TRABUCO CANYON : Water District Plan Approved by Judge

A homeowners association has lost the first round in a legal battle over the proposed construction of water district administrative offices in what opponents say is a pristine, backwoods meadow.

Superior Court Judge Leonard Goldstein ruled this week that the Trabuco Canyon Water District can move forward with a two-building complex that nearby residents say is too extravagant and ruins the natural beauty of the area.

The plans for the center include a workout room and a 500-square-foot office for district General Manager Fred Sims, who will also have a tiled shower and bathtub.

“We’re very disappointed at the ruling,” said Don Chadd, president of the 660-home Trabuco Highlands Homeowners Assn. “You shake your head that this kind of thing can go on.”

The homeowners’ group tried to get an injunction against the proposed office complex. They contended that the district improperly gave notice of a public hearing on the issue and argued that the project isn’t allowed under specific plans filed with the county.

Chadd said the association plans to appeal Goldstein’s decision.

District officials were “pleased Judge Goldstein has ruled that the water district followed the proper procedures in gaining all necessary approvals to build the Operational Control Center,” said Charles Wall, president of the Trabuco Canyon Water District board of directors.

Wall disagreed with Chadd’s characterization of the offices as opulent.

“The shower is for when (Sims) has to work overnight to establish service for the district during an emergency,” he said. “There’s nothing excessive about that building. We’re not ashamed to create a good environment for our employees.”

As for complaints about the administrative offices bringing too much traffic into the wooded area, Wall said many recreational enthusiasts already use the open space.