Santa Barbara Group
Current Conservation Issues
June 5, 2007
Gaviota Coast:
Baron Ranch - Currently owned by County as a buffer for the Tajiguas Landfill. County contemplating sale. TPL attempting to negociate a trail access to the USNF lands north and conservation easements to protect visibility. One house, old and in poor shape on property. No current news.
Naples - 2nd attempt at EIR is not yet ready for review. No reliable estimate on ETA. Serious ground water pollution possible. Carol Cogan may have more details.
Makar - Proposal for two residences (more to come for western section of the property) has been in County for one CBAR review. The lack of a water supply source may make these not possible.
Simon House - Single residence; near to and visible from 101. Has been working through CBAR with strong opposition to early schemes, has a new architect and visibility will be reduced significantly by burying it into the hillside. New story poles to be reviewed by CBAR with possible preliminary approval.
Ballantyne - With a new attorney they will go directly to the Supervisors June 19th to overturn the GCC appeal of the Planning Commission’s approval. GCC has strong grounds for suit if the appeal is lost.
Tajiguas Lot X - Still being negociated with GCC and the County staff has issues which may go beyond that.
Diamond Rock Mine - Cuyamas
Easton attended Final EIR public review in Santa Maria. Strong opposition there from Ojai and Ventura County. EIR seems to have major flaws particularly regarding traffic impacts on Route 33 and Ojai which it traverses and no cumulative analysis of this and other applications for mining in this area. Chapter has Ventura County covered, SB needs to make an issue of this with the County. No current future dates for County hearings.
VENECO Applications
EDC and Fran Farina covering this. See current report.
USFS Lease for Rifle and Pistol Range
Al Sanders allegedly seeking a lawyer to sue to stop this lease agreement. What action has this Group or the Chapter taken to justify a lawsuit?
Upcoming Issues
- New Town (Brownsville?) proposed for North County is an Arguello issue. They may need our help.
- New potential conflicts of interest within APDC. (See Firestone recusal on Williamson act revisions)
- Access for All seeking local support for action on the Hollister Ranch denial of public access.
- Goleta Issues and Easton resignation