| Author | Message | ||
     Sparky |
I find this hard to stomach. Santa Barbara County has forced Songdog Ranch Campground to close because of multiple land use violations. This action is apparently the result of some disgruntled neighbor or camper or maybe the county sheriff. The complete story is here. I would hate to see this fine SoCal tradition of Motorcycle Rally Camping go away because of (pick one) beaurocratic bumbling, greed, ineptitude or someone's jealosy or mean streak. The whole thing appears to be a slap against the Reveley family's way of life and livelihood. It has shut down Rev Pak, a line of motorcycle soft luggage and touring accessories. For those who may not know, the Songdog is a campground for motorcyclists. They put on rallies two times a year, the first weekends in May and October. Well, they used to. The rallies are special because it's a fully catered deal with tri-tip steak, chicken, ribs, beer & wine with camping and a local live band. Shoot, I've been going to the Songdog Rallies since 1985. The wife & I are especially fond of Spring Rallies because it usually coincides with our wedding anniversary. We have cherished memories of making the trips up Hwy 33 to go camping with fellow motorcyclists just to be able to eat, drink and be merry two or three times a year. I would hate to see this fine SoCal tradition go away. What can we do to not let this happen? The Reveley family is asking this question and I thought I'd post it on the Badweb to generate some feedback. Thanks guys, Sparky | ||
| Outrider |
That is truly sad news. In reading the document, the County has them paralyzed. There is nothing they can do without incurring fees or penalties. My best suggestion has most likely already been put into action and that is to contact all the MC Press. Hopefully, they will be able to generate a fund raising event to help out. As the County has documented land use violations, I doubt if that can be overcome. However, the funds raised can be used for expenses incurred in acquiring a new zoning designations and bringing the existing structures up to spec for a camp grounds and light manufacturing. Fortunately, the RevPak operation is a non-polluting business. However, one area that was not addressed in the letter was food service. That would be another area that could become a nightmare. I think I would forget the idea of a lousy neighbor ratting them off as their business has been heavily advertised and featured in the press for way too many years to go unnoticed. Rather I would think the motivation is perhaps one of Tax Revenue. Find a way to make both operations a positive impact on the community and with proper funding you have found the way to saving the Reveley's. | ||
| Ebear |
Sparky...........Does this mean we'll see you at OKTOBERFAST???  | ||
| Unibear12r |
Damn Sad. I live next door and I don't hear about the place till its closed. In the name of money and being politically correct those who can are sucking this state's fun factor dry. Sucks. | ||
| Coolice |
Contact the AMA P.R. Dept if you think they can help. AMA.org. | ||
| Sandblast |
Sparky we will talk about it at Oktoberfast (hint hint) | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
God I hate California, the governments I mean... There's gotta be some bikers in Santa Barbara's political good ol' boy network shouldn't there??? Grease those palms and get it re-zoned! |
