Photos: Solar plans stir feud in San Benito County
Little Panoche Road decends into the rural Panoche Valley in San Benito County, where Solargen Energy has proposed a 400-megawatt solar farm on 5,000 acres. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Don Douglas cools a just-forged tool in a bucket of oil on his Panoche Valley ranch, where he raises cattle, sheep and pigs. Many locals fear the proposed solar farm will ruin their livelihoods. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Kim Williams, who raises grass-fed pastured chickens in the valley, says, “They are selling us and a unique landscape out for a measly 50 long-term jobs and $24 million spread out over 20 years. Thats pathetic.” (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
A lizard soaks up sun on a rock in the valley. Residents say the solar project will further endanger three species under federal protection -- the giant kangaroo rat, the San Joaquin kit fox and the blunt-nosed leopard lizard. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
A Solargen official says the solar plant is an ideal fit for Panoche Valley, one of the sunniest spots in Central California with direct access to local Pacific Gas & Electric transmission lines. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)