Katy Perry’s plan to build a youth camp has reportedly sparked backlash from the neighborhood. The singer and her sister, Angela Lerche, are reportedly seeking to develop a space for the Firework Foundation, their nonprofit organization. The project, named Gratitude Canyon, would transform a large agricultural parcel in Goleta Valley into a dedicated camp area. However, their plans have hit a hurdle, as several neighbors have reportedly signed a petition opposing the camp.
Katy Perry’s Gratitude Canyon youth camp plan reportedly sparks neighborhood backlash
Katy Perry’s plan to build the Gratitude Canyon youth camp has reportedly faced significant criticism from neighboring residents. The “Roar” singer, along with her sister, Angela Lerche, hopes to establish the Gratitude Canyon Arts and Nature Youth Camp in the Goleta Valley. As reported by Noozhawk, the project proposal outlines plans to transform the property into a dedicated camp area.
The proposed facilities would include eight cabins, tennis courts, a gymnasium, a swimming pool, counselor housing, a dining hall, and a recording studio. However, the report suggests that not the entire site would be used for camp structures, with only 3% of the property designated for development and the remainder preserved as open landscape. Santa Barbara County is currently reviewing the project, and planners have reportedly requested additional information regarding the application.
Although local nonprofits have expressed support for the camp and the foundation’s initiatives, some neighboring residents have voiced opposition. One resident, Jen Lilienstein, reportedly launched an online campaign against the project. However, she told Noozhawk that the opposition is a collective neighborhood effort. Another resident told the outlet that they had no issue with the singer giving back to the community but would prefer the camp to be located elsewhere.
Residents have raised concerns that the camp could generate excessive noise and disrupt the surrounding environment. Lilienstein reportedly said, “We are middle-class people who can’t afford to just pick up and move somewhere else because this happens.”
They have also highlighted fire safety concerns, noting that the camp is proposed for a high-fire-risk canyon with limited road access. Another neighbor, Maureen O’Brien, expressed concerns about event-related parking spilling into the neighborhood. The opposition has reportedly gained momentum, with more than 360 neighbors signing a petition against the camp.
