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CALIFORNIA
COASTAL COMMISSION
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8-29-07 - Calif. Coastal Commission has agreed to extend (or "toll") the deadline for 90 days, from Monday, August 13, 2007 to Tuesday November 13, 2007, for Monterey County and the Pebble Beach Co. to file suit challenging the Commission's June 13, 2007 action to deny the proposed amendment to the Local Coastal Program (MCO-1-07 Measure "A" 2000). This proposed amendment would allow major zoning and policy changes in the Del Monte Forest Land Use Plan to permit further expansion of commercial development in Del Monte Forest.
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6-14-07 - Coastal Commissioners VOTED to DENY PEBBLE BEACH Co's MEASURE "A" INITIATIVE which saved the Del Monte Forest. The Commissioners unanimously denied certifying proposed major changes in land use policies and zoning for the Del Monte Forest Local Coastal Program at the public hearing in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, June 13, 2007.
After David Potter's motion to approve Measure A had failed 8 - 4, the commission then voted unanimously to deny certifying the ballot measure.
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6-02-07 - The Monterey Herald reports the Coastal Commission staff recommends denial of Measure A, the Pebble Beach development initiative in 2000.
6-01-07 - The California Coastal Commission staff has recommended denial of the Pebble Beach Co.'s proposed redevelopment plan (Measure A) due to inconsistencies with state Coastal Act policies.
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5-23-07 - The Coastal Commission hearing on Measure "A" is set for June 13, 2007 in Santa Rosa. Let the Coastal Commissioners know you views on Pebble Beach Company's development plans. Send your comments to the Commissioners by Friday, June 8, 2007.
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5-18-07 - PEBBLE BEACH PROJECT HEADS BACK TO COASTAL COMMISSION: One year after the Pebble Beach Company withdrew its application for a new golf course, equestrian center and 160 hotel rooms in Del Monte Forest, the California Coastal Commission is expected to revisit the ballot measure that cleared the way for the development and put hundreds of acres of Monterey pine forest into open space preserves when voters approved it in November 2000.
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4-23-07 - At their April 11th public meeting in Santa Barbara, the Coastal Commissioners directed their staff to place the P.B. Co.'s MEASURE "A" INITIATIVE on the Agenda for their June 13-15, 2007 public meeting in Santa Rosa. This changes the last report wherein the staff indicated this major AMENDMENT to the Del Monte Forest Land Use Plan (with Policy and Zoning changes) would NOT be on the Commission's agenda until May, 2008.
The CCC staff has advised that more information on this important item will be provided in a few weeks. |
3-29-07 - Coastal Commission to vote on extending TIME LIMIT for one year to MAY 22, 2008 for Commission ACTION on Pebble Beach Co.'s Measure A" Initiative, Major Zoning and Policy changes in Del Monte Forest Land Use Plan - Amendment No 1-07. See Commission Notice and Memorandum for the April 11, 2007 public hearing in Santa Barbara.
PEBBLE BEACH
Coastal Commission to weigh time limit on Measure A amendments
A request by Monterey County to extend the time limit for action on Measure A amendments for its Local Coastal Program for Pebble Beach will be heard by the state Coastal Commission when it meets April 11 in Santa Barbara.
The commission will convene at 9 a.m. at Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara.
The amendments call for land-use modifications and zoning designations for 24 areas encompassing approximately 600 acres of mostly undeveloped land in Del Monte Forest.
The commission will only consider the time extension request.
- Also find this reference on the Coastal Commission website http://www.coastal.ca.gov/mtgcurr.html "Monterey Co. LCP Amendment No. 1-07 (Measure A in Del Monte Forest). Time Extension Only. Public hearing and action on extension of time limit to act on request by Monterey County to modify its LCP land use and implementation plans within Del Monte Forest LCP segment as directed by Measure A initiative, including modifying land use and zoning designations for two dozen distinct areas encompassing over 600 mostly undeveloped acres owned by Pebble Beach Company, and eliminating visitor-serving unit caps at Spanish Bay Inn and Pebble Beach Lodge in order to facilitate and help implement Pebble Beach Company’s development and preservation plans for its remaining holdings in the Forest. (DC-SC)"
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3-24-07 - According to Charles Lester, Coastal Commission Deputy Director, Commission Public Hearings should be held in June, July, or August on PEBBLE BEACH CO.'s MEASURE "A" Initiative. This voter-approved Amendment to the Local Coastal Program includes major policy and ZONING CHANGES in the Del Monte Forest. The Commission Staff has not changed its position that Measure "A" zoning would be at odds with the Coastal Act.
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2-26-07 - Roster of California Coastal Commissioners has recently changed. On February 13th the Governor replaced Meg Caldwell with Steve Gary Blank,who is on the faculty of the University of California, Berkeley, Hass School of Business. On June 1, 2006 Khatchik Achadjian was selected as the South Central Coast Representative to replace Dan Secord, M.D. from Santa Barbara.
- For the full roster and information about the new Commissioners go to www.coastal.ca.gov/roster.html. The next Commission public meeting in Monterey will be March 14-15, 2007. Their agenda does not include expected proposed new Pebble Beach Company applications; however there will be time for short comments from individuals on subjects not on the agenda.
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01-23-07 - On January 23, 2007 the County Supervisors directed their staff to RE-INITIATE the process of obtaining COASTAL COMMISSION CERTIFICATION of P.B. Co.'s MEASURE"A" INITIATIVE, a Local Coastal Program (LCP) amendment, including their Resolution No. 07-024, to the California Coastal Commission for commission consideration.
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1-18-07 - Pebble Beach Co. has not abandoned its pursuit of developing property in Del Monte Forest. Recent correspondence from the Coastal Commission staff indicates the Company continues to pursue their FOREST PRESERVATION and DEVELOPMENT PLAN (PDP) PROJECTS at the COUNTY level.
For more information on Pebble Beach Co.'s plans,
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12-15-06 - Coastal Commissioners reject Staff's recommendation and approved Cal Am Water Co's proposed pilot Desal Plant at Moss Landing. The Water Co's request to increase water rates was approved by the state Public Utilities Commission on Thursday, December 14th.
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12-14-06 - Coastal Commissioners approved Pebble Beach Co's plan to build a seawall below the 5th green on P. B. Golf Links. The 160-foot seawall will head off erosion of the bank at the shoreline in the area.
- For more details CLICK here for the Monterey County Herald's December 8, 2006 story, "Coast panel OKs Pebble seawall" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (external link).
- CLICK here for the Carmel Pine Cone's December8, 2006 story, "Seawall to save 5th Hole at Pebble" on their web site, www.carmelpinecone.com (external link).
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12-11-06 - The Coastal Commission staff recommends approval of the PEBBLE BEACH CO's proposed SEAWALL along the coastal bluff below the Fifth Hole of the PB Co. Golf Links Course. Commissioners will review the application Wednesday, December 13th at their public hearing meeting in San Francisco.
The Surfrider Foundation opposes the seawall claiming that it willl eventually destroy the public beach in the area. The Foundation will consider legal action if the seawall is approved by the Commission.
- For more information CLICK here for the Monterey County Herald's December 11, 2006 story, "Seawall plan has support" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (an external link).
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12-8-06 - Coastal Commission staff rejects the Cal Am Water Co's proposed experimental pilot desalination plant at Moss Landing. Commissioners will make a decision at their public hearing in San Francisco next week.
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12-06-06 - As reported earlier on this website, on December 5th County Supervisors rescinded their earlier approval of Pebble Beach Co.'s major commercial expansion plans in Del Monte Forest that included another new golf course, new Equestrian Center, additional hotel rooms, conference rooms, underground parking garages, new golf cottages and 30 new lots.
During the public hearing, Charles McKee, County Counsel, said they expect to submit PB Co.'s Measure "A" Imitative to the Coastal Commission again at the Commission's public hearing in March, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Monterey. A revised PB Co. commercial expansion plan application is expected to be submitted to the Supervisors at a later date.
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12-06-06 - The California Coastal Commission District Manager, Steve Monowitz, sent the County Supervisors a Dec. 4th letter which provided important information for the Supervisor's concerning any future PB Co. development plans. The letter makes it very clear that the proposed Measure A Local Coastal Plan amendment is INCONSISTENT with the Coastal Act and refers to their June 14, 2006 recommendation to the Commissioners to DENY this proposed amendment. The letter also indicates they believe that there are significant opportunities for potential new visitor-serving redevelopment in the Forest that can be accomplished without adversely impacting sensitive coastal resources.
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11-28-06 - PEBBLE BEACH COMPANY DEVELOPMENT PLANS (2001 Applications) to be on County Board of Supervisors December 5th agenda. The PB Co. and the County Planner for this project, Carl Holm, will ask the Supervisors to rescind their final approval of Coastal Development Permit, 2001 Applications for their Del Monte Forest development plans. The PB Co. will then ask the Coastal Commissioners to review their Measure “A” Initiative (rezoning of Del Monte Forest.) Later they will resubmit modified development plans to the County.
Details of the PB Co.’s modified plans for Del Monte forest will be published later. The changes will include a new location for the proposed new Equestrian Center and changes in the proposed Golf Academy and driving range along Congress Road near the Spanish Bay Resort.
- For more information CLICK here to read the Monterey County Herald's November 28, 2006 story, "Pebble Beach Co. tries new strategy" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (an external link).
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10-29-06 - Letter to Herald's Editor - "Protect Native Species" from Mark Massara, Sierra Club, provides important facts concerning Alan Williams' comments in the Herald's Oct. 23rd story about the survivability of Yadon Piperia orchids. Williams indicated Pebble Beach Co. is working with Monterey County on a revised plan for their Major Commercial Development plans in the Del Monte Forest.
Mark Massara's letter states... "Until it <P.B. Co.> refrains from destroying the last coastal native Monterey Pine forests and all the wild life in them, neither the California public nor the Coastal Commission will want anything to do with it <the new development plan.>"
- To read the whole letter CLICK here for the Herald's October 29, 2006 LETTERS, "Protect Native Species" (on this website ).
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10-20-06 - Sierra Club proposes a public forum in Pebble Beach wherein the public and the California Coastal Commission can offer suggestions and guidelines for the inevitable future development of Del Monte Forest.
The Concerned Residents throughout Monterey County are urged to write to the Commission about the future of Del Monte Forest. Address your concerns to:
Meg Caldwell, Chair
California Coastal Commission
Stanford Law School
559 Nathan Abbott Way
Owen House Room 6
Stanford, CA 94305-8610
The Sierra Club has provided proposed wording that urges Ms. Caldwell to host a workshop or public forum in which the public and the Commission can offer suggestions for the future development of Del Monte Forest.
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 10-23-06 - Pebble Beach Co. now working with Monterey County to RESUBMIT a format (for new development projects in Del Monte Forest) that will be more consistent with Coastal Commission standards, per Alan Williams. The U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to designate more than 2,300 acres (including areas in P.B. Co. property) as critical habitat because of existing Yadon Piperia. This native plant was designated as an endangered species six years ago. It is a wild orchid plant with small white flowers on a slender stalk.
Public comment on the proposed listing of critical habitat for the Yadon Piperia will be accepted until December 18. Send your comments to: Field Supervisor, Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office, 2493 Portola Road, Suite B, Ventura, CA 93003.
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8-11-06 - COUNTY's LATEST UPDATE OF THE GENERAL PLAN now available. The Planning Commission will begin a series of Public Hearings on August 16th at 1:00 PM in Salinas. The Coastal Commission District Planner, Rick Hyman, sent the County Planning Director, Mike Novo, a letter on July 25th providing comments on the policies included in the recent updated General Plan.
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MEASURE "A" WITHDRAWN BY MONTEREY COUNTY SUPERVISORS FROM COASTAL COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING THAT WAS SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14 AT THE FOUNTAINGROVE INN IN SANTA ROSA
6-14-06 - Monterey County Supervisors, by a 4-0 urgency vote without public notice on Tuesday morning, requested Measure "A" to be removed from today's Coastal Commission agenda. Supervisor Dave Potter in a letter to the commission which stated there was too much confusion about what was before the Coastal Commission, that Measure A was being confused with the project itself. P.B. Co. attorney Tony Lombardo agreed with county officials, adding that the coastal staff report would have made it impossible to get a "fair hearing." Commission Executive Director Peter Douglas commented on the delay by saying, "I have my suspicions, but the reality is there is no confusion about what is before the commission..." Douglas indicated the commissioners cannot take action but will meet and probably discuss the implcations of the delay. Public comments can be expected at the hearing regarding this matter.
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7-19-06 - Monterey County Supervisors, Pebble Beach Co. and also the Herald reporters continue to provide the public with confusing stories about MEASURE "A", the P.B. Co. Initiative that voters approved in Nov. 2000. Measure "A" does NOT cover an application for a development plan in Del Monte Forest. However, Measure "A" DOES make MAJOR CHANGES IN ZONING AND LAND USE POLICIES for the LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM (Del Monte Forest Land Use Plan.)
The Supervisors did NOT pull P.B. Co.'s plans from the Coastal Commissioners June 14th agenda" as reported in the Herald today. Only Measure "A" was withdrawn from the agenda by a last-minute request of the Supervisors. The P. B. Co. appears to have requested the Supervisors to withdraw Measure "A" as they felt the Commissioners would not approve it.
Concerned Residents of Pebble Beach and Monterey County believes the only way the Measure "A" major ZONING and POLICIES amendments can be changed is by going back to the voters and obtaining approval of new changes with another ballot measure.
- For more details CLICK here for the Monterey County Herald's July 19, 2006 story, "County reaffirms meeting action" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (an external link).
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6-16-06 - At the Coastal Commission public hearing in Santa Rosa on June 14, Peter Douglas, Commission Executive Director said the Commission's Staff has spent thousands of hours preparing the P. B. Co.'s Measure "A" Staff Report. He estimated the County withdrawing the item from today's public hearing agenda cost $10,000 to $12,000. A representative from Concerned Residents of Pebble Beach reiterated Douglas' comments and added, "This is one more example of the Board of Supervisors making decisions at the expense of the taxpayers."
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6-15-06 - Monterey County Supervisors action to cancel their request for a Coastal Commission public hearing and decision on the P. B. Co.'s Measure "A" Initiative is questioned by many. This only cancels action on the proposed major zoning and policy changes in the Forest Land Use Plan covered in Measure "A". The P. B. Co.'s proposed development projects will take separate action later by the Commissioners and cannot be considered until Amendments are made to the LUP.
The headline in the Herald's new story refers to "Project hearing canceled" and their story quotes representatives of the developer, P. B. Co., which imply they want to change the Measure "A" Initiative that was approved by the voters in November 2000. The cancelled Hearing was on an Amendment to the Forest Land Use Plan, NOT on P. B. Co.'s projects. County Supervisor, Dave Potter, was challenged during the "Public Comment" period at the Coastal Commission hearing in Santa Rosa on June 14th. Those attending wanted to now why the Supervisors' action was not covered in their agenda with advance notice to the public. After the hearing, Mr. Potter said, "There needs to be some clarity, given what Measure "A" has done... etc." During the public hearing Mark Masarra, attorney for the Sierra Club, made it very clear that there is no confusion in the wording of Measure "A".
- CLICK here to read the June15, 2006 Monterey County Herald story, "P. B. project hearing canceled" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (external link).
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MEASURE "A" WITHDRAWN FROM THE
COASTAL COMMISSION JUNE 14, 2006 PUBLIC HEARING
June 13, 2006: MONTEREY COUNTY SUPERVISORS' ACTION during their board meeting this morning voted to withdraw "Amendment No. MCO-1-05 to the Monterey County Local Coastal Program/Land Use Plan for the Del Monte Forest."
Dan Carl of the Coastal Commission staff reported the LCP will not be considered by the Coastal Commission at this public hearing tomorrow, Wednesday, June 14, 2006 in Santa Rosa.
theKSBWchannel.com
POSTED: 12:09 pm PDT June 13, 2006
UPDATED: 12:15 pm PDT June 13, 2006
Pebble Beach Golf Course Proposal Withdrawn
Coastal Commission Was To Vote On Plan Wednesday
SAN FRANCISCO -- The developer of a high-profile Pebble Beach golf project backed by actor Clint Eastwood withdrew its proposal Tuesday, a day before a state agency was scheduled to vote on the plan.
The California Coastal Commission had been set to vote Wednesday on plans submitted by Pebble Beach Co. for an 18-hole golf course, a driving range, an equestrian center, 160 new hotel rooms, a conference center and underground parking.
But the Monterey County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to officially withdraw the proposal after the company said it wanted to revise the plan to address environmental concerns raised by the Coastal Commission.
Coastal Commission biologists said in a report earlier this month that a proposed golf course would destroy rare pine trees and hurt an endangered orchid species in the Del Monte Forest. |
Monterey County Herald
Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2006
County withdraws Del Monte Forest plan
The Board of Supervisors today asked the state Coastal Commission to withdraw the Del Monte Forest plan from the commission agenda Wednesday.
In a stunning move that follows years of controversy following the passage of Measure A by voters in Monterey County in 2000, supervisors agreed to send a letter to the Coastal Commission seeking a withdrawal of the proposal.
"The county believes it will be valuable to revisit the language in Measure A to determine if there is a course of action for commissioners to consider other than the 'all or nothing' recommendation proposed by the commisison staff," according to the letter.
The commission is scheduled to consider the plan and Measure A on Wednesday. The proposal would call for a new golf course, a driving range, 160 new hotel units, 36 home lots and a relocated equestrian center. It would also place hundreds of acres in Pebble Beach in permanent conservation easement.
The staff for the commission has recommended denial of the project.
The withdrawal was supported by the owners of Pebble Beach Co., according to Anthony Lombardo, an attorney for the company, who said the commission staff did not fairly analyze the mitigations proposed by the county and the company.
For more, see Wednesday's edition of The Herald |
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MEASURE "A" WITHDRAWN BY MONTEREY COUNTY SUPERVISORS FROM COASTAL COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING THAT WAS SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14 AT THE FOUNTAINGROVE INN IN SANTA ROSA
6-14-06 - Monterey County Supervisors, by a 4-0 urgency vote--without public notice--on Tuesday morning, requested Measure "A" to be removed from today's Coastal Commission agenda. Supervisor Dave Potter in a letter to the commission which stated there was too much confusion about what was before the Coastal Commission, that Measure A was being confused with the project itself. P.B. Co. attorney Tony Lombardo agreed with county officials, adding that the coastal staff report would have made it impossible to get a" fair hearing." Commission Executive Director Peter Douglas commented on the delay by saying, "I have my suspicions, but the reality is there is no confusion about what is before the commission..." Douglas indicated the commissioners cannot take action but will meet and probably discuss the implications of the delay. Public comments can be expected at the hearing regarding this matter.
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6-13-06 - The Monterey County Herald recommends, "The plan should be denied."
- CLICK here to read the Editorial in the June13, 2006 Monterey County Herald, "Del Monte plan should be denied" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (external link).
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| 6-12-06 - New article in Los Angles Times restates, "… the Pebble Beach Co. has no legal entitlement to subdivide Monterey pine forest."
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6-11-06 - Today's Herald newspaper story covers the showdown vote to be made on Wednesday, June 14th in Santa Rosa by state Coastal Commissioners on P. B. Co.'s Measure "A" Initiative, Amendment No. 1-05 to the County Local Coastal Program/Del Monte Forest LUP - which changes Zoning and Policies required to allow the Company's development plans.
Tom Lippe, attorney for the Sierra Club is quoted.."Given the (Commission's staff report, any deviation from it would be political." Alan Williams for P. B. Co says the staff report disregards county voter support. (NOTE: voters thought they voted to protect the Forest, not an excessive commercial expansion in many areas of the Forest.) Allowing the zoning and policies changes would "set an extremely adverse precedent" for hundreds of conservation areas in the coastal zone per the staff report.
Mark Massara of the Sierra Club is concerned about State Speaker for the Assembly, Fabian Nunez, abruptly appointing new Alternate Commissioners that could put a new pro-development alternate on the Commission panel for Wednesday's public hearing.
- CLICK here to read the Monterey Herald's June 11, 2006 story, "P. B. plan hits tipping point" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (an external link).
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6-09-06 - PB Co's attorney wrote to the Coastal Commission Chairperson on May 12th about "Mapping Errors" and zoning for the Upper and Lower Sawmill Gulch area where Scenic and Conservation easements were required as a condition for the Spanish Bay development in the mid 1980s.
This letter is part of "Exhibit 10" to the June 2nd Coastal Commission Staff Report/Recommendation to DENY approval of Measure "A".
Carl Nielsen, co-chair of the Concerned Residents of Pebble Beach and Monterey County, also wrote to the Commission Chairperson explaining how "creative editing' has been used by the P. B. Co. attorney, Anthony Lombardo, trying to prove his point about allowing a commercial equestrian center on the Sawmill Gulch sites. Mr. Nielsen urges the Commissioners to uphold the existing easements and the "Open Space Forest' zoning on these sites and to find Measure "A" inconsistent with the Coastal Act.
CLICK here to read P. B. Co.'s attorney's Tony Lombardo's 4-page letter about "mapping errors" to the Coastal Commission; and read Mr. Nielsen's letter in response to the Commission (on this website ). |
6-09-06 - Pebble Beach Co. presents Development Project "Alternatives" to the Coastal Commission. The June 2nd Commission's Staff Report/Recommendation, provides the public with a copy of a May 26th letter from the PB Co's attorney to the Exec. Director of the Commission proposing changes in their development plans. These changes should not be considered at the June 14th public hearing which is only about Measure "A", a proposed Amendment No. 1-05 with major Zoning and Policy changes to the Monterey County Local Coastal Program/Del Monte Forest LUP.
Our organization and many others will urge the Comissioners to vote NO on P. B. Co.'s Measure "A" Initiative (Amendment No. 1-05 to the LCP/LUP) at the public hearing on June 14th in Santa Rosa. The proposed major changes in Zoning and Policies covered in Measure "A" for the future development of the Del Monte Forest will have an adverse impact on the environment in the Forest and quality of life for the residential community.
One of the proposed "Alternatives" covered in P. B. Co.'s attorney's letter of May 26th is "The Relocation of the Proposed Equestrian Center from the Sawmill Gulch Quarry to the P. B. Co. Corporation Yard." This Alternative plus other late changes propsed in the letter by P. B. Co. should be covered in a completely new permit application to the County and later to the Coastal Commission.
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6-09-06 - Today's Carmel Pine Cone newspaper provides facts about the PB Co's Measure "A" Initiative and the Coastal Commission's Staff recommendation to vote against the proposed major changes in Zoning and Policies for future development of the Del Monte Forest. It also includes information about a May 26th letter the PB Co's attorney sent to the Coastal Commission Exec. Director, Peter Douglas, outlining proposed "Alternatives" in their proposed development projects, including another site proposed for the new equestrian center.
This news story mentions the Company's proposal to move the planned equestrian center from the Sawmill Gulch site to the Company's Corporation Yard area at Sunridge and Lopez Roads. However, it does not mention several other late changes proposed by the Company in an effort to obtain approval of their Measure "A".
The Coastal Commission's public hearing in Santa Rosa on June 14th is ONLY about Measure "A". Any proposed changes in the Company's development plans must be covered in a completely new permit application to the County and later to the Coastal Commission.
The Pine Cone story quotes Alan Williams, president of the Carmel Development Co., planner for the P. B. Co.'s proposed commercial expansion plans as saying, "About the only people we have against us is the Sierra Club and the Coastal Commission staff. Mr. Williams seems to have forgotten that twenty two individuals and organizations, including Concerned Residents of Pebble Beach and Monterey County, sent the Commission appeals of the County's decision on Measure"A".
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6-07-09 - Governor appoints a new COMMISSIONER to the COASTAL COMMISSION. KHATCHIK ACHADJIAN has been appointed to replace Dr. Dan Secord as the South Central Coast Representative. Contact him today. Urge him to vote No on the proposed Pebble Beach Co. major Amendment to the Monterey County Local Coastal Program/Del Monte Forest LUP (Measure "A") at the June 14th public hearing in Santa Rosa. His address: 1055 Monterey St. Room D-430, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. Ph: 805-781-4337.
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| 6-03-06 - New letters to Coastal Commissioners with reasons why they should vote NO to P.B. Co's Measure "A" Initiative and expansion of commercial development projects in Del Monte Forest.
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5-29-06 - "Corporate Greed" is the heading on a new letter to the Editor in today's Herald. More letters are expected as the California Coastal Commission's public hearing on Pebble Beach Co's Initiative, Measure "A" is scheduled in Santa Rosa for June 14th. It's not too late to send your opinion to the Commissioners about the proposed major expansion of commercial developments in Del Monte Forest.
- CLICK here to read the "Corporate Greed" letter to the Editor (on this website.)
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3-26-06 - Letters to the Editor and newspaper articles about the P.B. Co.'s MEASURE "A" INITIATIVE continue to be published. The Sacramento Bee published a story about the Coastal Commission Public Hearing earlier this month. The writer, Herbert. A. Sample, refers to the P.B. Co.'s "Project" throughout his story. Measure "A" is not about a "Project." It covers major changes in Zoning and Policies in the Del Monte Forest Local Coastal Plan/Land Use Plan to allow excessive commercial development projects later.
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3-20-06 - Today's' L.A. Times news story includes some interesting quotes. From Charles Lester, Coastal Commission Deputy Director, "Once something is identified as environmentally sensitive habitat, you just aren't allowed to develop it." From Alan Williams for P.B. Co., "It [the P.B. Co.] might be wiling to relocate the equestrian center to a less sensitive spot, for instance. But the golf course and guest suites will be harder to give up."
Another quote in the story: From Mark Massara, an attorney for the Sierra Club, "The idea they can cut down 18,000 trees and do all this development in the forest s a flight of fancy. That discussion is over."
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3-17-06 - Sara Christie, a legislation coordinator with the California Coastal Commission is quoted in a recent issue of the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal. "The Coastal Act protects environmentally sensitive areas and the area we're talking about is entirely sensitive habitat. We don't see any way you can build a golf course in the area without negatively impacting this protected habitat."
- For more quotes and current information on the P.B. Co.'s Measure "A" Initiative and pending applications for development, CLICK here to read the March 17, 2006 story in the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal, "Pebble Beach golf plan back in the rough" on their web site, www.sanjose.bizjournals.com (an external link).
- Or CLICK here to read the full article (on this website.)
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3-10-06 - At the Public Hearing yesterday, March 9, 2006, the Coastal Commissioners and the public heard testimony from the commission's staff, Pebble Beach Co. representatives, a Monterey County representative, and individuals with comments for and against the Measure "A" Initiative.
Peter Douglas, Executive Director of the Coastal Commission, advised all in attendance that, within the next few months, their staff is expected to complete their analysis of the very complex changes in ZONING and POLICIES that Measure "A" would make in the Del Monte Forest 1984 Local Coastal Plan if it is certified. He estimated that the next Commission hearing on Measure"A" would be held in June, 2006 at Santa Rosa.
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3-08-06 - PETER DOUGLAS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION advised the Commissioners and the public at a briefing meeting before their tour of Del Monte Forest, that the Commissioners will probably be able to ACT ON THE MEASURE "A" INITIATIVE amendment to the Land Use Plan/Local Coastal Plan at a future meeting, probably in June when they meet in Santa Rosa.
Mr. Douglas made this estimate on future Commission action and a Public Hearing as the Commission Staff has not completed their in-depth analysis of Measure "A" and will not be able to provide the Commission and the public with a Final Report and Recommendations for several months. |
3-08-06 - On Wednesday, March 8, 2006, the Coastal Commission Staff took the COMMISSIONERS on a TOUR of DEL MONTE FOREST to view the many areas where PB Co.'s commercial expansion projects are proposed and the LAND USE ZONING will be changed IF MEASURE"A" IS CERTIFIED.
The Commissioners saw where at least 17,000 trees would be removed and where the proposed commercial development projects would impact the nearby residential neighborhoods.
- For more details CLICK here to read the Herald’s March 9. 2006 story, “On the Path of Measure A” on their website, www.montereyherald.com (an external link).
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2-25-06 - The California Coastal Commission Staff on February 24, 2006 released their letter (TH8b) to "Commissioners and Interested Persons" regarding the MONTEREY COUNTY LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM MAJOR AMENDMENT NO. 1-05 (PEBBLE BEACH CO.'s MEASURE "A" INITIATIVE.)
This 81 page letter covers many of the major changes in the Del Monte Forest Land Use Plan (Local Coastal Program.) However, it states "NO RECOMMENDATION FOR COMMISSION ACTION IS BEING MADE AT THIS TIME." The letter covers important facts about Measure "A" that will no doubt be discussed at the Commission's Public Hearing in Monterey on March 9th at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
The Staff letter includes the following: "Staff has not completed its review of the proposed amendment, which includes both land use plan and implementation amendments directly affecting over 600 acres of land in some two dozen distinct locations within the Del Monte Forest area."
At this time, Staff anticipates completing its review of the proposed amendment in the NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS and bringing the matter to the commission for action.
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12-23-05 - EACH CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSIONER received a small potted Monterey Pine tree decorated with hand-written notes/ornaments at their December 15th meeting in San Francisco. The Sierra Club representatives made the presentation of the small trees to highlight the adverse impact that will be created if the Commissioners approve PEBBLE BEACH CO.'s plan to CUT DOWN 17,000 MONTEREY PINES FOR ANOTHER GOLF COURSE IN DEL MONTE FOREST.
The chairperson of the Great Coastal Places (Sierra Club group), Tarren Collins, told the Commissioners, "We hope when you return home to your families and the holidays that you will take a moment to read some of the insightful comments from your neighbors and constituents and realize that there is no greater holiday gift you can offer to future generations than a protected Monterey Pine forest."
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