Illegal Encampment Clean-Up Efforts at Beach in Montecito
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the Santa Barbara County Public Works Department is teaming up to help cut back on illegal camping and related problems on a stretch of Butterfly Beach located below the bluffs in the 900 block of Channel Drive in Montecito. On Friday, November 6, Sheriff’s deputies and personnel from the Santa Barbara County Public Works Department posted notices along the beach warning individuals that overnight occupancy and temporary dwellings are in violation of a county ordinance. The notice states that individuals have until November 9, to remove all personal property from the area. Notices were posted throughout the area and were also personally handed to people who appeared to be camping at the beach.
The Sheriff’s Office has received a large number of complaints about illegal camping on this stretch of beach located below the Santa Barbara Cemetery. There have also been a number of reports of human waste being left on the beach, illegal fires and concerns over trash and property that has accumulated. Although Sheriff’s deputies are patrolling the area and writing citations when appropriate, there continues to be illegal camping and related issues.
All personal property left on this stretch of beach will be removed on November 9th and stored at the Flood Control Maintenance Shop for 90 days before it is properly disposed of by the County of Santa Barbara in accordance with applicable law.
Address/Location
Santa Barbara County Sheriff
4434 Calle Real
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-681-4192