Katy Perry has faced local opposition to her proposal to establish a youth summer camp in California. Critics have characterised the proposal as a 'Trojan Horse,' alleging that it may become a year-round event centre and warning neighbours that they are 'up against a PR machine' with significant financial resources.
The proposed facility would provide a permanent home for Camp Firework, a sleepaway programme for underserved children aged 11 to 13. It's part of Gratitude Canyon, an arts and nature retreat that Perry and her sister, Angela Lerche, plan to develop in Goleta Valley through the Firework Foundation.
Hundreds of California residents are opposing Katy Perry's plans to build a 110-acre youth camp near their homes
— Interesting AF (@interesting_aIl) November 3, 2026
Neighbors fear wildfire evacuation risks, traffic and noise, while her foundation says 97% of the land would remain undeveloped pic.twitter.com/oPFAcvmuzw
Residents Question Camp Plans
Over 360 neighbouring residents have signed a petition opposing the development. They cite concerns regarding noise, wildfire safety, and activities beyond the summer camp.
The proposed development would occupy part of a 110-acre agricultural property at 183 Winchester Canyon Road. Plans include eight cabins, accommodations, a dining hall, a gymnasium, a swimming pool, sports courts, an amphitheatre, and a recording studio.
The opposition campaign estimates that the proposal could accommodate 2,410 person-visits during summer sessions, 4,992 visitors through off-season leases and four special events with up to 400 attendees each. It warns of a potential 9,000 annual visitors through the residential canyon
Resident Deborah Holmes questioned the need for such activities, telling Noozhawk, 'The idea of a nature camp is not a bad one, but why is there this thing in the application about other events?'
Wildfire evacuation is another major concern, given that Winchester Canyon relies on a single main access road for all surrounding neighbourhoods. Residents further question whether the project's safety assessments sufficiently address large-scale events and the proximity of working ranches.
Noise and Zoning Concerns
Noise is another concern. Opposition organiser Jen Lilienstein argued that the canyon's natural geography could amplify camp activities.
'The canyon is a naturally occurring bowl. We can hear waves at night when it's really quiet,' she said. 'We are middle-class people who can't afford to just pick up and move somewhere else because this happens.'
Residents have objected to an alleged rezoning from AG-II-100, which requires parcels of at least 100 acres, to AG-II-40, which permits parcels as small as 40 acres. They contend that the change could have lasting consequences for the property's future use.
Foundation Defends Development
The Firework Foundation reportedly stated that Gratitude Canyon is intended for youth programmes in the arts and environmental activities. It also stated that weddings and commercial concerts would not be permitted.
Each of the four proposed off-season events would be limited to 400 attendees and require advance ticketing, remote parking, and shuttle service. The organisation also stated that about 97 per cent of the property would remain open space, agricultural land, or landscaping.
Proposed safety measures include vegetation management, dedicated water storage, hardened structures, and acoustic assessments. According to the foundation, these assessments indicate noise levels would remain below county guidelines.
The project has received support from local organisations, including Girls Inc of Greater Santa Barbara and United Boys & Girls Club Santa Barbara. It also received positive feedback during a June presentation to the Santa Barbara County South Board of Architectural Review.
Board member Valerie Frosch described the design as 'beautiful' and 'quite likely the lowest impact' development that neighbouring residents could expect.
Approval Process Continues
Santa Barbara County's planning and environmental departments continue to review Gratitude Canyon. The project requires a General Plan Amendment, rezoning, and additional land-use approvals.
The County Planning Commission and the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors will consider the proposal in public hearings before making a final decision. An environmental scoping hearing is expected in early 2027.
