14 of the Elings Park brochure that indicates where some of the proposed infrastructure will go:

http://elingspark.org/Library/Elings_Par...

Based on what I know about Elings Park Management's goals, I can support their plans because I think the park improvements can be compatible with the existing nature of the south side. Thank goodness they're not trying to put in a huge skating rink! Or a motocross track!

I wonder what Virgil Elings (co-founder of Digital Instruments, philanthropist, all-around smart guy, and the park's namesake) thinks about all of this?

I think it's reasonable to assume that many of the anonymous pro-development comments made here are from those who stand to make a lot of cash from this deal. The promotional material related to the project that was mailed out recently was clearly very expensive to produce and is an indication of what's at stake here for the developers. Keep the BMX track where it is and preserve the south end of the park before it's too late.

Slick, that's what I wish would happen, that the track stays where it is. Much better on MANY counts. But as for the "pro-development comments" let's just say that it really has nothing to do w/ that. Elings Park is a private park that runs off of donations & revenue from events. If they provide more options for events, that means more revenue & that revenue translates to a better park all around. Pro-development has nothing to do w/ anything, but I'm sure those opposed to the park's goals will try to paint the efforts out to be as such :) henry

Sorry Hank, I thought we were talking about developing the south end of the park. Call it what you want, but these massive changes to our park are "developments" and the businesses creating the changes would make a lot of money. I just think people should consider that maybe a lot of these "pro-change" anonymous comments, including possibly yours Hank, are being made by the people who have a vested financial and/or professional interest in destroying the natural beauty of our park.

slickrick, "not guilty" as charged. I have no financial skin in this issue. Heck, I didn't even know about the park plans until this article came out. I'm just someone who's lived in SB my entire life and like you, has an opinion on the matter.

Slick, development is a "relative" term. Any change IS development, but the type of development that I speak of is building more structures, such as the homes built along the south side of the park & soon to be built on the property across the street from Elings Park.
As for financial gain, there ain't any in it for me & all my fellow racers/riders. we just want a place to pratice our discipline (BMX), perfect our skills & have fun. No development in the SB sense of the word intended in any way, shape or form :) henry

"soon to be built on the property across the street from Elings Park"

Hank- are you talking about veronica springs? I thought the city council killed that project.

Mike, they killed it for the time being, but rest assured, the developer of that project will be back. Just like Ellwood, some sweetheart deal will be made & next thing is the construction. If there's anything to keep an eye on it is certainly that. Funny thing is my friends & I rode out dirt bikes (NO BMX BIKES) there & nobody complained for the longest time :) henry

In these Comments, "Hank" (Henry Sarria) has characterized the citizens opposing the development of Elings Park South as: "The most bitter-beer faced individuals w/ no clue about sports that I have ever met. They're hateful, lying and vengeful on so many levels!" and "They do strike me as uninformed, untruthful elitists"

Henry Sarria is wrong with these characterizations. We do not lie, are not hateful, or vengeful. We harbor none of these feelings for Elings Park Foundation and their right to pursue what they think is best for their park. I do not know what “beer-faced” is, but I sure hope my face is not like that. We are extremely informed about this issue. We are also truthful, and only present facts which are proven by recorded documents. I do not know what he means by “elitist”, but if he means that we are neighbors who want a park which is compatible with where we live, then he is correct.

I think he is attacking us because he thinks that we are opposed to the sport about which he is very passionate: Bicycle Motocross (BMX). I would like to make it clear that the opponents to the Elings Park Phase III plan on Elings Park South are NOT OPPOSED TO BMX. Our movement to Save Elings Park South is not anti-BMX, it is PRO ENVIRONMENT. It is also a movement to ensure that the Elings Park Foundation lives by the zoning and usage rules to which it has agreed.

Many of us were contributors who helped to purchase the land of Elings Park South from the Jesuits in 1999. We knew that this beautiful and pristine 130 acres complemented our neighborhoods. We were especially happy that a Covenant Restricting Use was recorded as a condition of the $525,000 in Coastal Resource Enhancement Fund (CREF) financing which helped to purchase the land. This Covenant required the Elings Park Foundation to commit in writing that the Elings Park South land would be preserved for "passive recreation", and that they would not do any activity which would "require alteration of the natural land".

With this proposed project, the Elings Park Foundation has expressed their intention in writing to:
1) Request the Board of Supervisors to extinguish the Covenant Restricting Use
2) Request the City Council to change the zoning from “Undeveloped Parkland” to “Regional Park”
Regional Park zoning allows for almost 20 more uses including: Meeting rooms, park offices, carousels and other amusements, ball fields with lights, and many others.

Let me make it clear again to Henry: We are not opposed to the plans of Elings Park Foundation because we don’t like BMX. We are opposed to it because we want to preserve the largest piece of natural land left in the City limits. Please support us at: www.SaveElingsParkSouth.org.

Theo, thank you for the honest explanation. I understand & respect what YOU are saying, but it still doesn't cover what some of your supporters went on to say on record (such as "Personally, I don't think BMX is a good sport" is my favorite example) @ the ARB meeting I attended.
Then there's the outright untruths (notice my restraint from using the word "lies") spouted out there by the same folks about supposed lighting & noise issues.
Finally, there were the threats launched & actions comitted by some of those neighbors.
This is what has shaped my view on the opposition.
As for the"elitist" thing, well, when someone gets up & says something like "this is MY backyard" or something to that effect, what can anyone derive from that?
Comments such as those I heard from your side of the table have led me to form my opinion(s) & can anyone really be surprised? But the caveat I offer here is that these were probably fringe elements & they do stick out.
As for preserving open space, yes, I am for that as well, but the reality is that a BMX track of 55k sq,ft. requires an area of ~235' x 235' (which is our current facility's dimensions, excluding the RC car track).
On top of that, it IS all open space meaning that it won't contain any superbuilt structures & the parking won't be paved, as there's already paved parking there.
As I've stated all along, where the track currently is works fine, but the park has plans & I must roll w/ that.
Now we're maybe getting somewhere w/ words on here & I accept & respect your point of view.
By the way, the term "bitter-beer face" is an expression meaning a grimacing scowl, something I saw on many of the opposition's faces during the ARB meeting.
I sure hope you ain't got 1 of those, as it takes more muscles(74 to be exact) to make than a smile :) henry

When was the ARB meeting?

If it was recent, there's a chance it might be televised on City TV (ch 17 or 18 on cable).

It was a little while back, maybe 2005 or 06. Quite an interesting gathering. That's where 1 of those opposed basically said to me that "we'd better never meet in a dark alley" or something to that effect. Quite amusing, now that I look back on it :) henry

So these plans have been in the works for a few years, that's interesting.

Just got back from playing tennis at SB High School ... for perspective, the 55,000 sq-ft for the moved BMX course is equivalent to about 7 tennis courts (SBHS has 6 courts). That doesn't seem too bad compared to the acreage on the south side of Elings.

The current track is ~235'x235' which is ~55,000 sq.ft. Of course, this doesn't include the RC track. The thing I like about the current location is it's cover from on-shore winds :) henry

@bronc
"The current track is for BMX bicycles, this is for BMX motorcycles."

There's no such thing as a BMX motorcycle -- the B stands for "bicycle".

"Did the person who wrote this do ANY research at all?"

Hypocritical much?

@hank
"The 2nd issue is the vehicles used. What part of BICYCLE motocross don't these folks undersatnd. The author of this piece of dis-information supposedly lived in Surrey, England, the birthplace of the English language. Look up the word BICYCLE in the dictionary for further research. There is NO MOTOR other than a human powering these bikes."

It was bronc, who did not live in Surrey England, who wrote about BMX motorcycles. You do your cause no good by being so hostile and accusatory, Mr. Sarria. Given your comments here, I'm inclined to oppose this development, despite being a cyclist and generally friendly toward cycling pursuits.

No problem Jay, don't need your efforts anyways, you guys have it locked & loaded to destroy your agenda w/ sufficient lies & such. But hey, thanks for the concern :) henry

Open Space - seems like we got a lot of "open space" everywhere in Santa Barbara. So, if the proposal passes, you won't have anywhere else to play? look at wildlife? I remember having picnics at Elings Park, kicking around a ball, throwing frisbee, dodge ball with other families and I never thought "Man - I wish we had more open space." It seems like it's just another excuse to add to the list. If the track is moved to the other side - do you think all of the wild life will leave? I have hawks flying in my back yard, skunks stinking up the neighborhood, coyotes stealing cats, gophers eating up my grass, raccoons plundering my dog's food! That's cooexistence!

My son races and enjoys it very much - we as a family do. Did anyone think about what an incredible benefit it would be to the kids of Santa Barbara? Talk of after school programs, scholarships, fundraising events have been heard. It's not just a bmx track - it a vessel to many positive opportunities.

nuff said

The place used to be a dump? Elings Park South was not a dump. If you look at page 101 of the Environmental Impact Report, you can see that it states the following:

"Approximately 34 acres located on the Elings Park North portion of the project site were used for the disposal of solid waste."

There is no mention of the South area being used as a landfill.

Didn't the mesa used to be oil fields? :) henry

quote: "Didn't the mesa used to be oil fields?"

Are we talking about the Mesa, or Elings Park South? Are you insinuating that Elings Park South was an Oil Field. Can you provide some proof that the area of Elings Park South used be oil fields?

Hank, you seem to have quite an agenda. You resort to calling those in opposition to the development "hateful, lying and vengeful on so many levels!". MOST of those in opposition have gracefully expressed their views on this issue (not only on this website). You resort to name calling and accusations. When I read the posts of those in opposition, I don't see bitter beer faces, as you said. When I read your posts, you seem angry that anyone would oppose your interests.

you say "In the late spring/summer/early fall months the usage of lights that would create any light pollution is non-existent as there is sunlight to illuminate the area.
When the lights are used, it is only until 8:00 pm when practice on Mon & Wed nites comes to a close & MAYBE 8:30 pm on Fri race nites."

What time would the lights be turned on and off? If there is sunlight to illuminate the area, are you saying that lights will not be used during these months? Will the lights be turned on before sunset? There is still light pollution if they are turned on before sunset. How necessary are the lights?

you said "There's no exhaust in the form of CO, NO, or even CH4 being produced. In fact, the area's previous usage as a dump produces more gases than a bunch of people on bicycles."

As I said in my last post, Elings Park South was not used as a dump or landfill. So, was your statement a lie?

you said: "Many of those against the track have only lived in this area for a short time & therefore don't remember when this track was a mecca for some of the best racers on the state, regional, national & international pro or amateur level of competition."

Based on your miss hit on the area's previous use, I am starting to question your information. Can you provide us with proof that the track used to be a mecca for some of the best PRO International racers?

you said "many of those homes are built ON park property & I ain't going to go into that issue because it speaks for itself."

No, please elaborate. I am unaware of any homes that have been on park property. I do not doubt that there are, but coming from you, I would like proof. Can you specify what homes are built on park property?

As for the individuals that threatened you with physical violence, broke into your storage shed, and key cars...those people are scum and I strongly disagree with their actions. They do not represent the majority of those who are in opposition to the development, or in opposition to certain aspects of the development.

Yes, I have an agenda, as does the opposition to the BMX track's move.
As for "hit or miss" based on my QUESTION of whether or not the mesa used to be oil fields, it was merely a QUESTION, not an insinuation of any sort.
See, that's what sets the opposition apart from those who want Elings Park to progress. Nice try here, but still no cigar from me (I could've gotten you a nice Cohiba, as I'm Cuban & all).
It's the opposition w/ the emotional, rhetorical untruths to fullfill a self-serving agenda of selfish elitism.
Question the info all you want, even w/ the truthful answers provided you'll STILL twist the truth & facts to suit your needs which is to keep people away from the back door of "your" supposed property (Elings Park).
The message you all send is loud & clear: "Sure, we support community activitities, as long as they're Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY syndrome).
You've posted your beliefs, I post mine, yes, an agenda is involved here, but 1 is for a selfish few, the other for the community. Figure out which is which :) henry

I said your "miss hit" was about the area's previous use, which you said was a landfill....not about the oil fields.

So, now you have 2 "missed hits"

What does it matter to the issue at hand if the Mesa was once oil fields? Or are you just asking random questions on this forum?

It is common knowledge that the area where the track CURRENTLY IS was the dump. I never said the whole area was. Again, twist & turn of what's said based on a selfish, self-serving agenda buttressed by lies. Man, you guys are AMAZING! Keep professing the big lie(s), you really show what you're about! AWESOME! :) henry

Franklinraines, you should walk the neighborhood boundry on the South Park side and ask yourself if you think the property line really follows the jagged line you see from those homes' fences. No way to tell for sure without doing a lot line inspection, but it seems to me that some of those people have clearly gone for a land grab and are trying to take over the park property for themselves. I understand that as they have great ocean views. But if those are the people leading the opposition, I think they have duped a bunch of their neighbors into fighting this for the wrong reasons and would explain their true selfish motives. It would also explain why they've put a lot of misinformation out there. Does anyone know if any of the SEPS people live right on the park boundry? Are they one of the neighbors with the fences that jut out onto the park property?

William, the key here is to rile people into believeing something that they aren't in tune about.
Seen it before w/ many things here in SB, Skater's Point skatepark being 1 of them. It took 13 yrs. for the city to FINALLY pick a suitable spot for this gem.
Once the spot was picked the opposition began w/ the lies & misinformation & tried to round up even homeless people into their camp, a true act of desperation.
I loved the guy (opposed to the skatepark) who stood in front of the SB City Council w/ a 1976 vintage Hobie-Flex skateboard w/ loose ball bearings & pounded it on a wood surface to "simulate what a skateboard sounds like in use." That was FUNNY! To begin w/ he was:
1) Using technology that was over 25 yrs. old.
2) Using the wrong surface to illustrate a significant point.
3) LYING!
So you see the parallels here? I sure as hell do! I must add, it isn't that those opposed to the relocation of the BMX track seem to be against the sport itself, that's not what bugs me. It is the untruths being spread under the guise of "environmental concern & care about open spaces." It's all about a land grab & an attempt to exclude the community from positively using Elings Park, plain & simple.
Like I have cconsistently offered: Stop the lies, I cease & desist w/ the descriptions, a simple deal I'd gladly honor :) henry

WilliamMunny-

"Does anyone know if any of the SEPS people live right on the park boundry?"

Just look at their website. http://ourmesaneighborhood.com/seps.html...

Scroll down at look at the photos. A picture tells a thousand words.

From the website:
Lie #1) The proposed BMX track night time operations will cause light pollution.
The truth about the lights:
a) The supposed lighting will ONLY be used from the months of November to March (4 months) from 6-8 pm.
b) During those months there will be rainouts that render the track inoperable so NO lighting will be used.
c) The proposed lighting faces in a downward direction to illuminate the track, not the night sky (it would be useless to do so).
d) The proposed lighting has diffusers to keep ANY stray light from going in a direction that may affect the ambiance.
e) The supposed lights will be mounted on etractable telescopic booms as to not interfere w/ any skyline matters.
Lie #2) The proposed amplified PA system at the BMX track will cause noise pollution.
The truth about the PA system:
a) The PA system is ONLY used during race events, NOT DURING PRACTICE!
b) The current PA system can't EVEN be heard outside the canyon where the BMX track sits.
c) Race events CAN be moved to a daytime operational time to prevent any sound from traveling during decreased ambient sound level hrs.
Lie #3) Increased use in Elings South will necessarily increase traffic in the area.
The truth about the traffic increase:
a) What increased usage? The times of operation will remain the same, therefore no increase in usage will actiually occur.
Lie #4) There are major safety issues at the Cliff Drive gate of Elings South.
The truth about ths Cliff Drive entrance gate:
a) The city is willing to accomodate a left turn lane on Cliff drive to compliment the entrance to the south side.
Lie #5) A negative impact on its wildlife
The truth about impact to wildlife:
a) The BMX track offers no disturbance to the habitats, as native species have made homes in the actual track!
b) The wildlife populations @ the track have NOT decreased over time, in fact, they thrived.
c) The dirt mounds known as jumps provide hawks, kestrels & owls w/ plenty of prey.
d) Racoons, foxes, coyotes & skunks scavenge for food @ the track all the time once the lights go out @ 8:00 pm :) henry

Addendum to lie #5, truth d: When the lights go out @ 8:00 pm is from the months of November to March, the indicated 4 months in lie #1, truth a. Through the other 8 months we see all kinds of nature cruise around, hunting, searching for food, even mating! It is a truly beautiful area & we've done NOTHING to impact that as claimed in lie #5 :) henry

Regarding the Draft EIR Public Hearing on November 12th, is that going to be in front of the city council? Will that be in front of the current city council? Not sure when the two new council members, Hotchkiss and Self get sworn in. Will be interesting to see what positions they take.

Very true. The position though should be 1 of community mindedness & of support for activities that promote that. I personally have/had no say who got elected on the SB City Council, as I live in Isla Vista & you KNOW we got our share of politics. But regardless, it will be interesting, & an honor to be able to go before them & make a case for support of Elings Park :) henry

Hotchkiss and Self ran on a sort of "anti-development" platform when they endorsed Measure B (which lost). But they also ran as "tough on crime and gangs" and were supported by the police officers' union. Neither have government experience, so it will be interesting to watch them. I'm not sure which way they'll go since the Elings changes can also be seen as supporting community youth and a step towards gang prevention.

In the precincts near Elings, Hotchkiss and self had 11% and 12% of the votes in the Bel Air Knolls precinct north of Elings, which is moderate. In the Mesa precinct west of Fellowship, they did 10% / 10% which is on the lower side of support. They did better in the Mesa precinct east of Fellowship at 15% / 13%. And in the precinct that includes the upper west side directly north of Elings plus the neighborhood west of Las Positas, their numbers were pretty strong at 14% / 15%. So overall, there are a nominal number of Hotckiss/Self constituents in the areas surrounding Elings.

Very interesting data! The anti-development stance is 1 that really doesn't apply to something like a dirt ribbon w/ dirt mounds, so that's probably not in their interest. But as for the anti-crime/gang stance, they could be supportive of the BMX program & find ways to incorporate using it to turn @ risk youth away from the gang life. Interesting data on that, thanks! :) henry

I had fun building a spreadsheet with all the vote results :)

From my perspective, Hotchkiss and Self, along with Dale Francisco, fall on the conservative side of the political spectrum, opposite of mayor-elect Schneider and councilpersons Grant House, Das WIlliams, and Bendy White (after the new folks are all sworn in). White is probably the swing vote (he was a former planning commissioner). Self seems to have an especially Libertarian-leaning outlook and was backed by the local Tea Party righties (her claim to fame is being against traffic calming devices the city has been putting in to protect pedestrians, of all things!).

So conservatives will typically talk tough on crime and gangs but that's usually from an enforcement angle. Not sure what Francisco/Hotchkiss/Self will think about the prevention side of the solution space. That's typically related to social services that conservatives don't want to pay for (apparently not big fans of Ben Franklin's "ounce of prevention ..." advice).

This is all a guess, but if the Eling's plans don't represent a big taxpayer cost, the righties might get on board and win by looking like moderates and supporting gang prevention at the same time. But Self might think that individual rights (e.g. private views, noise, etc) would be trampled on and vote no. There's also the development angle which I'm sure opponents will use. Its all interesting political calculus.

AWESOME! Good analysis. The Elings changes are not taxpayer driven so that's always a good thing. Remember, it's a private park that relies on fundraising & donations. No public funds needed for the actual work itself :) henry

I suppose the addition of a turn lane on Cliff Drive for the south entrance would be a taxpayer expense, albeit a small one.

Wish I could figure out when the new council will be sworn in.

Yes, the turn lane addition would fall under the public works category, but anywhere you have an entrance approachable from the left as well as the right, there has to be a turn off, for the sake of public safety & traffic flow.
I don't know the exact date of the swearing in, but it is coming up sooner than expected, 2 wks. I think :) henry

Henry, could you educate me about the lights? I fly a hang glider, and my only concern would be having a safe and clear approach for landing (the usual approach for a high performance glider is over the proposed bmx track). You stated the lights will be telescoping, I assume they will be in the down position when not in use? The track as it is now on the south side doesn't interfere, I'm hoping the changes won't either. Thanks

For some comedic, satirical relief...

http://www.elingsregionalpark.com/

Very funny.

But aren't those Bel Air Knolls homeowners going to be ticked off you published pictures of their homes and views without permission?