For the past 30 years I’ve been part of an ongoing survey of bird populations at the Carpinteria Salt Marsh, a survey that dates back to the 1970s. Every survey includes a count of all the birds we can find, along with a map showing where each species was seen. Over 50 years those maps have told the same story: the southernmost corner of the marsh, where it connects to the ocean through a narrow tidal channel, is by far the richest part of the marsh in terms of bird diversity and abundance. Shorebirds, waterfowl, and many other species congregate there throughout the year, especially during migration.
That is precisely where a house has been proposed: at 501 Sand Point Road, on the small spit of land at the marsh’s outlet.
In May 2025 the California Coastal Commission approved the project on a 6–3 vote, subject to 15 conditions. The following month, Friends of the Carpinteria Salt Marsh filed suit in Santa Barbara County Superior Court challenging that approval. (I spoke about the site’s sensitivity to bird populations during the public comment period of the Commission’s October 2025 meeting.) The written briefs in the case are now complete, and this Wednesday the case reaches its central moment: a hearing before a Superior Court judge.
Friends of the Carpinteria Salt Marsh is encouraging supporters to attend the hearing. For those interested in going:
- What: Court hearing challenging the Coastal Commission’s approval of the project
- When: Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 10:00 a.m. — arrive by 9:20 a.m. to allow time to get through security
- Where: Santa Barbara County Superior Court, 1100 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara
- Notes: Courtroom attire is required (no shorts, sandals, or hats). Attendees observe quietly; only the attorneys will address the court.
If you can’t make it Wednesday morning, you can learn more about the marsh and the case — and add your name in support — at friendsofthecarpinteriasaltmarsh.com.
— John Callender