Sendero del Valle Preserve

A proposed federal open-space and park initiative recognizing the cultural, environmental, and historic landscape of the Vandenberg Village valley.

Initiative Status (February 2026)

Leave93436.org has formally submitted a request to Congressman Salud Carbajal to initiate discussion regarding federal park designation for APN 095-040-011.

At this stage, our focus is on procedural inquiry with relevant federal agencies to determine if this land could be evaluated for park or conservation designation. We are committed to a process that is orderly, transparent, and respectful of national security, correctional considerations, and cultural history.

Overview

Sendero del Valle Preserve is a proposed public park and protected open-space designation encompassing a non-operational portion of federal land identified as APN 095-040-011 in Santa Barbara County. The Preserve is envisioned as a managed open-space buffer providing environmental stewardship, wildfire mitigation, and controlled public access compatible with adjacent federal facilities.

The name Sendero del Valle ("Path of the Valley") reflects both the Spanish-era history of the region and the long-standing human relationship with this landscape, which lies within the ancestral homeland of the Chumash people. Any future designation or interpretation would proceed with appropriate consultation and respect for this cultural history.

Our Intent is Clear:

We are seeking the establishment of a park or protected open-space designation on this land. We are NOT proposing residential development, housing, or any form of private construction on this parcel.

Conceptual Preserve Boundary

The interactive map below shows the conceptual boundaries of the proposed Sendero del Valle Preserve. Boundaries are illustrative and subject to further review, environmental analysis, and interagency coordination.

Leaflet | © OpenStreetMap contributors

Purpose and Intent

Formalize stewardship of currently unmanaged federal land

Support wildfire mitigation and environmental protection

Clarify land-use boundaries near sensitive federal facilities

Provide controlled, appropriate public access

Deliver lasting public benefit without residential or private development

Site Context

The land in question is currently under the control of the United States Space Force, with adjacent federal use associated with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. A defined portion of this parcel appears to be non-operational, unmanaged, and not actively supporting mission or correctional functions.

At present, the absence of formal stewardship creates environmental, wildfire, and public-access concerns while providing no structured public benefit.

Cultural Recognition

We recognize that this landscape lies within the ancestral homeland of the Chumash people and carries cultural and historical significance that long predates contemporary federal use.

Any future consideration of park or open-space designation should proceed with appropriate respect for this history and with consultation where appropriate, should a formal federal review advance.

Next Steps

We recognize that any such designation would require interagency coordination, environmental review, and ultimately Congressional authorization. At this stage, our request is procedural: we respectfully ask that Congressman Carbajal's office initiate inquiry with the relevant federal agencies.

Leave93436.org is prepared to assist constructively by supporting research, community outreach, and coordination with appropriate state and federal partners.

About Leave93436.org

Leave93436.org is a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Organization (EIN: 39-3822308) and federally recognized public charity under 26 U.S.C. § 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). We work to advance long-term community, environmental, and civic interests in the Vandenberg Village area.

Contact:
2950 Broad Street #1120, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
[email protected]