DATE: September 25, 2007
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Feasibility of Locating an Equestrian Facility in Campo
SUMMARY:
In an effort to address the region’s need for equestrian facilities, the Campo-Lake Morena Business Association has been working on a plan to locate a new equestrian facility in the Campo area. The facility would be open to the public and also be available for the annual roundup, rodeo events, horse shows, team roping and penning, and FFA and 4-H events. Because of the considerable amount of County owned land surrounding Camp Lockett and the Campo juvenile ranch facility, the Campo-Lake Morena Business Association is seeking a long term lease with the County of San Diego. Prior to the execution of a lease with the County, extensive planning and due diligence must be completed in order to ensure that this facility will be an appropriate fit for this location.
Today’s action will direct the Chief Administrative Officer to work with the Campo-Lake Morena Business Association to explore the feasibility of locating an equestrian facility on County-owned land near the Campo juvenile ranch facility. The County Probation Department will need to be consulted regarding this proposal. After completing the analysis of this proposal, the Chief Administrative Officer will return to the Board with recommendations.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Supervisor Dianne Jacob
- Find that the proposed action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty that the proposed action will not have a significant effect on the environment.
- Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to work with the Campo-Lake Morena Business Association to explore the feasibility of locating an equestrian facility on County-owned land near the Campo juvenile ranch facility and report back to the Board of Supervisors with recommendations.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with these recommendations.
BACKGROUND:
In an effort to address the region’s need for equestrian facilities, the Campo-Lake Morena Business Association has been working on a plan to locate a new equestrian facility in the Campo area. The facility would be open to the public and also be available for the annual roundup, rodeo events, horse shows, team roping and penning, and FFA and 4-H events. Because of the considerable amount of County owned land surrounding Camp Lockett and the Campo juvenile ranch facility, the Campo-Lake Morena Business Association is seeking a long term lease with the County of San Diego. Prior to the execution of a lease with the County, extensive planning and due diligence must be completed in order to ensure that this facility will be an appropriate fit for this location.
The Campo-Lake Morena Business Association is hoping to secure approximately 35 acres in an undeveloped area southeast of the Campo juvenile ranch facility. In order to accommodate the activities that will take place at the proposed equestrian facility, the Campo-Lake Morena Business Association is planning to construct a main show ring, a warm-up area, an office/maintenance building, horse stalls, a round pen, restroom facilities and a parking lot.
Today’s action will direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to work with the Campo-Lake Morena Business Association to explore the feasibility of locating an equestrian facility on County-owned land near the Campo juvenile ranch facility.
The CAO should consult with the Probation Department to ensure that the proposed facility would not interfere with the juvenile ranch operations.
If the CAO locates suitable land that is not needed for current or future County purposes, the CAO would report back to the Board of Supervisors on the proposed site and the environmental review that would be needed before the County could approve a long-term lease of the site to the Campo-Lake Morena Business Association. Rent of $1 per year is suggested in light of the fact that the Campo-Lake Morena Business Association is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization that allocates all of its earnings to local charitable needs.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
The proposed action is merely to determine if excess County land in the Campo area is available for lease for an equestrian facility. The proposed action does not approve the lease. If an appropriate site is located, the matter would be returned to the Board for further direction, including preparation of the appropriate environmental review.
I urge your support.
Respectfully submitted,
DIANNE JACOB
Supervisor, Second District
