 |
KUSP LandWatch
News |
 |
KUSP provides a brief Land Use Report on KUSP Radio. Tune in every weekday at 6:33 or 8:49 am. KUSP is at 88.9 FM in General Coverage, 105.9 FM in Big Sur Valley, 91.3 FM in Palo Colorado Canyon, and 91.7 FM in San Ardo. Archives of past transcripts are available here. Week of December 8, 2003 to December 12, 2003
The following Land Use Reports have been presented on KUSP Radio by Gary Patton, Executive Director of LandWatch Monterey County. The opinions expressed by Mr. Patton are not necessarily those of KUSP Radio, nor of any of its sponsors. Monday,
December 8, 2003 – Three Boards of Supervisors At any rate, this is all by way of saying that land use decisions made by Boards of Supervisors are extremely important. Tomorrow, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors is considering a “Right to Farm” ordinance. That’s agenda item #80. Their meeting starts at 9:00 o’clock. The Monterey County Board of Supervisors will be considering a legal issue that could cut off the rights of neighbors in Spreckels to protest a major new development. That’s agenda item #S-8, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. A proposed Gallo winery is item #S-7. In San Luis Obispo County, the Board will consider changing its growth management system. The meeting begins at 9:00 a.m., and this is item #C-2. You can get more information by clicking on the Land Use Report link at www.kusp.org. For KUSP, this is Gary Patton.
Tuesday,
December 9, 2003 – Coastal Commission LCP Review Professional planners argue that most new growth should be directed into cities, to make the most cost-effective and economical use of existing infrastructure, and to help preserve and protect agricultural land and natural resources. That’s great, but no law requires good planning. It’s a matter of political decisions, made at the local level by city council members, and by members of the County Board of Supervisors. This is specifically why people need to get involved, if they care about the consequences of those planning decisions. There is a great exception to the basic rule I just outlined. In the coastal zone, the State has established a set of specific standards that local governments must follow. It’s the job of the State Coastal Commission to make sure that local governments follow those directions. Tomorrow, in a meeting to be held in San Francisco, the Commission is going to review how Monterey County is doing. Turns out, they need to do better, at least according to the Coastal Commission staff. Lots of information is available. Click on the Land Use Report link at www.kusp.org. For KUSP, this is Gary Patton.
Wednesday,
December 10, 2003 – Monterey County Planning Commission It would be hard to overemphasize the importance of the decision that’s pending on this proposed project. Today, sometime after 11:40 this morning, the Monterey County Planning Commission will consider what to do, and the public is invited to testify. The United Farm Workers, and Spreckels residents, are expected to be present and protesting the way this item is being handled. At this stage, most of the debate is actually about “procedural” rather than “substantive” issues. Paving over 27 acres of prime farmland for a factory and an office building, and sending over 900 large trucks a day down narrow roads and streets in and adjacent to Spreckels, clearly does raise “substantive” concerns. However, the “procedural” issue is this: shouldn’t Monterey County prepare an Environmental Impact Report on this proposed project, prior to making the substantive decision. The County staff says “no.” The Planning Commission is going to decide. For KUSP, this is Gary Patton.
Thursday,
December 11, 2003 – City of Monterey Study Session Self-government requires us to get involved ourselves. Many are quite dissatisfied with what seems to be happening in our local communities. My experience with local government, and it’s going on thirty years now, has convinced me that the democratic process actually does work, especially at the local level, but only when there is sustained and vigorous public participation. End of speech. Here’s a participation opportunity I’d like to highlight this morning. This afternoon, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., the Monterey City Council will hold a joint meeting with a number of their Board and Commission Chairs, including the Chairs of the City Planning Commission, the Historic Preservation Commission, and the Architectural Review Committee. This meeting is open to the public. It’s a good opportunity for Monterey City residents to “scope out” how they might get involved in the future. Check the KUSP website for more information. For KUSP, this is Gary Patton.
Friday,
December 12, 2003 – Alco Water Receivership On the Monterey Peninsula, water issues are “hot spots” of community controversy, and everyone is quite aware of the connection between new development and water availability. In North Monterey County, continuing groundwater overdraft is perhaps the greatest challenge facing local residents. The proposed desalination plant at Moss Landing, intended to solve water problems on the Peninsula, may or may not provide any solution for the North Monterey County overdraft crisis. Questions of institutional competence can also affect local water supplies, and impact land use and development. The Alco Water Company, which serves areas in and around Salinas, is now in a receivership. North Monterey County residents have a big stake in what happens. If you’re interested, a hearing has been set for Wednesday, December 17th, in Suite 214 of the Quadrangle Building, 1000 South Main Street, in Salinas. Get more information at www.kusp.org. For KUSP, this is Gary Patton.
Archives of past transcripts are available here |
Home | About LandWatch | Issues & Actions | LandWatch News
Citzen Resources | Membership | Publications | Calendar
Archives | Search | Links | Contact Us
Site Design and Management by
all materials ©1999