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Commentary: Slowing down, learning about a fast-track law

By Bob Field/Contributor

A new state law, sponsored by Assemblyman Pedro Nava and supported by 3rd District county Supervisor Brooks Firestone, is fast- tracking its way through the legislature, without adequate community knowledge or input.

This proposed law, which would apply only to the Santa Ynez Valley, affects the expansion of water and sewer services. It would make it far easier for the county to approve developments — like a sewer system in Los Olivos, big-box shopping centers and/or auto dealerships on the edges of our Valley cities, or hotels and resorts on ag-zoned land.

If passed, this bill would immediately give the local water company — Santa Ynez River Water Conservation District Improvement District No. 1, or ID1 — the new independent authority to in- stall a sewer system in Los Olivos.

According to the Central Coast Water Board, a private meeting was recently held with Los Olivos commercial property owners to discuss how the state could help them get a sewer system into Los Olivos.

Despite the inadequate — and in at least one case, illegal — public noticing, people in the Valley have learn- ed of this proposed new law, and have begun to ask questions.

Proponents of this new law say there is nothing to worry about. But in that case, they should not hesitate to slow down the process, tell their story in a public meeting, and answer questions from those concerned.

They have been asked to do so, but have not yet agreed.

To illustrate why there is so much concern, here are examples of the different answers given to the simple why-are-you-doing-this question:

From ID1 to its customers — It would make them “a fully independent water company that could better meet the needs of its customers.”

From ID1 to me — We don’t want to do it, LAFCO, another local quasi-governmental agency, is threatening to sue us if we don’t.

From the proposed state Law — This act “is necessary because of the unique and special surface water and groundwater problems in the area ...” This is not true, and a very dangerous prin-ciple to establish in state law.

From ID1’s attorneys to the ID1 board — “... the intent (of the law) would be to broaden and clarify the District’s powers ...”

This inconsistent set of answers is confusing and disturbing.

This proposed new law was written by ID1’s attorneys, Denver-based Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck. According to their own Web site (www.bhfs.com) they proudly describe themselves as “... a real estate and political po-werhouse (merged) with California’s largest water practice,” and “In January 2007, the firm merged with Schreck Brignone in Las Vegas, adding a nationally recognized gaming practice to its list of offerings ...”

This certainly raises questions, and the public certainly deserves answers.

Space limitations have only allowed exposure of a few of the many concerns related to this complex issue. Hopefully, this is enough to get public action.

There is no reason to fast-track this law through the Legislature. ID1 has been in business for 47 years. ID1, LAFCO and Supervisor Firestone have been working on this change for at least two years.

I can’t imagine why the public would be denied an informational meeting and full disclosure.

You can help. Perhaps if more citizens ask, the people in control of this situation will respond to the reasonable request for a slow-down and a public hearing:

Assemblyman Pedro Nava, assemblymember.nava@ assembly.ca.gov; Supervisor Brooks Firestone, bfirestone@co.santa-barbara. ca.us; ID1 General Manager Chris Dahlstrom, cdahlstrom@syrd.org; LAFCO Executive Officer Bob Braitman, lafco@sblafco.org

Bob Field has been involved with public and private water systems for 25 years, and is president of a Mutual Water Co. in the Santa Ynez Valley.