Community conservation groups eye the $65 million More Mesa sale

More Mesa, the scenic coastal bluff between Hope Ranch and Goleta, hit the market last week for an asking price of $65 million. The listing suggests that the 265 acres of pristine coastal private property could be developed into 70 new homes. The property was sold to a prominent Saudi Arabian real estate investor in 2012 for $25 million.

However, some concerned community organizations say that More Mesa is one of the most environmentally sensitive pieces of undeveloped open spaces on the coast of Southern California. Additionally, they warn that the strict building codes in place in Goleta would make the property difficult to develop.

Now community groups may organize a coalition around buying the property to protect it from development.

More Mesa is the home to several native California raptors like this Burrowing Owl. Photo credit: Ray Hennessy