Chapter 1 - Caltrans - State of California

Chapter 3 Comments and Coordination
roadway) and further north, the Santa Ynez Mountains in the background. On both sides
of the roadway, there are commercial, industrial, agricultural, and residential
developments located on the rolling hillsides.
The overall character of this landscape unit can be characterized as more urban than the
southern landscape unit due to greater development along the highway, particularly in the
City of Carpinteria. However, existing development does not encroach on the existing
natural viewsheds of the landscape unit. The vegetation along the highway obscures the
buildings and structures closest to the highway. Because of the urban development and
varied topography of this landscape unit, it can be characterized as lacking in continuity,
but having great diversity. Finally, the roadway within this landscape unit is further away
from the Pacific Ocean and offers more distant views of natural resources.
U.S. 101 Southern Portion Landscape Unit
This landscape unit encompasses Ventura County and begins near the Bates Road
Interchange and closely follows the Pacific Ocean coastline until the terminus west of the
Mobil Pier Undercrossing. Most views in this landscape unit consist of Pacific Ocean
views in the foreground, beaches and roadway in the middleground, and views of coastal
bluffs in the background. Much of the bluffs contain largely undeveloped coastal scrub
and ranch grasslands, with some agricultural uses. To the southwest of the roadway is
the Pacific Ocean with some open space and recreational areas located off the highway
between the ocean and the roadway. Residential communities visible along the highway
include Mussel Shoals, La Conchita, and Rincon Point. Views beyond the coastal bluffs
to the northeast are not visible to viewers on the road or from the residential
communities.
The overall character of this landscape unit can be characterized as rural and relatively
undeveloped, with limited residential communities. The natural setting presents open and
dramatic views of the coastal bluffs and the ocean that continue throughout the unit.
Drivers on the road are able to view the surrounding natural resources closely,
particularly the coastal cliffs and the ocean since they border the roadway. Additionally,
because the highway follows the coastline so closely, drivers may have the sense of
traveling along the edge of the ocean.
Carpinteria
The City of Carpinteria is located in the southeastern corner of Santa Barbara County.
The portion of Carpinteria adjacent to the proposed project extends from the eastern city
limits to the Casitas Pass Road off-ramp and is more developed than the remainder of the
proposed project area.
IS/EA VEN-SB US101 HOV Project 99