Illegal Parking Lot in Creek Bed Being Removed

Approximately 20 years ago a concrete parking lot was poured in the bed of Santiago Creek just east of Tustin Street. This was done by a private property owner without permits or approvals from either the City of Orange or the County. Since that time the property has changed hands several times and is now under the ownership of the County of Orange. The parking lot is an eyesore and interferes with the normal function of the creek bed in percolating creek surface water into our underground water table. Removal of the parking lot has been a major objective of the SCGA as part of our overall goal of creating a trail and greenway along the Santiago Creek.

Early this year the SCGA approached Supervisor Bill Campbell requesting that the County remove the concrete. The Orange County Water District has been regrading a portion of the streambed of the creek upstream of Hart Park to achieve improved water percolation and removal of the parking would provide a significant contribution to this project.

On Monday August 25th removal of the concrete parking lot was started. Supervisor Bill Campbell and several members of the SCGA were present for the event. It is estimated that 2 to 3 weeks will be needed to remove and transport the concrete to the Bee Canyon Land fill. Supervisor Bill Campbell deserves the credit for making this long-overdue project happen.

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