Showdown on Oster/Las Pilitas Quarry

One of the most popular workshops at the 2013 CCBioneers Conference was the presentation by Rebecca Moore of Google Earth and Charlie Kleemann of Margarita Proud on the efforts to raise public awareness about the mega-quarry being considered for permitting along the Salinas River near the Highway 58 bridge. The Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) has been released for the quarry and can be read here.  A Planning Commission Hearing is scheduled for Thursday, December 11, 2014 in the Board of Supervisors Chambers at the County Government Center in San Luis Obispo, California. Meetings start at 9:00 AM.  Margarita Proud is asking for your help in stopping this project.

What YOU can DO NOW!!

• If you previously made comments on the Draft EIR, review the responses made to your comments.  Respond to anything you feel has NOT been adequately addressed. E-mail your response to Murray Wilson, the planner assigned to this project at mwilson@co.slo.ca.us   This is important for inclusion in the public record.
• In preparation for the Planning Commission hearing on December 11 to approve or deny the application for a conditional use permit, write the Planning Commission with your concerns. If your concerns have not changed much, you might be able to re-work the letter you submitted at the DEIR comment period. E-mail your letter to Ramona Hedges, Planning Commission Secretary at rhedges@co.slo.ca.us.  Meet with Planning Commissioners prior to the meetings to make sure they clearly understand your concerns.  Contact the Secretary to arrange meetings: Phone: 781-5612.
• Attend the Dec. 11 Hearing. Your presence will be important whether you intend to speak or not.
• If you plan to speak at the hearing, the 3 minutes granted to members of the public goes by quickly – endeavor to deliver your message with precision, clarity, dignity, and respect. It’s best to stay focused on the project, not individuals involved – after all a conditional use permit is a discretionary land use decision that transfers with the land, not individuals.

YOUR VOICE MATTERS and DOES make a difference!  By simply caring enough to take action, you are helping to protect the future safety, livability, and character of Santa Margarita. SPREAD THE WORD

For more info or specific questions, you can e-mail margaritaproud@gmail.com