Yorba Linda City Council

I would like to preface this with a reiteration of my support for the equestrian community, their interests and ensuring safe, reliable trails and access to equestrian facilities. In 2006 when I ran for Council, I pledged support for an equestrian stable. The equestrian leadership indicated at that time, if given the land, they would find an independent business to build and run a horse stable in our community.  I was and continue to support that idea.

 I have followed with interest as the equestrians identified locations in our community to provide a stable facility site. I have worked with our Supervisor and his office staff identifying locations within Yorba Linda’s sphere of influence that might provide greater acreage while still providing easy access for our community members. I am in communication with a regional equestrian group and would support a limited partnership to determine a regional need for such a facility.  My votes have reflected I support open and safe access to the trail system.

I am not in support of the City building another business and then hiring a managing company.

Within the study’s scope of work, the consultant clearly stated the proposed equestrian center would require significant City funding. The expectation is the City would build the facility and contract with a company to manage the business. Similar facilities in surrounding communities have apparently cost $6-9 million to build.

 We are in the process of cutting our budget and back-filling the shortfall with general funds. We are eliminating the Fiesta Day Parade, 2010 Fireworks show, we are reducing service and reducing staffing levels. Is this the time to proceed with a project we cannot afford?

The equestrians have a $250,000 ear-marked fund for use to build a stable. Although unusual, some members of this Council has determined over the years interest has raised the amount to about $450,000. These funds would be used to offset some of the building costs. This is hardly enough to cover a project this large.  

The second and third phases of this study are time sensitive. Determining the need and financial viability of this project will be valuable information at the time the project could potentially be funded. What is determined as need or financial viability will change in 5, 10 or 15 years. Mayor Schwing suggested we complete Phase one of the study to determine if the site selected, (a portion of the lakebed off Buena Vista) was viable. The cost for this portion of the study was about $24,000. This information would withstand the test of time and I was in support of this suggestion. After discussion, the majority of the Council wanted to proceed with the entire study.  I could not support funding the entire study.

 Lastly, this business carries a tremendous liability for our community. If there were a personal or equine injury, the City would most likely be sued. Even if there were insufficient evidence of neglect, we would have to defend the City in any possible lawsuit.

My voting decision has created a considerable amount of anger among some of the equestrians and I can understand the disappointment. As an elected official of the City, it is my responsibility to spend and protect the citizens money wisely and to balance the needs of many.

I continue to support the concept of providing the land to an equestrian collaborative group, preparing the land, whether it is to fund an EIR, gain support from the Wildlife, Fish and Game Authorities, provide water source to the site. At that point, interested individuals should take this on as a private business or a community collaborative. I have been informed there may be grants available for facilities such as this. I would encourage the collaborative to gain as much knowledge and begin the process of gaining the funds to build the Equestrian Center. 

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