Baron Ranch Post Storm Emergency Access Road and Bridge Repairs

Emergency repair and cleanup efforts are authorized to restore safe access along existing paved and unpaved roads and a vehicle bridge at Baron Ranch in Goleta, California, following severe storm damage between December 23, 2025, and January 3, 2026. The storms caused extensive mudslides, silt deposits, rock movement, woody debris accumulation, and severe erosion that compromised roadways and obstructed the bridge structure, impeding critical access for wildfire response, powerline maintenance, conservation activities, well operations, and emergency services. All work is confined strictly to the pre-existing footprints of the roads and bridge, with no expansion, realignment, or widening permitted. Activities include debris removal using heavy and hand-held equipment, grading of dirt roads to restore original elevations, and clearing debris wedged underneath and upstream of the bridge within the creek channel. Work will occur only during daylight hours and is subject to biological monitoring before and during operations to protect sensitive species and habitats. The project is administratively classified as an emergency action under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15269(c), which exempts it from standard environmental review procedures due to the immediate threat to public safety and infrastructure. The Santa Barbara County Public Works Department, Resource Recovery and Waste Management Division, is the lead agency overseeing the effort, with primary point of contact John Viggianelli, Engineering Environmental Planner. No formal solicitation or contract number has been issued, and no contract value, pricing, or contractor information is provided, reflecting the non-competitive nature of this emergency response. The period of performance is tied to the storm event date, with work expected to be initiated within one year. Site photos from January 9, 2026, document the extent of damage and serve as a visual reference for scope and compliance. Inspection and acceptance are managed by the county agency at the project site, with compliance measured against the removal of storm debris, restoration of pre-event road conditions, and adherence to the CEQA emergency exemption criteria. No federal acquisition regulations apply, and the project lacks standard contract administration elements such as payment instructions, accounting codes, invoicing systems, or designated contracting officer representatives, underscoring its status as a direct governmental emergency action.