Article taken from the Santa Barbara News Press
Published with permission 

El Capitan Ranch now part of
state parks

10/9/02

STAFF REPORT

El Capitan Ranch, among the largest properties on the Gaviota coast, is now in state hands.

The Trust For Public Land said Tuesday that the 2,500-acre property has been transferred to the state parks system.

The $9.5 million ranch rises from El Capitan State Beach through oak woodlands and chaparral to the ridgelines of the Santa Ynez Mountains.

The state already owned about 3,000 acres at Gaviota State Park and El Capitan and Refugio state beaches.

The ranch is valued at $12 million, but the owners, Chuck Blitz of Santa Barbara and Roger Himovitz of Montecito, agreed to make a contribution of $2.5 million in land value. They will keep 650 acres.

In addition to the campground, the owners will retain a horse ranch and land for two homes. Mr. Blitz and Mr. Himovitz purchased the ranch from Texaco in 2000, when the entire 3,150-acre property was listed for $10.7 million.

Back | Home | Up | Next |