E N V I R O N M E N T A L

FALL DEFENDER 2000

Babbitt Advocates for Removal ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ of Matilija Dam VENTURA - Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt spoke at a press conference at the Matilija Dam on October 12 in support of the removal of the obsolete dam from the Ventura River. Secretary Babbitt joined state and local governmental officials and environmental groups who took part in a demonstration project in which a chunk of the dam was removed in order to test different techniques for its ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ eventual deconstruction.

The well-attended event demonstrated unified and widespread support for the removal of the Matilija Dam, which Platform Holly off the coast of Santa Barbara Secretary of the Interior, Bruce Babbitt and not only stands in the IN THIS ISSUE EDC Executive Director, Armando Nieto discuss plans to remove Matilija Dam. way of the Ventura Environmental Groups Intervene in Matilija Dam ...... 1 River’s endangered Nipomo Mesa ...... 1 southern steelhead, but also prevents much-needed sand Offshore Oil Lease Lawsuit Offshore Oil Leases . . . . . 1 and sediment from flowing downstream and replenishing CALIFORNIA - On July 26, 2000, EDC and Natural Message from Armando . . 2 popular southern California Resources Defense Council (NRDC) were granted EDC Staffing ...... 2 surfing beaches. The 200-foot “It (Matilija Dam) permission to intervene in a lawsuit challenging the Federal Dalidio Project ...... 3 high Matilija Dam was built in no longer serves its government’s decision to extend 36 undeveloped oil and gas Ventura Big Box ...... 3 Entrada Project ...... 3 1947 for flood control and to intended flood leases off the coast of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis provide water for the Ojai Valley. Obispo Counties. Fraction Lots ...... 3 It no longer serves its intended control purpose and Marine Sanctuary ...... 4 flood control purpose and provides minimal EDC represents eight environmental groups, including the Oaks & Resources ...... 4 provides minimal water storage water storage...” Sierra Club, CALPIRG, California CoastKeeper, Friends of Tiger Salamander...... 4 CCEHP ...... 5 benefits due to the buildup of a the Sea Otter, Get Oil Out, Citizens Planning Association, New ChannelKeeper. . . . . 5 massive amount of sand and silt behind the dam. Santa Barbara ChannelKeeper and Santa Monica Ventura River ...... 5 BayKeeper. NRDC represents itself and the League for Seismic Survey ...... 6 EDC, the Ventura Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, Coastal Protection. These intervening groups have a strong Oil Discharge ...... 6 Patagonia, Inc., Friends of the Ventura River, and the interest in protecting not only the coastal environment, but Gaviota Facility ...... 6 also in the ability of the state to review activities in federal Environmental Coalition have joined forces to form the Coal Oil Point...... 6 Matilija Coalition in an effort to remove the dam. This waters that may impact its coastal areas. These groups also Thanks ...... 7 collaboration presents an exciting and precedent-setting want to ensure public participation in the environmental Founders Circle ...... 7 opportunity that stands to benefit not only our review process. The goal is to prevent the federal Membership & Survey . . . 7 environment, but our economy as well. government from taking any action that will allow further Interns & Volunteers . . . . 8

oil and gas development off our coast without first EDC SLO TV Show ...... 8

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ consulting with the state and affected local communities. Gaviota Event...... 8 SLO County Must Analyze Effects of EDC Wish List...... 8 The lawsuit came about in response to the decision Increased Growth on Nipomo Mesa last fall by the Department of Interior and the SAN LUIS OBISPO - EDC, on behalf of Save the Mesa, a Minerals Management Service to extend the terms Rigs-to-Rubbish nonprofit organization committed to sustainable growth on of the leases, despite the fact that they were issued Bill Update Despite last-minute defeat the Nipomo Mesa, settled a lawsuit against the County of 16-32 years ago and were never reviewed by the and strong environmental San Luis Obispo for violating its own growth ordinance, State. Circumstances have changed since the opposition, Senator Alpert has vowed to bring this bill originally adopted to address rapidly decreasing leases were originally sold. These include new back, which would groundwater supplies on the Mesa. The County’s exemption listings of threatened and endangered species, encourage oil companies to leave abandoned oil of 180 residential building allocations from the growth cap establishment of the Channel Islands platforms in place as “artificial reefs.” Ask your for the Nipomo Mesa area last May without any National Marine Sanctuary, and new friends in San Diego to call environmental review or public notice prompted the suit. information about the risks and impacts of Senator Alpert’s office at (619) 645-3090 and ask her The settlement agreement requires the County to prepare oil spills to drop the bill. an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to analyze the effects of further growth on groundwater and other Had the leases not been extended, they resources on the Mesa. The County also agreed to not allow would have expired without compensation to This newsletter was additional development beyond the established growth cap the oil company lessees. Instead, the lessees can now printed with for the Mesa through the end of 2001. proceed with exploration and development activities, environmentally sound including seismic surveys, drilling of wells, and dyes on Sandpiper paper, The settlement agreement also provides Save the Mesa with construction of new processing, transportation and other made from 100% special meetings with County planning staff and EIR infrastructure. The impacts of such development on our post-consumer consultants to discuss the scope and first draft of the EIR, coastline will be felt for decades to come. waste. which will be available for public review early next year.

Newsletter Fall 2000 1 1/15/1, 3:53 PM PAGE 2 A Message from Armando EDC Board of Directors Making a Difference Michael Brown, President Tim Malloy, Vice President Megan Montgomery, Recording Secretary In the last few months of the year 2000 and bike rides through the foothills of his John Strawn, General Secretary EDC welcomes Sharon Angell, adopted south coast home. Diane Wondolowski, Treasurer Anna Bass Development Director, and Andrew B.L. Borovay “Drew” Bohan, the new Santa Barbara As we honor the memory of his passing, Carlyn Christianson Jim Churchill ChannelKeeper. Most recently, Sharon I think of the many south coast residents Arturo Tello Y. Armando Nieto coordinated a successful $3.2 million who shared Judge Abbe’s passion for Ann Veazey Executive Director capital campaign for a local school while environmental health and quality of life. Scott Weiss

Drew joins EDC in the wake of a six year EDC works with too many citizen groups EDC Staff tenure as legislative counsel to the lower to mention here. But it is important to Y. Armando Nieto, Executive Director house of government in the South Pacific remember that in nearly every court Linda Krop, Chief Counsel Island Nation of Palau. battle, in every administrative action or Jessica Altstatt, ChannelKeeper case, EDC represents an organized effort Program Director Sharon Angell, Development Director Other EDC changes include expansion to preserve and protect what we have Eve Bailey, Office Administrator of the SLO offices, and the active inherited. Throughout our region Drew Bohan, ChannelKeeper THE ENVIR NMENTAL DEFENDER • FALL 2000 • DEFENDER • FALL THE ENVIR NMENTAL recruitment of a full time staff attorney residents are taking part in determining John T. Buse, Senior Staff Attorney Eric Cardenas, Programs Coordinator to cover the burgeoning San Luis Obispo future development, the safe and sane use Vicki Clark, Staff Attorney caseload. of natural resources, and the preservation Lolita Echeverria, CCEHP Program Coord. Laura Engeman, Receptionist of our environmental health and quality Jenna Garmon, Community Affairs Dir. In Ventura, outreach efforts include the of life. Tanya Gulesserian, Staff Attorney aggressive recruitment of a local resident Juliette Harding, Bookkeeper Marie Hastings, Receptionist to take over duties of a Managing Within a few days of this newsletter’s Gordon Hensley, Environmental Analyst Director for Ventura County operations. publication we will have a new U.S. Zan Henson, Senior Staff Attorney Mindy Lorenz, SLO Program Director president. That process saw a truly Jennifer M. Oetken, Database Manager Because of the enormous volume of case- obscene expenditure of financial resources. Lori Schiraga, CCEHP Project Director related work that generated the need for Against that kind of process, it is Brian Trautwein, Environmental Analyst Kim Uhlich, Environmental Analyst these changes, it’s understandable when heartening to realize that each of us can Steve Velyvis, Staff Attorney we lose sight of the bigger picture. still affect our quality of life. J. Marc McGinnes, Of Counsel

In late September the occasion of Judge On the cover of this publication you’ll EDC Law Clerks and Interns Richard Abbe’s passing reminded me why read about the decommissioning of Amber Blount, Intern Alicia Finigan, Law Clerk we work so tirelessly to preserve Matilija Dam, the result of the efforts of a Lenin Lopez, Intern environmental quality of life on the broad coalition of business, government, Giles Pettifor, Intern south coast. and private citizens. Sometimes a big change begins with the removal of one Judge Abbe was a founding member of stone at a time. the 6th District Court of Appeals and dear friend of the environment. At his The Matilija Coalition made a difference. memorial service peers and family spoke Judge Richard Abbe made a difference. of his love for nature. The memories he left are landscape paintings, pictures of So can you. friends walking among the boulders and trees in his native northern California Santa Barbara Office back country and forests, or sharing hikes 906 Garden Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Phone: (805) 963-1622 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Fax: (805) 962-3152 Email: [email protected] Staff Positions Available at EDC Website: www.rain.org/~edc

Sr. Staff Attorney, full-time for San Luis Obispo office. Experience in environmental Ventura Office About EDC advocacy and litigation focusing on land use, water quality, habitat and endangered 2021 Sperry Avenue, Suite 18 Since 1977, EDC has provided species protection. California Bar admittance, relevant state and/or federal court Ventura, CA 93003 Phone: (805) 677-2570 public education and legal services litigation preferred, excellent analytical, research and writing skills required. to environmental and community Fax: (805) 677-2577 groups dedicated to environmental Email: [email protected] quality in California’s Central Coast Program Coordinator for Environmental Health Project in Ventura. Experience region. EDC’s staff assists other working with a variety of community organizations and populations; PR; public San Luis Obispo Office nonprofit environmental groups to 864 Osos Street, #A ensure that existing environmental speaking; events; organizing; policy making; agricultural and environmental San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 laws are enforced. EDC represents health issues. Fluent in Spanish, excellent analytical, research and writing skills Phone: (805) 781-9932 clients in court and before required. Fax: (805) 781-9384 governmental agencies, provides Email: [email protected] legal counsel and advice, and offers educational opportunities to Send resume, references, writing sample and salary requirements to EDC, Santa Barbara ChannelKeeper the community on issues involving 906 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. EOE 120 West Mission Street

water quality/watersheds, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ biodiversity/endangered species, Phone: (805) 563-3399 environmental health, land use/ Fax: (805) 687-5635 open space, offshore oil and gas EDC Welcomes New Staff 24-hr hotline: (805) 455-2396 development, and public access. EDC welcomes Sharon Angell, our new Email: [email protected] Website: www.sbck.org Development Director, and Drew Bohan, Santa Barbara’s new ChannelKeeper.

Newsletter Fall 2000 2 1/15/1, 3:53 PM PAGE 3

Land Use Developments • THE ENVIR NMENTAL DEFENDER • FALL 2000

Mayor Has a Change of Heart ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Home Depot Dealt Final Blow on the Dalidio Project VENTURA - On July 20, in a room packed with concerned neighbors, the City Council denied SAN LUIS OBISPO - EDC, on behalf of our client group, part of the proposed Ventura Gateway project, a Citizens for Ethical Planning, continues to oppose plans for “big box” retail project on Telephone Road the Dalidio development in the City of San Luis Obispo. consisting of over 1/4 million square feet of The development project and annexation proposal is yet buildings. The developer, who was appealing a another attempt to bring big box stores to the city. As previous Planning Commission denial, was told to currently proposed, the new shopping center would convert redesign his shopping center to exclude the big-box one of the largest remaining pieces of farmland in SLO and Home Depot store. This outcome would have been highly has been the center of debate for more than a decade. unlikely without the overwhelming public pressure generated largely as a result of EDC’s organizing efforts. The major issues EDC has raised center on the inadequacy While this is a significant of the EIR to address environmental impacts that would win, EDC continues to result from the proposed 515,000 square foot shopping work with client groups and center and a new highway overpass. During EDC investiga- citizens to discourage any tion of the CEQA issues surrounding the conversion of the other high traffic 131-acre farm, a potential conflict of interest involving commercial uses at the votes the Mayor of San Luis Obispo, Allen Settle, had Gateway site. EDC has also participated in concerning the Dalidio proposal was discov- hosted a meeting featuring ered. Consequently EDC filed a complaint with the Fair two speakers on New Political Practices Commission (FPPC) to resolve the Urbanist design principles possible conflict. The combination of issues raised and the in order to generate Neighbors cheer a Ventura City Council possible FPPC violation on the part of the Mayor may spell community support for decision to deny the big box development. disaster for the planned shopping center. redesigning the Gateway site as an urban village, a more sustainable design that is much Evidence of the effectiveness of EDC’s efforts on behalf of closer to the Ventura Vision plan goals.

our client group has been a recent change in support of the ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ project by the Mayor Settle. In early August, the Mayor ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ began to express “serious reservations” about the proposal City of Santa Barbara Takes a and advocated a delay or denial at the scheduled September City Council hearing on annexation. In response, the Second Look at Entrada Project project proponents have withdrawn their request and will SANTA BARBARA - On July 13, the City of Santa Barbara

await the November election results to bring it back. held a public hearing to determine the scope of the draft ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ environmental impact report (EIR) for the proposed ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Entrada project, consisting of 162 time-share units, County Adopts Program to Curb the commercial development and the narrowing of State Street Fractioning of Rural Lands to two lanes in the Waterfront Area.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY - The Santa Barbara In response to a lawsuit filed by the EDC, on behalf of County Board of Supervisors approved the Lot Size Citizens Planning Association of Santa Barbara County, Inc. Compliance and Lot Line Adjustment Program in (CPA) and League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara September, which will go far to protect agricultural and (LWVSB), the City must prepare an EIR on the project’s open space resources in Santa Barbara County from potential to significantly affect foothill and mountain views. increased development. The purpose of the program is to An EIR must analyze a range of mitigation measures and alleviate the impacts resulting from the development of project alternatives, not just those agreed to or proposed by substandard size “fraction lots” and from large-scale, rural the project applicant. lot line adjustments. Preparation of an EIR will allow the City In recent years, the County has experienced a trend in Council to make an which applicants have sought to increase development informed decision on potential on large, rural parcels by using a loophole in the the project, and will also County’s review process. This loophole involves use of the allow the public more lot line adjustment process to increase the development opportunities to potential of large rural properties and development of comment and be fraction lots. Use of this loophole was threatening to destroy involved in the project the integrity of the County’s rural lands and agriculture, review process. especially along the Gaviota Coast. It was also raising serious concerns about potential effects on natural The City is expected to resources, the provision of adequate public services, the release a draft EIR by County’s ability to regulate development in rural and the end of this year. agricultural lands, and the integrity of the County’s General Plan and community plans.

EDC submitted numerous comment letters and oral testimony in support of the program and in opposition to various exceptions that were proposed that would have weakened the Program. In the end, the Board of Supervisors voted to adopt the Program with an exception for the Lia Barth at Naples property. the waterfront

Newsletter Fall 2000 3 1/15/1, 3:53 PM PAGE 4 Watersheds Habitat

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ More Protection for Oaks and Natural Resources on Horizon SANTA BARBARA COUNTY - During recent years, oak woodlands and several of this region’s few remaining large wetlands have been destroyed, particularly in rural areas of northern Santa Barbara County. In an effort to prevent the destruction of sensitive habitats throughout the county, planners have unveiled a proposed Oak Protection Program and Resource Protection Options for protecting oaks, creeks, wetlands, habitat for sensitive species, and archeological sites.

While these planned programs are meant to protect the most sensitive habitats and natural resources, as proposed

THE ENVIR NMENTAL DEFENDER • FALL 2000 • DEFENDER • FALL THE ENVIR NMENTAL they will not prevent the continuing loss and degradation of Photo by Eric Zimmerman forests, marshes and pre-historic Native American sites. They provide no protection to rare native grasslands and coastal sage scrub habitats. New policies to preserve all Protections May Be Increased for sensitive habitats are needed because current mechanisms to protect natural resources are wholly ineffective or the Channel Islands National nonexistent. Existing ordinances failed to prevent clear- Marine Sanctuary cutting of 843 oak trees by Kendall-Jackson in 1998 and did not stop numerous farmers from bulldozing extensive ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ SANTA BARBARA CHANNEL - The federal government wetlands and vernal pools in Orcutt, Los Alamos, and is updating the 18-year-old Management Plan for the Guadalupe in 1999. Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS). This process provides the public with a rare opportunity to Santa Barbara is one of the few counties in the state without enhance protection for the Sanctuary and its resources. an oak protection ordinance. The proposed ordinance, EDC Chief Counsel Linda Krop represents the however, would allow some landowners to remove hundreds conservation community on the Sanctuary Advisory of trees without public review and with only an over-the- Council, and leads the Conservation Working Group in counter permit. Under the proposal, naturally sprouting making recommendations to the Sanctuary regarding the tree seedlings would be credited to the landowner to replace Management Plan and other issues. giant specimen valley and live oaks that are removed.

Action Alert The Management Plan update process will address The Resource Protection Options also allow destructive The draft Management important issues such as the boundary of the Sanctuary land uses both within and in close proximity to wetlands, Plan and Environmental and related resource protection programs and Impact Statement for the creeks and endangered species habitats. Both the Oak Channel Islands National regulations. On July 13, EDC and a coalition of Protection Program and the Resource Protection Options Marine Sanctuary will be other groups are undergoing public review, and may be strengthened or available late this year. sponsored a weakened based on public comments. For more For more information, “This process provides successful public information about the proposals or to get involved, please call CINMS at 966-7107. forum at the Santa the public with a rare call Lisa Plowman or Jennifer Merrick of Santa Barbara Barbara Museum of opportunity to enhance County, 568-2000.

Natural History Museum ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ protection for the ○○○○○○ that focused on the sanctuary and its ecological connections California Tiger Salamander is between our coastal resources.” watersheds, Santa Barbara Listed as an Endangered Species Channel, the Sanctuary SANTA BARBARA COUNTY - On September 15, the Fish and the Channel Islands. and Wildlife Service (FWS) issued a final regulation listing the Santa Barbara County population of California tiger EDC and others in the conservation community have urged salamander as an endangered species under the Endangered the Sanctuary staff to seriously consider expanding the Species Act (ESA). EDC has been working for eight years to Sanctuary from its current boundaries six miles around the protect the California tiger salamander, which is in jeopardy Channel Islands, to an ecosystem-based boundary that of becoming extinct in this region. would extend from Pt. Mugu to Pt. Sal, and would include the entire Channel from the Islands to the coastline. This On January 19 of this year, the FWS published an emergency expanded boundary would enable the Sanctuary to fulfill its listing of the species, which remained in effect until mandate to protect Channel resources on an ecosystem September 15th. Concurrently with the emergency listing, level, and would include the entire transition zone of warm the FWS also published a proposed rule to list the California to cold Pacific waters that is so critical to our unique tiger salamander as endangered following the normal listing bioregion. process. EDC urged the FWS to publish a final rule listing the salamander so that there would be no lapse in the EDC and the Conservation Working Group seek to protection of the species and its remaining habitat. develop community support for an expanded Sanctuary program to address issues such as water quality, marine Now that the California tiger salamander is listed, the FWS resource protection, recreational access, research and will designate critical habitat and create a recovery plan for education. If you are interested in participating in this the species. EDC will continue to work with the community important venture, please contact our Community Affairs to protect salamander habitat and to recover the species to a Department at 963-1622. point where it is no longer in danger of extinction.

Newsletter Fall 2000 4 1/15/1, 3:53 PM PAGE 5 • THE ENVIR NMENTAL DEFENDER • FALL 2000 Drew and newly liberated Palau friend Drew 1/15/1, 3:53 PM . Santa Barbara Welcomes Drew Bohan New ChannelKeeper Bohan as the new Santa EDC is pleased to welcome Drew up in Chicago and grew Drew ChannelKeeper. Barbara to San moving before in southern Illinois to college went years with the worked for five He in 1986. Francisco LEXIS-NEXIS information servicewhile going to law University. Gate school at night at Golden White & Ehrman, took a job with Heller, 1992, Drew In he law firm, where Francisco-based a large San McAuliffe, leaving issues. After on a number of environmental worked in 1994, he worked briefly with Daniel Ehrman Heller, investigating instances of illegal Francisco Cooper in San Bay. Francisco waste dumping into San an offer he then received Drew to the to move refuse: couldn’t to represent of Palau Republic Legislature. National the Palau he the last six years, For bills designed drafted numerous fragile marine Palau’s to protect 1998, ecosystem. In 70% of Palau’s approximately of an corals died as a result La Niña unusually prolonged that increased the water event by a few in Palau temperature Drew Farenheit. degrees and worked focused on this issue during the last two years to help policymakers and the community better coral reefs. understand the importance of Palau’s with EDC and the looks forward to working Drew hopes that his our watershed. He community to protect and legal expertiseto make will help him creativity energy, Barbara contribution to the Santa a valuable Program ChannelKeeper

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 5 ChannelKeeper will monitor the River. Ventura water quality of the proper diagnosis, “One important“One and of pesticide exposures.” challenging project area challenging project treatment and reporting and treatment medical providers in the medical providers concerns the education of ○○○○○○○○○ Santa Barbara ChannelKeeper Implements Monitoring Program River Watershed Ventura Chapter and local agencies to jump-start a Ventura is joining forces with Surfrider, ChannelKeeper Barbara Santa 101 from near the Highway River, Ventura water-quality monitoring program along the length of the comprehensive watershed. bridge to the upper Matilija testing of and precise and implement regular to develop are Program Monitoring Watershed River Ventura The goals of the This program and watersheds. water quality parameters much like the programs that exist in neighboring counties standard addition to establishing baseline watershed. In Creek will be based upon a very successful program in the Malibu unidentified testing will potentially locate previously river, health of the information that can be used to assess the overall The program will also be a good of pollution. point-sources the proposed Matilija before the river of way to paint a picture begins. Dam removal from is the recruitmentA key part of this project of volunteers to collect areas the watershed and surrounding throughout The field gear and portable, hand-held water quality data. instruments will fit into a backpack and are simple and easy for plans to test for dissolved to use. ChannelKeeper volunteers other constituents on a nutrients and various turbidity, oxygen, information on bank monthly basis, in addition to recording plants and similar observations. condition, trash, invasive in learning more about our program, or interested you are If at 563-3399. call Jessie please participating at any level, The Central Coast Environmental Health Project is refining Project Health The Central Coast Environmental of lessons learned in the first two years activities as a result important and challenging implementation. One of project concerns the area project education of medical in the proper providers and diagnosis, treatment of pesticide reporting exposures. of the medical Education community offers a unique challenge in that while health been have providers care goals, and in most cases to the project’s receptive relatively to better provide been interested in learning how have is a dearth of trainers qualified there for patients, treatment issues. related to educate on pesticide exposure a unique opportunity presents This challenge also, however, solutions to the medical training to find creative example, the CCEHP is producing a video component. For diagnosis and for the medical community on the proper The concept has been well exposure. of pesticide treatment a it provides the medical community because by received can watch the Professionals flexible learning opportunity. having to instead of lunch, or on a break, video over interrupt their work schedule to attend a meeting. comprehensive CCEHP staff will continue to arrange more trainings for the medical community in spite of the possible, whenever trainings in two previous challenges. At Counties, Ventura and Obispo Luis San than 60 attended by more the sites were medical providers. CCEHP ChannelKeeper CCEHP Providers Medical CCEHP Training Diagnosis on Pesticide Exposure and Treatment Newsletter Fall 2000 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ PAGE 6 Oil & Gas Development

Seismic Survey Proposed in ○○○○○○○○○○○ Permits for Discharges of Pollution Santa Barbara Channel into Coastal Water Not Enough SANTA BARBARA CHANNEL - Venoco is proposing to SANTA BARBARA - In July, the U.S. Environmental conduct a high energy seismic survey on a lease located Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to reissue its general offshore Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, adjacent to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. The lease ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ permit to allow discharges from offshore oil and gas facilities is one of 36 recently extended by the located in Federal waters off the coast of Southern California. federal government (see front cover “Such surveys While EDC, on behalf of Santa Barbara ChannelKeeper, story). The lease, part of the Cavern involve intense supports the issuance of a new NPDES permit that Point Unit, was sold in 1968, before acoustic blasts and establishes effluent standards, the EPA’s proposed permit does the establishment of the Sanctuary. not go far enough to ensure that our coastal waters and other Despite federal laws requiring oil can adversely resources will be protected. lessees to demonstrate “due impact marine diligence” towards oil and gas resources including Under the Clean Water Act (CWA), the discharge of THE ENVIR NMENTAL DEFENDER • FALL 2000 • DEFENDER • FALL THE ENVIR NMENTAL production, no exploration or marine mammals, pollutants is unlawful except in accordance with an NPDES production has occurred on the permit. The EPA may issue NPDES permits allowing Cavern Point leases. sea turtles, and discharges on the condition that it will not degrade the possibly fisheries.” marine environment. Venoco now proposes to initiate exploration and production of the Unit by conducting EDC informed the EPA that it failed to assess three high energy seismic surveys. Such surveys involve intense important factors that are required by the regulations, acoustic blasts and can adversely impact marine resources including the biological importance of the area, the existence including marine mammals, sea turtles, and possibly of special aquatic sites such as marine sanctuaries, and the fisheries. In 1995, Exxon received permission to conduct a potential impacts on human health. In addition, scientific survey in federal waters offshore Santa Barbara County. evidence shows that the discharges may cause mortality impacts to the food web for numerous species, including fish,

When EDC was alerted about the survey at the last marine mammals, and birds.

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ minute, we worked with environmental groups, the ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ County and Coastal Commission to secure additional To get involved mitigation measures. EDC also worked with the County Considers Phasing Out For more information on federal government to ensure a public process for the Cavern Point Seismic any future surveys. As a result of our participation Coastal Oil and Gas Facilities Survey, contact the on the High Energy Seismic Survey (HESS) Team, Minerals Management SANTA BARBARA COUNTY - In the 1980s, the oil Service at 389-7520. EDC secured commitments for early public industry anticipated massive development off the South notification, Coastal Commission review, and Coast of Santa Barbara County. Faced with multiple environmental review. The Cavern Point survey is the first development proposals, each including its own suite of one proposed since the adoption of the HESS onshore processing and other support facilities, the County recommendations. Environmental review will commence designated two consolidated industrial sites for handling later this year. such production. Fifteen years later, it is clear that levels of ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ development are lower than expected, and that one South Coal Oil Point Reserves Coast processing facility can handle current and projected Sought Once Again future production. SANTA BARBARA - EDC has asked the County Board The Gaviota consolidated facility, built and operated by of Supervisors to phase out oil and gas operations at the Chevron in the 1980s and 1990s, is in inactive status, and Ellwood onshore facilities on the grounds that the serves only to heat oil that is processed on platforms industrial uses do not conform to the current zoning of offshore. Because of the reduced production levels, the the properties for recreation and residential uses. The County is re-evaluating the status of the Gaviota facilities. Board funded and is conducting an amortization study Options range from full abandonment (including removal that could lead to the closure of Venoco’s onshore facilities of the facilities, restoration of the site, and re-zone to at Ellwood. another use, such as agriculture) to fully resumed operations. EDC represents the Hollister Ranch Owners In the meantime, Venoco has submitted a new project Association, Sierra Club, Get Oil Out, Citizens Planning application to the County and State to allow “slant Association and the League of Women Voters in their drilling” from Platform Holly into currently unleased support for restoring the site to its rural heritage and areas directly off of Coal Oil Point. EDC asserts that the limiting future industrial development on the South Coast. proposal violates a 1991 settlement agreement between Venoco’s predecessor-in-interest ARCO, the County, the State and the Sierra Club.

The settlement agreement required ARCO to give up to the State its rights to drill into those areas in exchange for new drilling rights offshore of Long Beach. EDC is representing the Sierra Club, Citizens Planning Association, Get Oil Out, and Citizens for Goleta Valley in an effort to enforce that agreement as well as advocate for the amortization ordinance. On behalf of our clients, EDC has requested both the State Lands Commission and the County of Santa Barbara to deny Venoco’s plan. The County is re-evaluating the status of the Gaviota consolidated facility. Venoco’s application has been deemed incomplete.

Newsletter Fall 2000 6 1/15/1, 3:53 PM PAGE 7 • THE ENVIR NMENTAL DEFENDER • FALL 2000 Rocks Paoli’s SOhO Scitrex Palazzio Talisman Medicine Patagonia Restaurant TM Crafts Owen Dell Owen Susan Rose Susan Pedro Nava Pedro Teddywood Ted Rhodes Ted Sea Landing Sea Stella Mare’s Stella Point Blanks Point Teva Sandals Teva Tom Roberts Tom See’s Candies See’s Paradise Cafe Paradise Ragged Point Pegeen Soutar Pegeen Victoria Clark Victoria Shelly Szekecy Shelly Shoreline Cafe Shoreline Shaun Tomson Shaun Thomas Fallon Sojourner Cafe Sojourner Woody’s Detail Woody’s Sea for Yourself for Sea Sanford Winery Sanford The Palace Grill The Palace Sundance Beach Sundance Summer Solstice Summer Spencer Conway Spencer St. Paul Cleaners Paul St. Sydney Minnerly Sydney Richard Longoria Richard PCPA Theaterfest PCPA Santa Barbara Zoo Barbara Santa Ocarinas Songbird Zaca Mesa Winery Mesa Zaca Soft Touch Leather Touch Soft Pascucci Restaurant Pascucci Simpson House Inn House Simpson Surfrider Foundation Surfrider Public Beauty Supply Public Rolling Hills Gardens Hills Rolling Vegetable Ivory Designs Ivory Vegetable Santa Barbara Mini Kite Mini Barbara Santa West Coast Chiropractic West 1/15/1, 3:53 PM Santa Barbara Symphony Barbara Santa Santa Barbara Bikesmiths Barbara Santa Tavarua Island Tours, Inc. Tours, Island Tavarua Santa Barbara Frame shop Frame Barbara Santa Phil Seymour & Jean Silva & Jean Seymour Phil Santa Barbara Yoga Center Yoga Barbara Santa Silent Partner 1-Hour Photo 1-Hour Partner Silent Santa Barbara Sailing Center Sailing Barbara Santa Victoria Greene & Dan Gira & Dan Greene Victoria Santa Barbara Family YMCA Family Barbara Santa Siglo XXI Language Institute XXI Siglo County Landscape & Design Santa Barbara Museum of Art Museum Barbara Santa Santa Barbara Inn & Citronelle Inn Barbara Santa SB Museum of Natural History of Natural SB Museum Santa Barbara College of Oriental Barbara Santa S.B. County News Clipping Service Clipping S.B. County News Surfrider Foundation Surfrider Society Audubon Ventura Individuals Bernstein Robert Bower Susan & Laura Malakoff Brown Mike Ben & Betty Conway Crandell Wilson Tonya Jones Bronwen Rita Solinas Strawn John Stringer Mark Santa Barbara Gym & Fitness Center Gym & Fitness Barbara Santa The Upham Hotel & Garden Cottages & Garden Hotel The Upham Radisson Hotel Santa Barbara/Bistro 111 Barbara/Bistro Santa Radisson Hotel Murrays Odwalla Fishouse Joe’s Cafe Joe’s Magellan’s Gil Garcia Gil Larry Wan Head West Head Jim Koorey Jim Gregg Hart Gregg Gold’s Gym Gold’s Health Care Health Marty Blum Marty Healing Arts Healing Teva Sandals Teva Edward Bear Edward Linda Sehgal Elise Murphy Elise Gail Marshall Gail Island Packers Island JoEllen Butler JoEllen Harriet Miller Harriet Hal Wahlborg Hal Brewing Co. Brewing Norm Hendry Norm Jenna Garmon Jenna Ethan Inlander Ethan Keith Zandona Keith Lobero Theater Harriette Davis Cycles Hazard’s Jack O’Connell Jack Mikel Naccarfo Mikel Naomi Schwartz Naomi Firestone Walker Firestone Maryanne Green Eric Zimmerman Eric The Natural Cafe The Natural The Herbal Spirit The Herbal The Family Jewels The Family Loughran Designs Fiddlehead Cellars Fiddlehead Oceanfront Resort Oceanfront The Ojai Vineyard The Ojai Island Seed & Feed Seed Island Geob Stained Glass Stained Geob Morninglory Music Morninglory Educated Car Wash Educated Car Larry Bickford, OD Larry Bickford, Left at Albuquerque Mountain Air Sports Mountain Nepenthe Restaurant Nepenthe Lipman Volvo Repair Lipman Volvo Isla Vista Food Co-op Food Vista Isla Fred & Andrea Rifkin & Andrea Fred The Enchanted Forest Ojai Valley Inn & Spa Inn Valley Ojai Ken Yamamoto, LMT Yamamoto, Ken Four Seasons Biltmore Four Jensen’s Guitar & Music Guitar Jensen’s Fresh Choice Restaurant Fresh Maes Center for Natural Maes Montecito Natural Foods Natural Montecito Henning’s Cake Boutique Henning’s Montecito Family YMCA Family Montecito Orchard Supply Hardware Supply Orchard Goleta Valley Athletic Club Athletic Valley Goleta Jennifer M. Oetken, LCMT M. Oetken, Jennifer Nolan Coogan Photography Nolan Ensemble Theatre Theatre Ensemble Company Mount Calvary Retreat House Calvary Retreat Mount Home & Ranch Cleaning Service Home Metropolitan Theatres Theatres Corporation Metropolitan ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Organizations Society Plant California Native Council Community Environmental Cooperative Food Vista Isla Institute Graduate Pacifica Buildings of Green Parade Patagonia Coalition Foothills Marcos San Society Audubon Barbara Santa Independent Barbara Santa Indians of Mission Band Ynez Santa Shores Ellwood Save Chapter Los Padres Club, Sierra SLO Founders Circle SLO Founders celebrate the complete as we is now Circle Founders The SLO wish to thank and We first anniversary of our branch office. honor these visionaryorganizations that individuals and County. to establishing EDC in SLO contributed generously Naomi Bell, members include: Barbara Circle Founders Our Linda and Robert Brown, Nancy Blakely, and David William Christensen, Carlyn Christianson, Brian Brownson, Lane in Memory of the RanchLand, Robert Friends Denneen, Luna, Bonnie and Sol and George Lane, Ursula of Rose Coast Alliance, Robert North Christine Mulholland, Mayesh, Smith. and Xiaoping Cheng, Mary and Donald Shanbrom TGIF Sponsors sponsors of our the generous pleased to recognize are We 2000: celebrations held April-October TGIF monthly

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Thank You Thank 7 Cox Cable Disneyland Dan Secord Dave Rosen Dave Cookie Miley David Kugich Cori - Animal David Schrader Design in Mind Chaucer’s Books Chaucer’s Dawne’s Designs Dawne’s David Landecker Doug Buckmaster Darren Lisle, L.Ac. Darren Churchill’s Jewelers Churchill’s Cathy McCammon Cold Stone Creamery Cold Stone Custom Leather Goods Custom Champagne Restaurant Cygnet-Le Salon, Le Spa Salon, Cygnet-Le Deborah & Kevin Healy Charisma Folk Collection Charisma Folk Channel Communications Contemporary Arts Forum Cavalier Oceanfront Resort Oceanfront Cavalier ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Cathedral Oaks Athletic Club Cathedral Oaks EDC Corporate Sponsors Sanford, Thekla & Richard Winery Sanford Inc. Patagonia, Sponsors Event Independent Barbara The Santa Productions RedStar Support Productions Technical Club Plover Snowy Western & Chris Hahn Branda Heymann Juliane Club Frog Red-Legged Laura Dewey Flacks & Mickey Richard Landecker & Sharon David Palladini William Carol & Crystal Snyder Club Salamander Tiger Foundation The Surfrider Thank you also to the wonderful businesses who donated food to feed our volunteers: Country Cafe Allison’s ArmbrustRoma City Bakery Restaurant Fiesta/Mike’s Pizza Howie’s Hungry Foods Health Lassen’s to our Auction Committee; Hannah-Beth to our Auction Watts Amber Azuma Ca’ Dario Ca’ Anna Bass Bistro Sole Bistro Blue Agave Blue Arturo Tello Bicycle Bob’s Bicycle Cari Summer Aja Restaurant Brian Trautwein Brian Aldo’s Restaurant Aldo’s Anomaly Imports Barbara Loebman Barbara Arturo Peal, L.Ac. Arturo Peal, Bernadette Tellefson Bernadette Best Western Cavalier Western Best Big Easy Catering Co. Big The Big Yellow House Yellow The Big Thanks to our volunteers from Santa Barbara Bank & Bank Barbara Trust from Santa Thanks to our volunteers Access to Lifelong Fitness Access Carla Frisk & Jeff Newton & Jeff Carla Frisk Buttonwood Farm Winery Farm Buttonwood Andrea Slevin Hypnotherapy Slevin Andrea B.L. Borovay & George Relles & George B.L. Borovay Avalon Chiropractic / Dr. Eric Chiropractic / Dr. Avalon Carmen Cervantes, Jim Cook, James A. Kyriaco, Jr., Deanna Zaharias Jr., A. Kyriaco, Cook, James Carmen Cervantes, Jim ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Many thanks to all who took the time to talk with us. Many responses will help guide EDC in the coming year. Your to attend local members indicated a desire Many about EDC. If informational meetings to learn more would like to host or attend an informational you at (805) Office Ventura please call the meeting near you, 677-2570, or e-mail us at [email protected]. EDC thanks our intrepid Ventura County Development Ventura EDC thanks our intrepid They contacted friends and Committee volunteers! work members of EDC to ask their views about EDC’s issues as parton local environmental of a membership- building effort. Bottorff Ron Breslin Nancy Churchill Jim Dolan David Magney David Malloy Tim Montgomery Megan Rogers Jo Scott Weiss Alisse Weston Ventura Membership Drive Ventura and Survey Special Thanks Special and Nava Pedro Auctioneers Guest Wan; Sara Jackson; Heather Antara & Delilah, Guests Musical Green; Geoff Party Lanphar; Undercover and Bill Jones, Ian Stevenson, The staff at Elings Easy Catering Company; Big Rental; Volunteers, of our wonderful and the rest Sponsors, Park; and Benefit who made our Annual Auction and Donors so successful. Annual Auction Newsletter Fall 2000 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

1/15/1, 3:54 PM 3:54 1/15/1, 8 2000 Fall Newsletter

Copyright @2000,Environmental DefenseCenter•Graphic Design:Harriet Eckstein Graphic Design

Small portable tv/vcr portable Small

Portable Stereo Portable Bulletin Board Bulletin Santa Barbara office. Barbara Santa

Please call our Volunteer Coordinator, Eve Bailey in the in Bailey Eve Coordinator, Volunteer our call Please Adobe Photoshop Software Photoshop Adobe Chafing Dish Chafing

Macintosh Scanner Macintosh Serving Platters Serving volunteers with database and grant writing experience. writing grant and database with volunteers

EDC Wish List Wish EDC to use please give us a call. We are especially in need of need in especially are We call. a us give please use to

If you have special skills we may be able be may we skills special have you If Skills: Special

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○ year. Pizza, refreshments and lively conversation provided. conversation lively and refreshments Pizza, year.

Late afternoon or early evenings about six times per times six about evenings early or afternoon Late Mailings: information.

charge. Please call Phil McKenna at 682-0302 for further for 682-0302 at McKenna Phil call Please charge. computer data entry. data computer

bi-weekly to assist in answering phones, research, letter writing, and writing, letter research, phones, answering in assist to bi-weekly the evening should be a visual treat. The event is free of free is event The treat. visual a be should evening the

We would prefer a commitment of 2-4 hours weekly or weekly hours 2-4 of commitment a prefer would We Assistance: Office The Oak Group is exhibiting their work at the Gallery, so Gallery, the at work their exhibiting is Group Oak The

hospitality, and decorating/set up. decorating/set and hospitality,

different areas, including planning, program, invitations, auction items, auction invitations, program, planning, including areas, different follow the slide presentation. slide the follow

We need people to help out in several in out help to people need We Committee: Auction Barbara Santa the preservation activities taking place on the Coast will Coast the on place taking activities preservation the

Volunteer Opportunities Volunteer Barbara Public Library, 40 E. Anapamu. A discussion of discussion A Anapamu. E. 40 Library, Public Barbara

21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Faulkner Gallery at the Santa the at Gallery Faulkner the in p.m. 7:00 at 21

presentation on the Gaviota Coast, Tuesday, November Tuesday, Coast, Gaviota the on presentation ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

The Gaviota Coast Conservancy will host a free slide free a host will Conservancy Coast Gaviota The

school in January. Thank you, Alicia, and best wishes! best and Alicia, you, Thank January. in school

Unfortunately for EDC, Alicia will be returning to law to returning be will Alicia EDC, for Unfortunately Gaviota Event Gaviota have learned all this by the example of all the staff at EDC.” at staff the all of example the by this all learned have

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○ and realize my dream of working in public interest law. I law. interest public in working of dream my realize and

reach a broader audience of County residents. County of audience broader a reach ethic and commitment that is required to go the distance the go to required is that commitment and ethic

local environmental issues,” said Alicia. “I have seen the seen have “I Alicia. said issues,” environmental local Plan update. We are excited about this opportunity to opportunity this about excited are We update. Plan

“I have acquired more than legal skills and knowledge of knowledge and skills legal than more acquired have “I vehicles on the Oceano Dunes and the North Coast Area Coast North the and Dunes Oceano the on vehicles

Obispo of the California Coastal Commission, including Commission, Coastal California the of Obispo

source pollution. source

EDC will bring before the February meeting in San Luis San in meeting February the before bring will EDC leases off California’s coast); and a Clean Water Act case involving point involving case Act Water Clean a and coast); California’s off leases

EDC. The February show is planned to address issues that issues address to planned is show February The EDC. on the cover of this newsletter involving the extension of 36 undeveloped oil undeveloped 36 of extension the involving newsletter this of cover the on

Alicia has primarily worked on two issues while at EDC: the case highlighted case the EDC: at while issues two on worked primarily has Alicia introduction to SLO staff and general background on background general and staff SLO to introduction

The kick-off show will be in January 2001 with an with 2001 January in be will show kick-off The

prior to law school was in teaching environmental education and science. and education environmental teaching in was school law to prior

of Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. Most of Alicia’s background Alicia’s of Most Oregon. Portland, in College Clark and Lewis of

Ventura Counties. Ventura Alicia Finigan. Alicia is starting her third year at Northwestern School of Law of School Northwestern at year third her starting is Alicia Finigan. Alicia

projects and cases in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Barbara Santa Obispo, Luis San in cases and projects EDC is thrilled to have enjoyed the company and wonderful work of law clerk law of work wonderful and company the enjoyed have to thrilled is EDC

Director Mindy Lorenz, the show will feature issues, feature will show the Lorenz, Mindy Director Law Clerk Profile: Alicia Finigan Alicia Profile: Clerk Law

television program on EDC. Hosted by SLO Program SLO by Hosted EDC. on program television

Interns & Volunteers & Interns producing and underwriting a 30-minute monthly cable monthly 30-minute a underwriting and producing

SLO Founders Circle member Robert Lane will be will Lane Robert member Circle Founders SLO EDC SLO Television Show Television SLO EDC

Nonprofit Org U. S. Postage PAID Permit No. 287 Santa Barbara, CA

906 Garden Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Address Service Requested