Newhall Ranch Foes Gain Major Ally

State Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer will be permitted to throw his political muscle behind Ventura County’s efforts to quash the massive Newhall Ranch housing development proposed just across the Los Angeles County line.

Kern County Superior Court Judge Roger D. Randall this week approved the attorney general’s request to sign on as a friend of the court in the case, which is expected to be heard in March.

In that capacity, Lockyer will be permitted to file a brief up to 25 pages detailing his contention that an environmental report did not adequately analyze the impacts the project would have on plants, animals and water resources. The brief is due to be filed by Nov. 15.

Spokesman Nathan Barankin said Lockyer’s involvement probably would go beyond simply filing the brief because he believes the Newhall Ranch project may have implications statewide.

“The attorney general represents the people of California,” Barankin said. “Any time the people’s lawyer involves himself in a case, it’s viewed with great weight by all the parties involved, including the court.”

County officials were pleased Lockyer will be recognized as an ally. “It makes it very clear that this is not just a parochial issue,” said Antonette Cordero, assistant county counsel.

Newhall Land & Farming Co. officials criticized Lockyer’s involvement.

“From our perspective, it looks like a political decision that he’s making,” company spokeswoman Marlee Lauffer said.

The proposed 22,000-home project near the Santa Clara River would be built over 25 years and would represent the largest development in Southern California history.

Backed by environmentalists, Ventura County officials filed the lawsuit in May, hoping to force Los Angeles County to reverse its approval of the project.