Chapter 1 - Caltrans - State of California

Chapter 2 Affected Environment, Environmental Consequences, and Mitigation Measures
Subsequently, the area was federally classified as a geologic hazard area.
According to the Ventura County Coastal Area Plan, La Conchita is “an older residential
community, about two miles south of the Santa Barbara-Ventura County Line, east of
U.S. Highway 101, that encompasses 19.0 acres and is zoned “R-B” (Residential-Beach)
and “C-C” (Coastal Commercial).” A gas station and convenience store is located at the
corner of Surfside Avenue and Santa Barbara Avenue, however, it is not currently
operational. A produce stand is situated on railroad right-of-way, near Santa Barbara
Avenue that provides residents and visitors with fresh produce daily. On the plateau of
Rincon Mountain, sparsely populated agricultural and open space uses are present. To
the northwest of La Conchita, avocados are being cultivated. Farther northwest is the
9.8-acre Phillips Petroleum La Conchita Oil and Gas Processing Facility (Tank Farm)
which is no longer active. Agricultural uses and livestock are located immediately
adjacent to La Conchita.
Recreational opportunities within this community are primarily provided by the beach.
While not intended for this purpose, beach users currently utilize a Department
maintained drainage tunnel, located between Oxnard Avenue and Sunland Avenue, for
beach access. The landscaping near the culvert is maintained by the community. In
addition, parking is available along Surfside Avenue. Figure 2.1-2 illustrates the land
uses of this community and the surrounding area.
Major employment centers are located outside of this area, the nearest commercial
services are located in Carpinteria, approximately 4.3 miles north of La Conchita, and
accessible only via U.S. 101. These services include neighborhood retail and grocery
services.
Mussel Shoals
The least populated of the communities within the study area, Mussel Shoals is composed
of mostly larger single-family residences and the Cliff House Inn, a 24-room hotel and
attached restaurant, established in 1923. In 1924, Mussel Shoals was subdivided into 66
lots. In 1956-7, the Richland Oil Company built an island off Mussel Shoals for oil
drilling. According to the Ventura County Coastal Area Plan, Mussel Shoals is “a 5.6-
acre mixed-density residential area. It is located west of U.S. Highway 101 and the Old
Coast Highway, and is zoned “R-B” (Residential Beach” and “C-C” (Coastal
Commercial).” The community is connected via two main streets, Old Pacific Coast
Highway and Old Rincon Highway/Breakers Way and Ocean Avenue. A homeowners
association covers the residences along the north side of Breakers Way. Rincon Island,
IS/EA VEN-SB US101 HOV Project 24