The More Mesa Preservation Coalition (MMPC) dedicated the Valerie Olson Coastal Access Trail sign on Tuesday, October 27th, 2026, at the Mockingbird Lane entrance to More Mesa, as The Santa Barbara Independent reported. The ceremony honored Valerie Olson, President Emeritus of the MMPC, for her extensive and dedicated efforts spanning decades to safeguard More Mesa from development that could harm the natural landscape. Over 30 MMPC supporters attended the brief dedication to acknowledge Olson's contributions to local conservation.
During the event, County Supervisor Laura Capps and Linda Krop, Chief Counsel for the Environmental Defense Center, addressed the attendees. Both speakers underscored the critical importance of protecting More Mesa for the community and highlighted Valerie Olson’s pivotal role in these conservation endeavors. Their remarks reinforced the long-standing value of the natural open space to the Goleta area and the broader Santa Barbara County coast.
Dan Gira, President of the More Mesa Preservation Coalition, also spoke at the dedication. He detailed key initiatives undertaken by Olson throughout her nearly 30 years of commitment to preserving More Mesa. Gira also provided an update on the MMPC’s ongoing "Save More Mesa" campaign. This current initiative aims to acquire and permanently protect 265 acres of More Mesa, which are currently listed for sale. The campaign represents a significant effort to secure the future of a substantial portion of the area.
The More Mesa Preservation Coalition is actively collaborating with two established conservation organizations: the Trust for Public Land and Santa Barbara’s Environmental Defense Center. These partnerships are crucial in the MMPC's pursuit of permanent conservation for More Mesa. The collaborating organizations have a proven track record of successfully protecting other cherished local landscapes in the region. Their previous achievements include helping to secure the Ellwood Mesa Open Space, the Douglas Family Preserve, and the initial 200 acres of the San Marcos Foothills Reserve. These past successes provide a foundation of experience and strategy for the current "Save More Mesa" campaign.
While acknowledging that significant land acquisitions such as this can require considerable time to finalize, the coalition expressed a tone of cautious optimism regarding the prospects of the current effort. The dedication ceremony not only celebrated Valerie Olson’s past achievements but also served to galvanize support for the MMPC's ongoing mission to ensure More Mesa remains a protected natural resource for future generations in Goleta and the surrounding communities.
