Measure B-2000
The City of Santa Barbara Creeks Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Division (Creeks Division) was established as a division of the Parks and Recreation Department in January 2001, after City voters overwhelmingly approved Measure B – a 2% hotel bed tax increase used to fund creek restoration and clean water projects and programs.
“The 20th anniversary of the Creeks Division is a milestone worthy of celebration for so many reasons, notably that this community had the foresight to protect our water quality by taking action to care for our local streams, the riparian habitat along the stream corridors, and the watersheds feeding our streams. The staff of the Creeks Division is devoted to its mission of improving water quality and restoring natural creek systems. The innumerable successful projects and programs they have implemented over the past two decades provide exemplary evidence of this dedication.” -Lori Gaskin, Chair, Creeks Advisory Committee
Celebrating 20 Years
As we celebrate this milestone, we invite the community to join us in looking back on some of the highlights of the past 20 years of creek restoration, water quality improvement, and community education and outreach efforts. Key to the Creeks Division’s success has always been the ongoing collaboration with critical partners including federal, state, and local agencies, nonprofit organizations, local businesses, and Santa Barbara residents. Collectively we are all the solution to water pollution, and the Creeks Division is committed to continuing to work with the community to protect and improve the natural treasures of Santa Barbara.
CREEK RESTORATION
Creek restoration projects are often the most visible of the Creeks Division’s efforts in our community. From small community stewardship sites in urban neighborhoods to larger restoration projects in parks and less developed areas, the Creeks Division has sought to protect and restore important riparian habitat and improve local creek and ocean water quality.
Community members are frequently invited to participate in restoration efforts through public meetings, invasive plant removal, and native planting days. Since the Creeks Division was established, a total of 28.25 acres of creek side habitat have been restored, and over 50,400 native plants and trees have been installed at restoration sites throughout the City.
Recently Completed Creek Restoration Projects
The Creeks Division recently completed implementation of two restoration projects along creeks flowing through City parks. The first, on Arroyo Burro at Hidden Valley Park, was completed in 2020. The 2.8-acre restoration included removal of 450 linear feet of pipe and wire revetment in the creek, bank stabilization, removal of non-native plants and trees, and the installation of over 2,600 native plants and trees.
In early 2021, the Creeks Division completed a restoration of Honda Valley Creek at Honda Valley Park and Thornbury Park. The project included removal of approximately 1,000 square feet of asphalt from the creek bed, removal of over 650 linear feet of chain link fence, and removal of invasive plants from 130,000 square feet of ground in the riparian and upland areas. Over 2,100 native trees and riparian plants were installed to complete the restoration.
Arroyo Burro Estuary and Mesa Creek Restoration
Completed in January 2007, the Arroyo Burro Estuary and Mesa Creek Restoration Project is located at the end of the Arroyo Burro County Beach Park parking area and within the Douglas Family Preserve. The project was designed to restore coastal estuarine, riparian, and coastal sage scrub habitats, and improve water quality in Mesa Creek, the estuary, and at Arroyo Burro Beach.
The project involved daylighting a section of Mesa Creek, which previously flowed underground through a storm drain pipe. Daylighting creeks was a new concept at the time and had only been completed in a few creeks within California. The project also included expansion of the estuary, new trails, a pedestrian bridge to allow access to the Douglas Family Preserve, and the installation of 5,200 native plants and trees.
Over the past 14 years, the new section of creek has improved water quality and wildlife habitat. The new plants and trees have matured and filled in throughout the restoration site, with some trees reaching up to 40 feet tall. The restoration is a true success and appears much like it would have prior to urban development.
Upper Las Positas Creek Restoration at the Santa Barbara Golf Club
The City’s municipal golf course, Santa Barbara Golf Club, is located at the top of the Las Positas Creek watershed and receives storm water and urban runoff from Adams Elementary School, a portion of the Samarkand neighborhood, the San Jose Lane neighborhood, and Las Positas Road. Completed in 2010, the Creeks Division’s project converted five acres of asphalt, manicured turf, and degraded creek habitat into diverse wetlands, bioswales, and storm water ponds designed to improve water quality in Las Positas Creek.
This storm water quality improvement project retains and treats four million gallons of urban runoff. It included the installation of over 12,000 native plants and engaged over 1,500 students at Adams Elementary School, who participated in planting and educational activities at the bioswale constructed on their campus. The native plants are now fully matured and have greatly enhanced the aesthetics of the course. The restoration has improved wildlife habitat and water quality while still maintaining a fully functioning golf course.
"SB City Creeks is an exemplary local partner, successfully acquiring lands for public access and habitat protection, and implementing regionally significant restoration projects for all to enjoy. This work is so vital as the climate changes." -Rachel Couch, Central Coast Project Manager, State Coastal Conservancy
Property Acquisition
The Creeks Division has made a number of strategic acquisitions of creek side properties to protect and restore important riparian habitat and improve local water quality. Most of the opportunities to purchase and preserve open space have come in the Arroyo Burro Watershed, the least developed watershed in the City. The Creeks Division has acquired a total of 35.75 acres of creek side property which, along with restoration efforts throughout the Arroyo Burro Watershed, provide a chain of interconnected restoration sites from high in the watershed above Foothill Road all the way to the sea. This provides improved water quality, flood protection, and pockets of important wildlife habitat within the City.
Upper Arroyo Burro at Barger Canyon
In late 2013, a 14.19-acre property upstream of Foothill Road along Upper Arroyo Burro in Barger Canyon was purchased using Measure B funds. The purchase also included a conservation easement over the stream side portion of an adjacent property. A large-scale creek restoration was implemented in 2016, that included the removal of 600 tons of concrete and debris from within the creek.
A previously straightened portion of the creek was rebuilt to include meanders and secondary channels that are accessed during heavy rain events. Eroding creek banks were stabilized throughout the site by laying the banks back to a stable slope and revegetating with over 4,600 native plants, including 500 native trees. Selective non-native vegetation removal has occurred in the upland areas of the property to allow for native plant and tree species to thrive and recolonize the site.
These efforts have improved wildlife habitat and the diversity and cover of native plant species onsite, while also improving watershed health through reduced erosion, increased ground water recharge and improved water quality downstream. Wildlife cameras have photographed deer, coyotes, bobcats, and many other animals thriving in the restored area. While the site is not an open park, site visits and tours are provided during the annual Creek Week celebration and upon request.
Arroyo Burro Open Space
Also in 2016, the Creeks Division worked with the Trust for Public Land to purchase the 14.7-acre former “Veronica Meadows” development site, with the help of grant funding from the California Natural Resources Agency, State Coastal Conservancy, and Santa Barbara County’s Coastal Resources Enhancement Fund. The first phase of restoration at the Arroyo Burro Open Space was completed in December 2018, with a second phase slated to begin in 2021 (see “Upcoming Creek Restoration Efforts” section below for more details).
Palermo Open Space
Most recently, in December 2019, the Creeks Division purchased a 5.3-acre property at the end of Palermo Road along Arroyo Burro, which is now open to the community as an open space park. A future restoration project at the site will likely include non-native weed removal and the installation of native plants and trees, stabilization of eroding creek banks, and improved trails.
PARTNERING WITH CREEK SIDE PROPERTY OWNERS
Creek Tree Program
In 2008 the Creeks Division initiated a Creek Tree Program, designed to improve wildlife habitat and riparian canopy, available to creek side property owners throughout the City. This voluntary program provides the installation of native trees and irrigation at no cost to property owners for projects costing up to $1,000, and 25% of the cost for projects up to $5,000 (for a maximum homeowner contribution of $1,000).
Since the program’s inception, 23 property owners have participated in the program, resulting in a total of 300 native trees planted on creek side private properties in the City.
Invasive Plant Removal Program
Giant reed (Arundo donax), is one of the most prolific invasive plants along creeks in Southern California. Since 2014, the Creeks Division has worked with the California Conservation Corps and the Santa Barbara County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office on a long-term project to remove this plant from Santa Barbara’s creeks and surrounding areas in order to improve wildlife habitat and water quality, while also improving flood and fire protection.
Work on both public and private property has resulted in approximately 370,000 square feet of Arundo being removed from our local watersheds, and over 700 native trees planted to revegetate areas where Arundo was removed.
Mission Creek Steelhead Passage Projects
The endangered Southern California Steelhead Trout is native to streams and rivers along the Pacific Coast from Santa Maria to the Mexico-United States border, including Mission Creek in the City of Santa Barbara. Steelhead trout are born in freshwater streams and rivers, where they typically spend their first year, then migrate to the ocean where they spend most of their adult life. Adult steelhead trout are anadromous, meaning they migrate from the ocean up into freshwater streams and rivers to spawn. Urban development in the City, along with the construction of Highway 101 and the concrete Caltrans Channels, had created barriers to steelhead migration on Mission Creek, blocking access to spawning habitat in the upper watershed.
The Creeks Division has constructed three projects to remove these barriers on Mission Creek. In 2010, at the Tallant Road Bridge over Mission Creek at Oak Park, over 2,000 square feet of concrete was removed from the creekbed, and a series of large riffles and pools were installed. The bridge was modified to include a low flow channel that allows steelhead to migrate upstream during periods of low to medium flows.
At the concrete-lined Caltrans Channels along Highway 101, the Creeks Division developed a design that includes a low flow channel with resting areas at specific intervals to allow fish to swim upstream during and following rain events. The 0.3 mile Upper Caltrans Channel (from Los Olivos Street to Pedregosa Street) was completed during the summer of 2012, and the 0.8 mile Lower Caltrans Channel (from Arrellaga Street to Canon Perdido Street) was completed during the summer of 2013. The Creeks Division, National Marine Fisheries Service, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife continue to monitor Mission Creek for steelhead.
UPCOMING CREEK RESTORATION EFFORTS
Arroyo Burro Open Space
The Arroyo Burro Open Space is a 21-acre open space park across Las Positas Road from Elings Park, and just upstream of the Arroyo Burro Estuary Restoration Project, Douglas Family Preserve, Arroyo Burro County Beach Park, and the Watershed Resource Center.
The first phase of restoration, completed in 2018, was designed to improve creek water quality and wildlife habitat conditions through the restoration of floodplain habitat, removal of non-native and invasive vegetation, and stabilization of eroding creek banks. Portions of the creek banks were re-graded to create floodplains, reduce bank erosion, and improve riparian habitat for native species. 7,500 native plants and trees were installed at the project site.
Phase II of the project is currently in the final design phase, and construction is expected to begin in 2021. This second phase of restoration at the Open Space will include the installation of a footbridge from Las Positas Road over Arroyo Burro into the park, the restoration of the Campanil tributary drainage, and improvements to the existing trails to improve drainage and park visitor experience. Over 2,500 native plants will be installed as part of the Phase II project.
Andrée Clark Bird Refuge
The Andrée Clark Bird Refuge is a 42.4-acre open space park with a 29-acre lake on East Cabrillo Boulevard across from East Beach. Currently the lake averages approximately three feet deep, receives minimal freshwater input from nearby drainages, and a tide gate keeps water from flowing out to or in from the ocean. The Creeks Division is in the permitting phase of a restoration project at the site, scheduled for construction in 2021/22. The project will improve important coastal wetland and beach habitat, and improve water quality and odors within the lake.
Proposed project elements include construction of a treatment wetland to reduce pollutants from storm water runoff before it enters the lake, and removal and replacement of the weir dam and weir gate to better control the flow of water into and out of the lagoon. The project will also include restoration of approximately 1.4 acres of sand dune, salt marsh, and mudflat habitat around the beach lagoon, and restoration of five acres of habitat around the perimeter of the lake and on the islands. Finally, the project includes management of the sand berm at the mouth of the lagoon on East Beach to encourage breaching of the lagoon during storms.
WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Runoff water pollution comes from human activities throughout the City, which deposit or leave pollutants on buildings, parking lots, driveways, streets, sidewalks, lawns, and gardens. Wind, irrigation, leaking pipes, and natural groundwater movement can transport pollutants during dry weather, leading to a diffuse mixture called “non-point source” pollution. During rain storms, runoff water flows over and through the urban landscape, picking up the pollution and transporting it to our storm drains, creeks, and finally to the ocean. Once pollutants are in the creeks they can harm aquatic life, including aquatic plants, invertebrates, amphibians, and fish, and pose a threat to human health. Not all pollutants are directly toxic to creek critters; fertilizers are harmful indirectly due the fact that they can cause drastic oxygen depletion.
Pollutants generated by human activities include pet waste, trash, sediment (even “clean” dirt can be harmful in the creeks), oil and other auto fluids, soap and disinfectants (from washing cars, driveways, parking lots, roofs, and walls), herbicides and pesticides (these are highly toxic), human waste (direct and diffuse from leaking pipes), fertilizers, and microplastics.
These pollutants contain chemical and biological agents, such as metals, hydrocarbons, sediment, pathogens, nutrients, and surfactants, that are known to be harmful. There are also numerous associated “contaminants of emerging concern,” including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and flame retardants that can enter creeks, although their impact is less understood. Finally, activities that alter the flow of water can be harmful, including added hardscape which leads to higher flows during storms, and removal of water during dry periods.
Water Quality Monitoring and Research
Creeks Division staff use scientific methods to understand which pollutants are the most harmful and how they are being transported to the creeks, then try to find the sources of pollutants and eliminate them if possible. The approaches include chemical and microbiological testing, toxicity testing, and ecological analysis (bioassessment). Staff collect water and sediment samples from creeks, storm drains, estuaries, beaches, and runoff from roofs, sidewalks, and streets throughout the City and in reference locations. Testing is also conducted at the upstream and downstream end of restoration and water quality improvement projects.
Samples are tested onsite for field parameters, e.g. pH and conductivity, at the City’s Wastewater Laboratory for microbiological tests, and at additional outsourced laboratories for chemical and toxicity tests. Automated data loggers are deployed in several locations to collect information over longer periods of time. Research methods include DNA testing to determine if human waste is present in storm drains and creeks, smoke testing and filming storm drains to look for leaks, and investigating storm drains with the help of sewage sniffing dogs. Staff also use modeling to examine the role of water quality improvement projects and programs throughout the City in reducing pollution.
Monitoring over the past twenty years has shown that some pollutants that were of initial concern are not the worst offenders, while others are worse than we initially suspected. For example, extensive testing has ruled out metals as a class of high concern for aquatic organisms, with the potential exception of dissolved copper (Creeks staff will continue to follow research advances on copper toxicity to salmonid olfactory senses).
On the other hand, pesticide testing in early years showed mostly “non-detects.” Now that laboratories have lower detection limits available due to advances in testing, more frequent detections are found. Other pesticides, called “new-use pesticides,” were scarcely sold when the Creeks Division was formed; now they are commonly detected due to their widespread use.
The information gathered from ongoing monitoring helps to direct Creeks Division projects and programs, identify trends and emerging pollutants of concern, gauge the success of completed capital projects, and refine research questions. Annual water quality reports are produced and posted online at sbcreeks.com.
Beach Water Quality
Over the past 20 years one of the main water quality research topics pursued by the Creeks Division is beach water quality for swimmers. The primary concern for swimmers and surfers is pathogens from human waste and sewage. When the Creeks Division formed, nearly all beach water quality was assessed by measuring levels of fecal indicator bacteria such as E. coli and enterococcus. While these bacteria are still measured and reported by the County, as required by State law, it has been shown that they do not work as well as other indicators to really understand when and where human waste is present.
Since 2004 the Creeks Division has partnered with Dr. Patricia Holden of the University of California, Santa Barbara’s Bren School on a series of research projects, largely grant-funded. Research has shown that most of the fecal indicator bacteria leading to beach warnings in Santa Barbara are from birds and dogs and do not likely pose a health risk to humans (but please clean up your dog’s poop!). Untreated sewage was found to be reaching storm drains in several locations and the leaks were fixed immediately. Human waste along creek banks can also be flushed to the creeks and oceans during storms.
Ongoing research continues to surveil creeks for signs of new sewage leaks and also to understand extremely low but persistent signs of human waste markers in the urban ocean environment. Swimmers and treated wastewater are two hypothesized sources that cannot be ruled out; concentrations are so low the results do not likely signify a health risk.
Bioassessment Monitoring
Since 2002, the Creeks Division has hired Ecology Consultants, Inc. to conduct annual bioassessment monitoring of our local creeks. Bioassessment is the use of ecological data and analysis to determine whether water quality is impaired. At each site, benthic (bottom-dwelling) macroinvertebrate organisms, such as aquatic insects, are collected and identified.
Pristine sites are known to have high numbers of organisms that are sensitive to pollution, such as mayflies, while impaired sites have a higher number of organisms such as midges, which are known to be more tolerant of pollutants. The results are used by the consultant to generate an Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) to simplify comparisons among locations and points in time.
The Creeks Division uses bioassessment results to compare the condition of different creek locations, track water quality changes over time, and follow progress of creek restoration projects. In most years, reference sites (those considered to be nearly undisturbed by development) usually have much higher IBI scores than disturbed urban stream sites. Floods, fires, and drought lead to lower IBI scores even in reference sites. Understanding the natural variation at the reference sites helps us interpret data from more disturbed sites.
The past twenty years of data analysis have shown that IBI scores are highly diminished in urban areas. Climate-related impacts (including fire and subsequent sediment erosion) can deplete scores just as drastically as urbanization, with the difference that the scores bounce back at the reference sites one to three years after the event.
More recently, Creeks Division research has detected a decline in sensitive species (mayflies) that is not due to climate. We suspect that the decline is caused at least partially by pesticide pollution. Another significant finding is that some restoration sites can struggle to attain a high IBI score; even though the habitat has improved considerably, it appears that the lack of connectivity to an upper watershed prevents re-colonization of the sites by sensitive species.
Drought and Water Quality
Drought harms creeks in several ways, and the situation appears to be getting worse. Some pollutants can be more concentrated as the clean background flow decreases. Most drastically, when creeks dry up for entire reaches, nearly all of the aquatic organisms that make up the base of the food chain die. The spatial and temporal extent of drying was extensive during the recent previous drought.
On the other hand, with no rain to wash pollutants into our creeks and ocean, beach water quality often improves during drought conditions, as measured by fecal indicator bacteria. Beach Report Card grades, released by Heal the Bay, generally improve during drought.
Pesticides in Our Creeks
After years of infrequent and spotty detections of pesticides in Santa Barbara creeks, in 2014 the Creeks Division decided to test for neonicotinoid pesticides (“neonics”) due to concerns about toxicity to pollinators. One of the neonics, imidacloprid, was found in every creek tested that year.
Additional testing revealed imidacloprid in runoff from streets, sidewalks, and even rooftops and parks with no pesticide use. With grant funding and a partnership with UCSB and USGS researchers, several locations were tested extensively. Surprisingly, imidacloprid was found at low levels long after surface flow ceased.
An additional pesticide known to be highly toxic is fipronil, and improved testing with lower detection limits have revealed fipronil is nearly as pervasive in Santa Barbara as imidacloprid. More recently, additional neonics are being produced and sold, and these are starting to be found in our creeks as well. The most recent testing has shown that pesticides are present during storms even at relatively pristine reference sites.
Future research will target the extent of pollution in upper watersheds, routes of pesticide transport to these sites, and potential ecological impacts. Neonics and fipronil are of great concern because of their toxicity to pollinators and aquatic life. At low concentrations, the neurotoxins can lead to lower insect populations in streams, and potentially reduce the bird population due to less available food supply.
Neonics are found in many gardening products, even those that do not appear to be a pesticide, such as “all in one” lawn, flower, and tree-care products. Even those who garden organically may be surprised to know that seedlings are often treated at nurseries prior to purchase. Professional pest control companies also use these products to treat ants and termites. Flea and tick treatments and collars usually contain new-use pesticides. Lastly, some building products and outdoor fabrics contain these poisons.
Be an informed consumer and visit the “Our Water Our World” displays at local garden centers and home improvement stores to learn the best practices for reducing pesticide use.
Groundwater, Infiltration, and Creeks
While infiltration has emerged as the most successful way to treat urban runoff, much remains unknown about the role of infiltration on large and small temporal and spatial scales. The Creeks Division will pursue research to understand the movement of shallow groundwater (as opposed to deeper groundwater tapped for drinking supplies) to create base flow for local creeks.
The research will pursue an understanding of how long it takes infiltrated runoff to reach creeks from different areas of the City, and how long it takes to remove pollutants during this process.
Microplastics
In late 2020, the Creeks Division worked with Dr. Patricia Holden of UCSB’s Bren School to obtain a grant from UCSB’s Associated Students Coastal Fund to study microplastics in Santa Barbara’s storm water.
Microplastics are plastic fragments that range from 1 nanometer to <5 millimeters in size. UCSB graduate students Timnit Kefela and Becca Reynolds are conducting the research, with the assistance of Creeks Division staff collecting storm water samples.
This project seeks to measure the amount and the type of microplastics present in Santa Barbara’s storm water, and to determine how measures such as street sweeping and storm drain screens may reduce microplastics reaching the storm drain network, creeks, and ocean.
During two storms in January 2021, samples were collected from Laguna Channel, which showed that numerous microplastic particles, fragments, fibers, and film are present in local storm water.
Sample collection will be completed in March 2021, followed by laboratory work, data analysis, and production of a report on the project to be completed and presented to the Creeks Advisory Committee in June 2021.
“Heal the Ocean was ecstatic about Measure B when it came together to be voted on by the community - a funding mechanism to achieve the means to fix our creeks and waterways, to reduce polluted runoff to the ocean? It was a dream come true! And now, 20 years later, we have seen the formation of a strong Creeks Division to carefully manage these funds. We are as enthusiastic about Measure B as when it came up for a vote, and what it has brought to the health of the Santa Barbara environment is immeasurable.” -Hillary Hauser, Executive Director, Heal the Ocean
Water Pollution Enforcement
The Creeks Division employs a full time Code Enforcement Officer who proactively patrols for and responds to reports about water pollution in the City via the City’s Water Quality Enforcement Hotline at (805) 897-2688, and an online reporting form available at SBCreeks.com.
Common code violations include dumping of dirty wash water, cleaning solvents, oil, paint, cement, and construction site runoff. When these materials are dumped on or allowed to flow into the street, they can quickly reach storm drains, creeks, and the ocean.
Once the Code Enforcement Officer has been notified of a violation, the scene is investigated to determine whether a polluted discharge has occurred. Staff provides education on strategies to prevent polluted runoff from entering waterways, and a Notice of Violation is sent to the property owner and/or polluter. If the same or similar type of violation is observed within 12 months of the initial violation, a fine is issued.
Creek Clean-Ups
Each week, the Creeks Division sends a contractor to remove trash and debris from several known problem sites for trash and dumping in the creeks and at our local beaches. Approximately 50 tons of material is removed from these locations each year, ranging from small litter items like bottles, cans, cigarette butts, plastic bags, and candy wrappers, to human waste, household electronics, couches, bicycles, and mattresses.
PREVENTING POLLUTION
Storm Water Management Program
The Creeks Division’s water quality programs and various City operations are compliant with the City’s Storm Water Management Program (SWMP), also known as the Phase II Storm Water General Permit. The SWMP includes a series of Best Management Practices (BMPs) and measurable goals designed to protect local creek and ocean water quality.
The SWMP describes how the City will comply with federal Clean Water Act and State Water Resources Control Board requirements through enforcement of runoff pollution rules, construction site runoff management, post-construction storm water requirements for new development and redevelopment projects, pollution prevention plans for City facilities, and public education and community participation.
Technical Guidance Manual
In 2020, the Creeks Division revised the City’s Storm Water BMP Technical Guidance Manual (Manual), which is intended to assist developers, designers, engineers, architects, and homeowners in the design and implementation of BMPs for storm water protection.
The Manual provides guidance on how to capture and treat storm water runoff from development and redevelopment projects in order to meet the requirements of the SWMP. The Manual and the SWMP are both available online at SBCreeks.com.
"I have greatly appreciated all of the assistance Creeks Division staff have provided me over the years associated with my developing storm water treatment systems to serve the various residential and commercial projects that I have worked on in the City.” -Michael Viettone, Michael Viettone Civil Engineering
DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS
Storm water and runoff from impervious (hard) surfaces are major sources of creek and ocean water pollution. The Creeks Division continues to seek opportunities to install water quality-friendly demonstration projects in the City to promote Low Impact Development (LID) in an effort to improve local creek and ocean water quality. LID aims to improve water quality by mimicking predevelopment conditions, usually by containing or slowing storm water, and allowing it to soak into the ground.
Permeable Pavers
The Creeks Division has installed several permeable paver demonstration projects throughout the City. When it rains, the pavers allow storm water to flow between the bricks into the layers of compacted rock below, and slowly soak into the ground. Pollutants are naturally treated by microbes in the soil, and the rain water can help recharge groundwater. A total of 201,701 square feet of impermeable surface has been replaced with permeable pavers across the Creeks Division’s projects.
In 2011, permeable pavers were installed in the MacKenzie Park parking lot. Pavers were installed in the parking stalls and a portion of the decomposed granite path from the parking lot to the MacKenzie Adult Building and baseball fields.
In 2013, the Creeks Division received a grant from the State Water Resources Control Board to install permeable pavers in the Oak Park, Stevens Park, and Westside Neighborhood Center parking lots. At Oak Park, along Mission Creek, the previously existing asphalt in the main parking lot, stage area, picnic area, and tennis court parking lot was removed and replaced with permeable pavers throughout.
In 2015, the Creeks Division received another grant from the State Water Resources Control Board to install permeable paver demonstration projects. At Plaza de Vera Cruz, an asphalt park service road between Cota Street and Haley Street was replaced with permeable pavers.
The concrete sidewalks surrounding Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden were also removed and replaced with permeable pavers. Finally, the asphalt roadway and concrete sidewalks in the 700 and 800 blocks of North Quarantina Street were replaced with permeable pavers.
Storm Drain Diversions, CDS Units, Debris Screens
To prevent pollution from reaching our creeks and ocean, the Creeks Division has installed several projects within the storm drain system throughout the City. In 2006, two storm drain diversions were installed to divert urban runoff into the sanitary sewer system during dry weather. These two locations, one on Haley Street in the Mission Creek Watershed and the other on Hope Avenue in the Arroyo Burro Watershed, were known to have high levels of indicator bacteria, which contributes to poor creek and ocean water quality.
In 2001 and 2002, the Creeks Division installed a trash interceptor in the Parks Yard and a Continuous Deflection Device (CDS) unit on Haley Street. These units prevent trash and sediments from reaching the creek by separating it from the storm water and base flow in the storm drain pipes before it reaches the creek. The trash and sediments are vacuumed from the units and disposed of regularly.
In 2011, the Creeks Division installed 1,400 debris screens on storm drains throughout the City. The screens prevent litter and leafy debris from entering the storm drain system and flowing into our creeks, and allow it to be picked up by street sweepers. To prevent flooding, the screens retract during heavy rain to allow storm water to flow through.
Spencer Adams Park Ocean Friendly Garden
In 2012, the City’s Creeks, Parks, and Water Resources Divisions collaborated with the Surfrider Foundation and Green Gardens Group to install an Ocean Friendly Garden at Spencer Adams Park at 1216 De La Vina Street. Community members volunteered their time and participated in hands-on workshops to learn how to design and install rain gardens.
The previously existing lawn was removed and replaced with a constructed dry creek bed, rock, and native plants, and a rain gutter downspout from the roof was redirected into the garden. The project serves as a demonstration to homeowners to show how they can help prevent polluted runoff and protect local creek and ocean water quality by installing their own rain gardens.
Curbside Demonstration Projects
In 2019, the Creeks Division installed a curb cut on Carpinteria Street to allow storm water from the street gutter to flow into the adjacent parkway for infiltration. The existing soil in the parkway was removed and replaced with gravel and buried hollow chambers. Once the chambers and gravel areas fill with storm water, excess storm water continues to flow down the street.
In 2020, the Creeks Division worked with the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara to replace impervious decomposed granite installed in the parkways along the 700 Block of Olive Street with permeable mulch. This allows storm water falling on the parkways and portions of the adjacent sidewalk to infiltrate into the ground instead of running off into the storm drain system.
Bohnett Park Storm Water Infiltration Project
Currently under construction, the Bohnett Park Storm Water Infiltration Project is part of a larger park improvement project being constructed by the Parks and Recreation Department. The storm water portion of the project includes the installation of underground infiltration chambers that will capture, treat, and infiltrate storm water runoff from the neighborhood surrounding Bohnett Park.
The chambers are being installed under the play field and will provide a dual purpose of storm water treatment and recreation space. Retaining this storm water on site and allowing it to slowly infiltrate into the ground will help improve water quality in Old Mission Creek.
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
Educating and involving community members in water quality improvement and creek restoration activities is essential to the long-term health of our creeks and beaches, as we are all potential sources of pollution. The Creeks Division oversees a robust public service announcement campaign each year, and enlists volunteers to participate in native planting days, creek and beach clean-ups, and storm drain marking efforts. Educational materials such as brochures, posters, and coloring books are provided at community events and upon request.
Educational programming and field trips are provided to school-age youth in the City, presentations are given to local community groups and organizations, and the Creeks Division participates in and hosts various community events throughout the year. The Creeks Division also conducts a public opinion survey approximately every five years designed to gauge the community’s awareness of creek and ocean related issues, including sources of and solutions to water pollution.
The Creeks Division also installs visual reminders such as creek bridge signs, storm drain markers, and interpretive signage throughout the community. Signs on bridges that pass over our creeks include the creek name and the message “flows to the ocean,” and metal markers on storm drains display the message “No Dumping, Flows to Ocean.” Interpretive signs are installed at restoration and water quality improvement project locations to provide context and information for community members visiting the sites.
Volunteers
Volunteers play a large role in keeping our creeks and beaches clean. Various community organizations, local businesses, school groups, scout troops, church members, and individuals have volunteered their time to help install native plants at creek side locations, participate in creek clean-ups, and install storm drain markers throughout the City. More than 7,750 hours of volunteer time has been donated to Creeks Division projects and programs since July 2005.
Adopt-a-Beach
Since 2007, the Creeks Division has worked with the California Coastal Commission as the Adopt-a-Beach Manager for beaches within the City of Santa Barbara. To become an official Adopt-a-Beach group, local businesses and organizations commit to cleaning a specific beach throughout the year.
Recent participants in the program include Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, Santa Barbara Urban Creeks Council, Hyatt Mar Monte, Starbucks (Cliff Drive store), RightScale, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center, US Coast Guard MSD Santa Barbara, Invoca, and Phi Theta Kappa of Santa Barbara City College.
Previous participants have included the Chumash Maritime Association, the Boys & Girls Torch Club, Macy’s Partners in Time Program, Word of Life Christian Center, Okeanos Swimwear, Brooks Institute, SBCC Beach Angels, and Loyola Marymount University Alumni. These groups have donated hundreds of volunteer hours removing litter and debris from our beaches.
Youth Education
The Creeks Division contracts with Explore Ecology to provide free in-class watershed education and field trips to students throughout the City. During the recent Covid-19 pandemic, Explore Ecology quickly restructured their programming to provide online presentations and virtual field trips of local creeks and the Watershed Resource Center.
Over 3,000 students per year participate in this program to learn about sources and effects of water pollution, and what they can do to help protect local creek and ocean water quality.
Over the years the Creeks Division has also worked with the Parks and Recreation Department’s Summer Nature Camp, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary’s MERITO program (Multicultural Education for Resource Issues Threatening Oceans), Wilderness Youth Project, local scouting groups, and more to provide educational presentations to school-age children. These students have participated in restoration project tours, native planting efforts, beach and creek clean-ups, and water quality testing activities.
Community Events
Community events and festivals provide great opportunities for Creeks Division staff to interact with community members on a one-to-one basis. Staff provide informational tables and volunteer opportunities at various events throughout the year including the Earth Day Festival, the Harbor and Seafood Festival, the BBQ and Landscape Expo, and the City Trash and Recycling Division’s Looking Good Santa Barbara event.
Creek Week
Each September, the Creeks Division partners with the County of Santa Barbara Project Clean Water, City of Goleta, City of Carpinteria, the University of California, Santa Barbara, and Explore Ecology to organize Creek Week - a week-long series of events to help build awareness and stewardship of local creeks and watersheds. Various community organizations and businesses also participate by hosting events throughout the week.
Community members dedicate their time and energy to beach and creek clean-ups, help with native planting efforts, attend educational presentations, and enjoy bird walks and nature tours.
September 2020 marked the 21st annual Creek Week, which primarily included online talks, presentations, and events due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Community members were invited to participate in a storm drain chalk art contest, and to clean up their own neighborhoods as part of Coastal Cleanup Month. Previous years’ events have also included a logo contest, a photo scavenger hunt, movie nights at Arroyo Burro County Beach Park, tours on the Land Shark, and much more.
Media Campaigns
The Creeks Division conducts an extensive water quality outreach campaign each year, running public service announcements (PSAs) in English and Spanish on television and radio, placing print advertisements in local newspapers and magazines, digital advertisements on local news websites, and running ads on the interior and exterior of Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) buses. In recent years education campaigns have focused on water pollutants including litter, cigarette butts, automotive fluids, lawn and garden chemicals, pet waste, and general awareness of the storm drain system.
Recent television campaigns have featured parodies of popular movies featuring the slogan “Don’t Let Litter Ruin Your Scene,” and a series of ads in which an angel and devil appear on the subject’s shoulders to try to convince them to do the “right” or “wrong” thing related to common water pollutants.
The Creeks Division also created a campaign starring our very own superhero Creekman, with live appearances at local community events and comic book superhero themed giveaways. Creeks Division and City TV staff are currently developing a new set of PSAs featuring original music created by local musician Zach Gill.
Community-Based Social Marketing
The Creeks Division has partnered with the County of Santa Barbara and the Cities of Carpinteria, Goleta, Lompoc, Buellton, Solvang, Santa Maria, and Guadalupe in recent years to conduct Community Based Social Marketing (CSBM) campaigns intended to change community behavior. In 2015 the “Close the Poop Loop” campaign targeted pet waste with bright outreach materials featuring different breeds of dogs on posters placed throughout the community, postcards distributed to pet supply stores and veterinarians’ offices, and a pledge/giveaway for dog owners.
The Creeks Division is currently participating in a countywide “Our Water Our World” campaign that provides outreach materials in local garden centers and home improvement stores. Fact sheets about how to deal with common pests and shelf tags highlighting less toxic products are displayed, and community members are encouraged to use organic products and gardening techniques whenever possible. More information on less toxic products and pest control techniques are available at OurWaterOurWorld.org.
Online Outreach and Social Media
The Creeks Division’s website, SBCreeks.com, provides information on projects and programs, as well as links to various reports and studies prepared by and for the Creeks Division. A pollution reporting form is available online, as well as a list of Clean Creeks Certified Businesses. The Creeks Division sends out an email newsletter to over 950 subscribers each month, which includes updates on projects, programs, community events, and volunteer opportunities.
Since 2011 the Creeks Division’s social media presence has grown to include Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages, as well as a YouTube channel to share videos and presentations. During the current pandemic, with opportunities for public events limited, the Creeks Division pivoted to online events with a series of “Watershed Wednesdays” presentations. Staff began hosting interactive activities and project tours via Facebook Live, which have provided a great way to show community members project sites that are harder to access, and to respond to live questions and comments from viewers.
Clean Creeks Certified Businesses
In 2005, the Creeks Division created the Clean Creeks Certified Business Program. Participants in this voluntary program meet with staff to inspect their place of business to ensure they are using best management practices to protect creek and ocean water quality. Once certified, they are provided with a window decal and a certificate signed by the Mayor identifying them as a Clean Creeks Business.
Certified businesses are promoted through the Creeks Division’s website, at community events, and through advertisements in local media outlets. Since the program began, a total of 301 local businesses have been certified, including 175 restaurants and caterers, 34 automotive businesses, 39 mobile washers, and nine contractors.
Business Assistance Program
Once businesses are certified, they are eligible for the Creeks Division’s Business Assistance Program, which was launched in 2008. This small grant program provides businesses with special equipment, free of charge, to help protect local creek and ocean water quality. Since the program began, 47 businesses have been provided with equipment.
"Congratulations on the first 20 years! As a hotelier and a past member of the Creeks Advisory Committee, it is my great joy to see the many accomplishments of the City’s Creeks Division. I am truly looking forward to seeing what comes next! That these projects are funded by the City’s hotels makes me so proud. Thanks for your tireless work. Keep it up!" -Paul Bullock, General Manager, The Eagle Inn
CREEKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
In December 2000, the City Council established the Creeks Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Citizens Advisory Committee (Creeks Advisory Committee) to advise City staff, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and City Council on creek restoration and water quality programs funded by Measure B. The Committee is made up of seven volunteers, appointed by the City Council, representing the hotel and lodging industry, ocean users, environmental and land use experts, and the community at large. Liaisons from the City Council, Planning Commission, and Parks and Recreation Commission also attend.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend the meetings (currently via GoToWebinar), and are invited to sign up for E-Subscriptions at SantaBarbaraCA.gov to receive email notice prior to each meeting. Meeting schedules, agendas, minutes, and information on how to apply to be a member of the Committee are available online at sbcreeks.com. Monthly meetings are broadcast on City TV Channel 18, streamed live online, and archived online.
BUDGET AND FUNDING
The City of Santa Barbara operates on a two-year budget cycle. Each year, the Creeks Division plans the coming year’s budget for operating expenses related to day-to-day activities, including water quality monitoring, capital project maintenance, outreach efforts, and much more.
The Creeks Division also revisits its Six-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) annually. The CIP provides a means for the Creeks Division to plan and set aside funds for upcoming projects over the long-term. The Creeks Division’s Fiscal Year 2021 – 2026 CIP includes 17 projects in various stages of planning and implementation.
The Creeks Division is fortunate to have dedicated funding through Measure B, and has been successful at leveraging these funds to secure approximately $19 million in local, state, and federal grant funding for various projects over the last 20 years.
Fiscal Year 2020 Budget
In Fiscal Year 2020 (July 2019 through June 2020), the Creeks Division received approximately $3 million from Measure B, the 2% tax on hotel visitors approved in 2000. These funds were supplemented by interest income of $248,468, and grant awards totaling $300,000.
Of $2.8 million in program expenditures, approximately 51% was invested in water quality improvement efforts, 24% in creek restoration projects, and 25% in community outreach and education programs.
Fiscal Year 2021 Budget
In Fiscal Year 2021 (July 2020 through June 2021), the Creeks Division is projected to receive approximately $2.9 million from Measure B and $253,000 in interest income.
Of $2.6 million in projected program expenditures, approximately 52% is budgeted for water quality improvement efforts, 25% for creek restoration projects, and 23% for community outreach and education programs.