LAFCO and Santa Paula Expansion

Re “Growing Pains: Critics Assail LAFCO Policy Change as Santa Paula Seeks to Expand,” Jan. 16, and “LAFCO Should Say No,” Ventura County editorial, Jan. 16.

This article and editorial were right on point. As one of the people shown in the group photo of those who oppose the expansion plan, I wish to state that prior to this matter the undersigned had no connection to Save Open Space and Agricultural Resources or any of the people supporting it, including attorney Richard Francis. I barely knew Bob Borrego and Jess Ornelas. I knew not at all Councilmember Laura Flores Espinosa.

But having worked in Washington D.C. in the 1960s with President Johnson and Sen. Everett Dirksen (R-Ill.), one a Democrat and one a Republican but able to work closely with one another, I must say that the three Santa Paulans mentioned above (Borrego, Ornelas, Espinosa) are three of the most clear-thinking and dedicated people working for the public good that I have seen anyplace.

Council member Robin Sullivan is wrong, in my opinion, when she suggests otherwise; I know she is wrong about the undersigned owing any debt to anyone. We do care about Santa Paula’s financial condition, its housing and its problems in general.

We believe, however, that there are better ways to increase revenue. All experts know that housing, by itself, is a losing proposition.

The Local Agency Formation Commission should uphold its earlier decision, rendered in 1998, or modify the application as suggested in my five-page submission.

RICHARD MAIN

Santa Paula

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I oppose expansion into Adams Canyon because of the many negative issues that were well stated at the LAFCO hearing.

I do support development in the Fagan Canyon area. However, I have found that my grandmother’s grave would be disturbed if access to Fagan Canyon proceeds through Cemetery Road as proposed in the city’s sphere of influence application. Obviously, if this plan were carried out, her grave site would be moved. Even taking that into account, that situation is unacceptable. My grandmother led an honorable life. I admired her for her inner strength and moral courage. I cannot let anyone dishonor her memory by moving her grave.

I know, in weighing all the considerations on this application, this might seem like a minor one. But this is just one of many reasons why I request that LAFCO deny Santa Paula’s application.

CHRIS ESPINOSA

Santa Paula

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I am writing to express my strong opposition to Santa Paula’s attempts to annex Adams Canyon for residential development. Adams Canyon, which is currently outside the city’s sphere of influence, consists of approximately 5,413 acres of open space. If the development is allowed, approximately 7,000 people would eventually reside in Adams Canyon in 2,250 dwellings.

Although city bureaucrats assure us that this development can occur without significant adverse economic and environmental impacts, the city’s own statistics suggest otherwise. According to the city, this development would result in more than 20,000 automobile trips in and out of Adams Canyon each day. To handle this traffic, the city would turn Foothill and Peck roads into four-lane highways, add several new stop lights and reconfigure several freeway ramps and city intersections. Whether these expensive changes would work is highly questionable. What is certain is that the taxpayers would ultimately pay for these “improvements.”

A host of other problems must also be dealt with. How would we provide fire and police protection to this remote canyon? How would we provide water service? How would we expand our already overworked sewer plant? How would we accommodate the increased flood risk? How much would all of this cost? Who would end up paying for it? Are the solutions even attainable or feasible?

Once again, the bureaucrats assure us that they will find solutions but they are short on specifics. The only thing we know for sure is that the overburdened taxpayers of Santa Paula will end up footing a large portion of the bill for this ill-conceived proposal.

JIM PROCTER

Santa Paula

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What’s happening to Santa Paula? I grew up here in the 1970s and then moved away and lived in Orange and Riverside counties. After 20 years, I felt it necessary to leave the urban sprawl, smog, crowded schools and road-raged drivers and return to the charm and beauty of Santa Paula. Only six months after my return I’m seeing the beginning of that which I so desperately wanted to leave.

It seems that Santa Paula wants to develop thousands of new homes in Fagan and Adams canyons. The beautiful open view of the hills and orchards would be replaced with streets, houses, traffic, noise and even more water runoff than in years past. The schools, which are so important to us as parents, would be packed. Our students would slip through the cracks because of overcrowded classrooms, inadequate facilities and emotionally exhausted teachers.

Aside from our children, let’s think about ourselves and our spouses. Many of us drive out of town to our places of employment. The freeways are already overcrowded. All we need is more cars, hustling and bustling during rush hour traffic.

We need to speak up. Write or attend the final LAFCO meeting on Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Ventura County Government Center. Your voice really does count. Get involved please, and together let’s save Santa Paula.

DEBI GILL

Santa Paula