A note received today from an individual identifying herself as cathryn jackson as posted on the blog. See my response below:
"I am a member of KIRC, I have researched the declining water quantity/availability in the western end of our county. I live in Wallace and am concerned about property rights of our existing agricultural residents, especially wells that are in trouble. As such I attended a meeting in 2006 of about 36 neighbors adjacent to the Trinitas Golf Course who had agreed to be trained in CEQA law in order to use the required Environmental Impact Report to challenge negative impacts to their environment through the county Board of Supervisors.The overdrafted East Stockton aquifer Nemee's deep wells are using has been declared in the State Water Board bulletins for 2 decades. The Govenor is currently in the news driving efforts to restore the San Joaquin delta.My comments on Trinitas's first Draft EIR involved a mathemtical analysis of the golf courses' water requirements they submitted in Chapter 12; Tables 12-1 and 12-2.The results I found, using their tables showed water consumption to be equivelent to 513 homes. Only 439 homes now exist in Wallace. No complete hydrological study of aquifer depths has been done to quantify how much population growth can even be sustained in this area. The State Regional Water Board warned Calaveras Planning Department in 2005 & 2006 not to proceed with a nearby project requesting 124 homes until surface water could be brought in. So why did the county allow this golf course to continue being built in the first place? I appreciate you offering this blog. All my comments are part of public records now.
Cathryn Jackson"
Thank you for responding Cathryn. Those are many interesting facts and figures. However, they seem to miss the point. If the East Stockton Water Aquifer is overdrafted, and I don't know that is the case...but even if it were: Trinitas didn't cause that problem, and as I said earlier, the latest information provided by the local water agency suggests that it would not...as currently planned...negatively impact the local water supply. Everyone has a right to drill their own wells, even the Nemees. That's part of our private property rights you mention in your post, and by the way the Nemees have those same private property rights. They've shared with me their commitment to maintaining the County's agricultural heritage through their olive oil agritourism business, so I am satisfied that they, like you, clearly care about private property rights AND agriculture.
With your comparison to building homes as you state above, even if that were true and I (respectfully) have seen no evidence your claim notwithstanding: would you rather have the homes built?
Regarding your study of the data, it's clear that some of the original water well data you might have used in your study was either reported incorrectly or misrepresented. You choose which, but I know this is an issue that will receive greater scrutiny when the County gets the EIR show on the road.
The golf course is private, constructed according to county zoning as far as I know. The reason for the EIR process, as you know from your CEQA training, is so that the public and government agencies have the opportunity to provide comments, just as you have done in the past. We should get on with the process of circulating the EIR document so that we can get everything on the table. I hope you agree.
Thanks for your comments!
Monday, June 30, 2008
"A welcome addition to the ever changing agricultural community"...sounds like a ringing endorsement from a guy who should know!
Letter to the Editor from Ken Churches
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 06/30/2008 05:27 PM, Updated by: thepinetree on 06/30/2008 06:50 PM
Dear Editor,
As I read a recent letter to the editor by Lew Mayhew, it seemed very clear to me that he has not taken the time to either visit the Trinitas ranch or discuss the agricultural operations there with Mr. Nemee. Agriculture holds the key to the future of Calaveras County. The preservation of the County’s rural character is of primary importance to most County residents. Agriculture maintains this rural character and creates a sustainable fundamental economic base when ....agricultural lands are defined and protected as a vital resource. Agricultural operations including agri-tourism are a major contributor to the economic engine of the County. This economic fact goes well beyond the sale of food and fiber. Agricultural operations are, in large part, responsible for the growth of tourism and the resulting restaurants, lodgings and stores. Often overlooked in this equation is the role agriculture plays in providing the County and its residents with open space, wildlife habitat, watershed protection oak woodlands, recreational opportunities, and food security.The Trinitas ranch is one of the most innovative and productive olive oil operations in the Sierra Foothills. Mr. Nemee contacted me when he had first purchased the property for advice on developing a viable olive production program. He has served for a number of years on the Calaveras Grown Board of Directors as an outspoken advocate of agri-tourism. He is not just now “reinventing” its public image as suggested. His golf course has preserved the oak trees on his property and enhanced wildlife. The view across the oak strewn course and onto the 125 year old olive orchard is rural in nature, historically significant, and very pleasing to the eyes of tourists. I view this project as a welcome addition to the ever changing agricultural community, not the rural devastation that Mr. Mayhew seems to be describing.
Ken R. Churches
San Andreas
Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 06/30/2008 05:27 PM, Updated by: thepinetree on 06/30/2008 06:50 PM
Dear Editor,
As I read a recent letter to the editor by Lew Mayhew, it seemed very clear to me that he has not taken the time to either visit the Trinitas ranch or discuss the agricultural operations there with Mr. Nemee. Agriculture holds the key to the future of Calaveras County. The preservation of the County’s rural character is of primary importance to most County residents. Agriculture maintains this rural character and creates a sustainable fundamental economic base when ....agricultural lands are defined and protected as a vital resource. Agricultural operations including agri-tourism are a major contributor to the economic engine of the County. This economic fact goes well beyond the sale of food and fiber. Agricultural operations are, in large part, responsible for the growth of tourism and the resulting restaurants, lodgings and stores. Often overlooked in this equation is the role agriculture plays in providing the County and its residents with open space, wildlife habitat, watershed protection oak woodlands, recreational opportunities, and food security.The Trinitas ranch is one of the most innovative and productive olive oil operations in the Sierra Foothills. Mr. Nemee contacted me when he had first purchased the property for advice on developing a viable olive production program. He has served for a number of years on the Calaveras Grown Board of Directors as an outspoken advocate of agri-tourism. He is not just now “reinventing” its public image as suggested. His golf course has preserved the oak trees on his property and enhanced wildlife. The view across the oak strewn course and onto the 125 year old olive orchard is rural in nature, historically significant, and very pleasing to the eyes of tourists. I view this project as a welcome addition to the ever changing agricultural community, not the rural devastation that Mr. Mayhew seems to be describing.
Ken R. Churches
San Andreas
KIRC Response
Following is a post on this site made by someone identifying themselves as jackie neill...my response is below.
jackie said...
I attended the first neeting of KIRC and there were indeed 70 people there. I am a member of and support the efforts of KIRC.My question for the DSA members would be, "How many of you live close enough to the golf course to have your quiet rural way of life ruined by the traffic and noise the golf course will bring?"We would all like to see the county be rich enough to hire more sheriff and fire personal but those of us now living on the west end of the county do not want the extra tax base to derive from a project that the county has accepted despite warnings from Public Health about water availability. We do not want to sit in long lines of traffic every weekend and we do not want golf balls in our front yards. jackie neill
June 27, 2008 2:22 PM
Respectfully jackie, I understand your concerns. The primary purpose of this blog is to expose the shenanigans of of KIRC and to give the Trinitas issue a fair airing rather than the one-sided perspective we've been hearing for a couple of years. With those goals in mind let me address your posting above.
1) There may have been 70 curious people at the first informational meeting, but how many of them actually joined the group? How many are there now? I have spoken with several people who were at the original meeting who left unimpressed with the Mayhews and their intentions. Subsequently I spoke with others who were concerned about the Mayhews stated intention to seek money to fight the Trinitas project by setting up a non profit but putting the money in their own bank account (publicly acknowledged by the Mayhews) even as they now back away from their original statements.
2) Regarding your statement about traffic and noise impacting our rural way of life, I find that whole argument disingenous at best, and misleading at worst. Everyone who has read even a little bit of the official Trinitas documents on the County website knows that the Nemees could put in a subdivision or a number of other intensive uses BY RIGHT. By continuing his agritourism operations and allowing a golf course, we get the best of both worlds - continuing agricultural operations and tax revenue and jobs w/o the impacts of a housing subdivision.
3) Warnings from Public Health about water availability? With all due respect Jackie, what warnings are you talking about? Every document I have reviewed, including those by the local water agency show no impact, or even a slightly positive impact from the Trinitas project as it is proposed today. Can you imagine if Nemee were building a huge tract housing subdivision? Now that would be a concern. Show me the documents you're talking about or post them here.
4) Jackie, I don't know how close you live to Trinitas, but even if there were a few golf balls in your front yard that would be a small price to pay for the increase in your homes value due to the proximity of the type of golf course Nemee is proposing. As to the traffic, cmon Jackie. The County is going to make Nemee mitigate for any traffic issues and my guess is that probably includes fixing some of the very roads that you and your family already use to get to your house every day.
As to KIRC, I for one would not want to be associated with any "non-profit" organization whose bank account is tied to the president's bank account. Even if they've decided to set up a separate account by now, I would question their initial lapse in judgment. What else have they done that we don't know about?
jackie said...
I attended the first neeting of KIRC and there were indeed 70 people there. I am a member of and support the efforts of KIRC.My question for the DSA members would be, "How many of you live close enough to the golf course to have your quiet rural way of life ruined by the traffic and noise the golf course will bring?"We would all like to see the county be rich enough to hire more sheriff and fire personal but those of us now living on the west end of the county do not want the extra tax base to derive from a project that the county has accepted despite warnings from Public Health about water availability. We do not want to sit in long lines of traffic every weekend and we do not want golf balls in our front yards. jackie neill
June 27, 2008 2:22 PM
Respectfully jackie, I understand your concerns. The primary purpose of this blog is to expose the shenanigans of of KIRC and to give the Trinitas issue a fair airing rather than the one-sided perspective we've been hearing for a couple of years. With those goals in mind let me address your posting above.
1) There may have been 70 curious people at the first informational meeting, but how many of them actually joined the group? How many are there now? I have spoken with several people who were at the original meeting who left unimpressed with the Mayhews and their intentions. Subsequently I spoke with others who were concerned about the Mayhews stated intention to seek money to fight the Trinitas project by setting up a non profit but putting the money in their own bank account (publicly acknowledged by the Mayhews) even as they now back away from their original statements.
2) Regarding your statement about traffic and noise impacting our rural way of life, I find that whole argument disingenous at best, and misleading at worst. Everyone who has read even a little bit of the official Trinitas documents on the County website knows that the Nemees could put in a subdivision or a number of other intensive uses BY RIGHT. By continuing his agritourism operations and allowing a golf course, we get the best of both worlds - continuing agricultural operations and tax revenue and jobs w/o the impacts of a housing subdivision.
3) Warnings from Public Health about water availability? With all due respect Jackie, what warnings are you talking about? Every document I have reviewed, including those by the local water agency show no impact, or even a slightly positive impact from the Trinitas project as it is proposed today. Can you imagine if Nemee were building a huge tract housing subdivision? Now that would be a concern. Show me the documents you're talking about or post them here.
4) Jackie, I don't know how close you live to Trinitas, but even if there were a few golf balls in your front yard that would be a small price to pay for the increase in your homes value due to the proximity of the type of golf course Nemee is proposing. As to the traffic, cmon Jackie. The County is going to make Nemee mitigate for any traffic issues and my guess is that probably includes fixing some of the very roads that you and your family already use to get to your house every day.
As to KIRC, I for one would not want to be associated with any "non-profit" organization whose bank account is tied to the president's bank account. Even if they've decided to set up a separate account by now, I would question their initial lapse in judgment. What else have they done that we don't know about?
Calaveras Taxpayers Association Endorses Trinitas Project, claims "a massive fraudulent campaign is underway to kill the project"
Calaveras County Taxpayers Association, in a press release endorsing the Trinitas project said that "a massive fraudulent campaign is underway to kill the project.” Of course that's what I have been saying all along. I have encouraged the District Attorney and other organizations to investigate the Mayhews and their front group - Keep It Rural, Calaveras. Maybe now with the spotlight on these people we'll see some action.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Note From the DSA...Well Said
A nice note from the DSA..."thank you for your wonderful support of the Deputy Sheriff's Association, it is greatly appreciated to have those of you in the community stand up and support us for speaking up for what we believe is a positive impact on our community. It is my firm belief that the Trinitas project will bring a needed boost to the economy and be the same to the western portion of the county that Ironstone has been to the folks in the Murphys community.
I have no problem with anyone's right to state a position and support an issue, what I am struggling with is the thought that those of us who protect and serve the citizens of the county and any other individual who may visit our county; do not have a right to speak out on issues that so closely affect us. I'm not quite sure the rationale in attacking us for wanting to be active and play a part in the future of the county.
I do not personally know Mr & Mrs Mayhew, but have enough respect and courtesy to allow them to voice their opinion without resorting to personal attacks, or stating that they have no business in voicing their opposition. It is my hope that as this process moves forward that sound thinking and common sense will prevail and the realization that Trinitas will benefit so many others in the county.
Again, thanks for your courage and thoughtfulness in supporting the men and women of the Deputy Sheriff's Association.
Sincerely,Tracy BusbyPresident, CCDSA
I have no problem with anyone's right to state a position and support an issue, what I am struggling with is the thought that those of us who protect and serve the citizens of the county and any other individual who may visit our county; do not have a right to speak out on issues that so closely affect us. I'm not quite sure the rationale in attacking us for wanting to be active and play a part in the future of the county.
I do not personally know Mr & Mrs Mayhew, but have enough respect and courtesy to allow them to voice their opinion without resorting to personal attacks, or stating that they have no business in voicing their opposition. It is my hope that as this process moves forward that sound thinking and common sense will prevail and the realization that Trinitas will benefit so many others in the county.
Again, thanks for your courage and thoughtfulness in supporting the men and women of the Deputy Sheriff's Association.
Sincerely,Tracy BusbyPresident, CCDSA
Thursday, June 26, 2008
That Was Quick! - KIR Membership Numbers
Already heard from a reader reminding me about an article in the Calaveras Enterprise. In that November 9, 2007 article there is a quote which says "Mark Connolly, an attorney representing the citizen group “Keep it Rural Calaveras,” a group of about 70 Trinitas opposers in the Wallace area". Let's use that as our benchmark.
Since the reporter does not say to whom that number is attributed, let's presume its from KIR itself aka The Mayhew Household. If it were ever that high to begin with (no proof offered anywhere) then it must be safe to presume that either many of the questions of those who used to belong to the group have been answered and they are no longer members or they got fed up with the leadership of the group aka The Mayhew Household or there never were 70 members of the group.
I am betting it's the latter, but I am willing to be proven wrong. KIR members, let me know if you're out there. I'd love to hear from you.
Since the reporter does not say to whom that number is attributed, let's presume its from KIR itself aka The Mayhew Household. If it were ever that high to begin with (no proof offered anywhere) then it must be safe to presume that either many of the questions of those who used to belong to the group have been answered and they are no longer members or they got fed up with the leadership of the group aka The Mayhew Household or there never were 70 members of the group.
I am betting it's the latter, but I am willing to be proven wrong. KIR members, let me know if you're out there. I'd love to hear from you.
Known Members of Keep It Rural Calaveras
Look to the left column under the heading "Known Members of Keep It Rural Calaveras". I have been curious to know just how many actual members this group has. I am going to go back through all my research and the local papers and see if I can identify a few more.
If anyone wants to self-identify as a member, by all means post something on this blog and I will add your name to the list. If I find someone who has been referenced as a member of KIR but can't confirm it I will put a question mark behind their name. Same is true with the handful of letter signers who've written letters to the editor.
If any of my readers know of any other folks, let me know. I suspect that there really and truly are only a handful of active members in their coterie.
If anyone wants to self-identify as a member, by all means post something on this blog and I will add your name to the list. If I find someone who has been referenced as a member of KIR but can't confirm it I will put a question mark behind their name. Same is true with the handful of letter signers who've written letters to the editor.
If any of my readers know of any other folks, let me know. I suspect that there really and truly are only a handful of active members in their coterie.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Deputies' association endorses Trinitas - Calaveras Enterprise
Deputies' association endorses Trinitas
By Colin Rigley
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Posted: Tuesday, June 24, 2008 12:46 PM CDT
The Calaveras County Deputy Sheriff’s Association has thrown its support behind the Ridge at Trinitas golf course project.With $1.2 million of the Sheriff’s Department’s budget on the chopping block, the association endorsed Trinitas in a move to direct more money into the county budget. A union supporting a private enterprise, particularly one that has generated as much debate as Trinitas, is “out of the ordinary,” admitted Sgt. Tracy Busby, association president. However, Busby said, for the county and Sheriff’s Department to survive, “we have to get creative in how we are going to bring revenue into this county.”Preliminary budget hearings begin today, and the Sheriff’s Department is facing a laundry list of potential cuts to its about $13 million budget. Although sheriff’s deputy positions are not proposed for cuts, a number of other positions will likely be let go and deputies will have to step in to fill the gap.
“We have to realize that we need some infrastructure dollars coming to the county to pay for services,” Busby said.According to Trinitas owner Mike Nemee, his project would generate a “significant economic benefit for Calaveras County.” The project would provide 48 fulltime jobs at a $1.5 million payroll, Nemee said. Those employees would oversee the operations of an 18-hole golf course, spa, lodge and other onsite facilities on about 280 acres in Wallace.“Our family is certainly honored and humbled to be recognized by law enforcement, which we hold in high esteem,” Nemee said.
By Colin Rigley
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Posted: Tuesday, June 24, 2008 12:46 PM CDT
The Calaveras County Deputy Sheriff’s Association has thrown its support behind the Ridge at Trinitas golf course project.With $1.2 million of the Sheriff’s Department’s budget on the chopping block, the association endorsed Trinitas in a move to direct more money into the county budget. A union supporting a private enterprise, particularly one that has generated as much debate as Trinitas, is “out of the ordinary,” admitted Sgt. Tracy Busby, association president. However, Busby said, for the county and Sheriff’s Department to survive, “we have to get creative in how we are going to bring revenue into this county.”Preliminary budget hearings begin today, and the Sheriff’s Department is facing a laundry list of potential cuts to its about $13 million budget. Although sheriff’s deputy positions are not proposed for cuts, a number of other positions will likely be let go and deputies will have to step in to fill the gap.
“We have to realize that we need some infrastructure dollars coming to the county to pay for services,” Busby said.According to Trinitas owner Mike Nemee, his project would generate a “significant economic benefit for Calaveras County.” The project would provide 48 fulltime jobs at a $1.5 million payroll, Nemee said. Those employees would oversee the operations of an 18-hole golf course, spa, lodge and other onsite facilities on about 280 acres in Wallace.“Our family is certainly honored and humbled to be recognized by law enforcement, which we hold in high esteem,” Nemee said.
My Latest Calaveras Enterprise Opinion Piece
Opinion
Critic's claims without merit
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Posted: Tuesday, June 17, 2008 11:04 AM CDT
Are you tired of letters based on ignorance or deception? So am I! Sharon Romano’s letter attacks the Trinitas project as having been mishandled by the county. She implied that some state law has been broken. Others have said Trinitas has violated state laws and county codes, and have even said that Mike Nemee, his wife, their 3-year-old son and their newborn baby have been “repeatedly cited for such violations.”Guess what? To my knowledge, neither the Nemees nor Trinitas have received citations! That project and family continues to do everything asked of them. Some say they just want Trinitas to follow the rules. They have! The critics haven’t. Misrepresentations and outright lies? Let’s demand that the “critics” follow some rules. Citations are public record. If there has been a citation of which I am unaware, show me.A flyer from the Mayhews said that they hadn’t had time to become a nonprofit, and that banking rules prevented them from opening a special account. It said to make those generous contributions to the Mayhews' personal checking account. It said they would keep accurate records. In January and March, I sent letters to the Mayhews asking for information about such contributions. No response. It’s transparent all right.
Even though the flyer stated they wanted nonprofit status, the Mayhews now say they never wanted to be nonprofit. Does that mean they are “for profit”? Is it possible they don’t want to follow the openness rules under nonprofit status? Now they also say the lawyer on their behalf was loaned to them. I want to know who loaned them a lawyer! Who, or what organization, can just loan an attorney?Sharon Romano’s political hit piece was clear. The three candidates she supports are for slow or no growth. If her letter speaks on behalf of those candidates (McDaniel, Seaton, Wilensky), then I am concerned! Trinitas is still going though the Environmental Impact Report process. Hopefully, those candidates aren’t making decisions before the EIR is even done. What’s the old saying? Ready, fire, aim! Please people, stop the trash talk. Darryl Rusk
Burson
Critic's claims without merit
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Posted: Tuesday, June 17, 2008 11:04 AM CDT
Are you tired of letters based on ignorance or deception? So am I! Sharon Romano’s letter attacks the Trinitas project as having been mishandled by the county. She implied that some state law has been broken. Others have said Trinitas has violated state laws and county codes, and have even said that Mike Nemee, his wife, their 3-year-old son and their newborn baby have been “repeatedly cited for such violations.”Guess what? To my knowledge, neither the Nemees nor Trinitas have received citations! That project and family continues to do everything asked of them. Some say they just want Trinitas to follow the rules. They have! The critics haven’t. Misrepresentations and outright lies? Let’s demand that the “critics” follow some rules. Citations are public record. If there has been a citation of which I am unaware, show me.A flyer from the Mayhews said that they hadn’t had time to become a nonprofit, and that banking rules prevented them from opening a special account. It said to make those generous contributions to the Mayhews' personal checking account. It said they would keep accurate records. In January and March, I sent letters to the Mayhews asking for information about such contributions. No response. It’s transparent all right.
Even though the flyer stated they wanted nonprofit status, the Mayhews now say they never wanted to be nonprofit. Does that mean they are “for profit”? Is it possible they don’t want to follow the openness rules under nonprofit status? Now they also say the lawyer on their behalf was loaned to them. I want to know who loaned them a lawyer! Who, or what organization, can just loan an attorney?Sharon Romano’s political hit piece was clear. The three candidates she supports are for slow or no growth. If her letter speaks on behalf of those candidates (McDaniel, Seaton, Wilensky), then I am concerned! Trinitas is still going though the Environmental Impact Report process. Hopefully, those candidates aren’t making decisions before the EIR is even done. What’s the old saying? Ready, fire, aim! Please people, stop the trash talk. Darryl Rusk
Burson
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
"a potential boost to the county coffers with little impact on county services or infrastructure"
The Union Democrat's Hoyt Elkins did get part of the story right when he referenced the DSAs support for Trinitas and echoed their reason for support: "a potential boost to the county coffers with little impact on county services or infrastructure."
The reason: "County revenue has become a matter of concern for sheriff's deputies with the announcement by Sheriff Dennis Downum that his department's spending plan goes into budget hearings today facing the prospect of massive cuts in extra hires and reassignment of patrol deputies."
See my previous post. Without Trinitas and other projects like it, we're looking at one of two outcomes here...fewer deputies or higher taxes.
If the County has to impose a new tax to pay for police and other vital services maybe it should be called the "Mayhew Tax"...
The reason: "County revenue has become a matter of concern for sheriff's deputies with the announcement by Sheriff Dennis Downum that his department's spending plan goes into budget hearings today facing the prospect of massive cuts in extra hires and reassignment of patrol deputies."
See my previous post. Without Trinitas and other projects like it, we're looking at one of two outcomes here...fewer deputies or higher taxes.
If the County has to impose a new tax to pay for police and other vital services maybe it should be called the "Mayhew Tax"...
A Fair Shake in The Stockton Record
Calaveras sheriff's deputies support golf course
By The Record
June 24, 2008 6:00 AM
BURSON - The Calaveras County Deputy Sheriff's Association has announced its endorsement of a golf course that was built in an agricultural preserve and without full environmental review.
During a Valley Springs Area Business Association mixer at the Trinitas Golf Course, south of Burson, the association announced its support for the project. In a written media release, the association urged the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors to "move forward and approve the Trinitas project for the benefit of the county and its citizens."
The DSA said the project could "help generate a much needed boost to the county coffers as well as other businesses in the county with little impact to county services or infrastructure."
The project is opposed by some neighbors, who fear its impacts on roads, groundwater and the area's rural character. The project has also drawn the attention of federal, state and local authorities charged with protecting habitat and enforcing land-use regulations. In an unusual twist, the county is requiring Trinitas developer Mike Nemee to do an after-the-fact environmental study of the golf course's impacts, with an eye to requiring some kind of mitigation for harm it already might have done.
The fact that the study is not complete and has not yet been accepted by the county has prevented Nemee from getting the permits he needs to open the course to the public.
Lew Mayhew is a neighbor of the golf course who with his wife, Kathy, leads Keep It Rural Calaveras, a group that opposes the golf course and has been lobbying for enforcement of environmental and planning rules.
Mayhew responded to the DSA endorsement with a release of his own that noted that various agencies have yet to complete their investigations of how the course got built on land that had been receiving tax breaks as an agricultural preserve.
"We think their endorsement is premature and, given the project's history, questionable," Mayhew wrote.
By The Record
June 24, 2008 6:00 AM
BURSON - The Calaveras County Deputy Sheriff's Association has announced its endorsement of a golf course that was built in an agricultural preserve and without full environmental review.
During a Valley Springs Area Business Association mixer at the Trinitas Golf Course, south of Burson, the association announced its support for the project. In a written media release, the association urged the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors to "move forward and approve the Trinitas project for the benefit of the county and its citizens."
The DSA said the project could "help generate a much needed boost to the county coffers as well as other businesses in the county with little impact to county services or infrastructure."
The project is opposed by some neighbors, who fear its impacts on roads, groundwater and the area's rural character. The project has also drawn the attention of federal, state and local authorities charged with protecting habitat and enforcing land-use regulations. In an unusual twist, the county is requiring Trinitas developer Mike Nemee to do an after-the-fact environmental study of the golf course's impacts, with an eye to requiring some kind of mitigation for harm it already might have done.
The fact that the study is not complete and has not yet been accepted by the county has prevented Nemee from getting the permits he needs to open the course to the public.
Lew Mayhew is a neighbor of the golf course who with his wife, Kathy, leads Keep It Rural Calaveras, a group that opposes the golf course and has been lobbying for enforcement of environmental and planning rules.
Mayhew responded to the DSA endorsement with a release of his own that noted that various agencies have yet to complete their investigations of how the course got built on land that had been receiving tax breaks as an agricultural preserve.
"We think their endorsement is premature and, given the project's history, questionable," Mayhew wrote.
KIR Response to DSA: Desperation and Exaggeration
From KIR "Press Release":
KIR - "We are surprised that a law enforcement union would become involved in a land use decision. It is ironic that they would announce the decision on the site of the illegally constructed golf course, when the draft EIR is not even out and the project is under review of federal and state agencies for legal violations. The impacts of this project on water, traffic, growth, law enforcement and other important consequences for our community are not yet known......" Of course none of the statements above are true, except for the fact that the DSA did endorse Trinitas and the EIR is not in circulation. What does that have to do with supporting a good project? Have the Mayhews waited until the EIR is out to criticize it, no! That kind of faulty logic is how KIR got in this bind in the first place.
KIR -"We understand the union's concern with adequate county funding and compensation for deputy sheriffs. However, the economic contribution of the Trinitas project is only speculation." Lew and Kathy, if you've got a better idea for funding essential county services, post it here. So far, all we've heard from your small circle of supporters is a bunch of criticisms. The LOGICAL conclusion I would draw from this statement is that you'd prefer the people of Calaveras pay higher taxes for essential law enforcement services. Now let's see, how many people in Calaveras are going to want to pay higher taxes? Anyone?
KIR - "When the draft EIR is released, the Deputy Sheriff's Association should comment on the full project's impact on law enforcement. We think their endorsement is premature, and given the project's history, questionable." - The First Amendment protects everyone in this country, not just Lew and Kathy Mayhew.
Shame on you Lew and Kathy and any other members of KIR (if there are any others).
KIR - "We are surprised that a law enforcement union would become involved in a land use decision. It is ironic that they would announce the decision on the site of the illegally constructed golf course, when the draft EIR is not even out and the project is under review of federal and state agencies for legal violations. The impacts of this project on water, traffic, growth, law enforcement and other important consequences for our community are not yet known......" Of course none of the statements above are true, except for the fact that the DSA did endorse Trinitas and the EIR is not in circulation. What does that have to do with supporting a good project? Have the Mayhews waited until the EIR is out to criticize it, no! That kind of faulty logic is how KIR got in this bind in the first place.
KIR -"We understand the union's concern with adequate county funding and compensation for deputy sheriffs. However, the economic contribution of the Trinitas project is only speculation." Lew and Kathy, if you've got a better idea for funding essential county services, post it here. So far, all we've heard from your small circle of supporters is a bunch of criticisms. The LOGICAL conclusion I would draw from this statement is that you'd prefer the people of Calaveras pay higher taxes for essential law enforcement services. Now let's see, how many people in Calaveras are going to want to pay higher taxes? Anyone?
KIR - "When the draft EIR is released, the Deputy Sheriff's Association should comment on the full project's impact on law enforcement. We think their endorsement is premature, and given the project's history, questionable." - The First Amendment protects everyone in this country, not just Lew and Kathy Mayhew.
Shame on you Lew and Kathy and any other members of KIR (if there are any others).
Calaveras County Deputy Sheriffs Endorse Trinitas Project
Well, it looks like the beginning of the end for KIRs campaign of terror directed at the Nemee family and the Trinitas project.
According to PineTree.net "The DSA is starting to take a more proactive stance on various issues that affect its members such as developing a stronger economic base in the County. The DSA is currently working under a one year contract and believes the outlook on future contract negotiations appear bleak.
The DSA appreciates the thoroughness at which the County has addressed this project. The DSA encourages the Board of supervisors to move forward and approve the Trinitas project for the benefit of the County and its citizens."
Click on the PineTree link above to watch a video and see for yourself.
According to PineTree.net "The DSA is starting to take a more proactive stance on various issues that affect its members such as developing a stronger economic base in the County. The DSA is currently working under a one year contract and believes the outlook on future contract negotiations appear bleak.
The DSA appreciates the thoroughness at which the County has addressed this project. The DSA encourages the Board of supervisors to move forward and approve the Trinitas project for the benefit of the County and its citizens."
Click on the PineTree link above to watch a video and see for yourself.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Welcome!
I would like to welcome everyone to the first blog that is dedicated to exposing the misleading statements made by Keep it Rural, Calaveras (KIR). Over the next few weeks, I plan to show how this organization has mislead the residents of Calaveras County into believing Trinitas is wrong for our community, when, in fact, just the opposite is true!
Please feel free to make comments on this blog but remember to express your opinions in a polite manner. No hate mail and no cussing will be accepted. I look forward to seeing your views!
All opinions are not only welcomed, but encouraged!
Please feel free to make comments on this blog but remember to express your opinions in a polite manner. No hate mail and no cussing will be accepted. I look forward to seeing your views!
All opinions are not only welcomed, but encouraged!
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