My vote on the Yorba Linda Equestrian feasibility study was predicated on a variety of concerns. 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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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Enough horsing around – couldn’t resist!
I hardly think it is the City’s responsibility to pay a dime. If there is a legitimate need, a private business would, no doubt, fill the void and fund it themselves. My guess is that the need isn’t truly there because, if there is money to be made, a private business would definitely have stepped up by now. Unfortunately, when there is no money to be made, the government often is the one to step up. . .
Thank you for voting no. The liability issue alone is a good enough reason to refuse. Considering budget cuts that are being/have been made, it is irresponsible to squander precious tax dollars on this project.
The equestrian community is quite unreasonable if they expect everyone else in the City to fund their little money-sink project.
Thank you for your vote, Jan. Government’s role in this and every happiness the citizenry chooses to pursue is to make it possible, not to do it!
Being a horse lover, and a conservative, I thank you for your vote. I believe that government should stay out of the free market. If and when there is a need for it, private bussiness will do it themselves.
Thank you for your vote! This is hardly a time to be spending money on something that should be a private concern. Also, on behalf of all dog lovers out there, I heard that the use of the lakebed would exclude dogs from walking there!! There are far more dog families in YL than families that can afford horses!! What a shame it would be to lose such a wonderful place walk your puppies and meet friends.
I do not think the proposed plan would keep dogs out of the lakebed area.
Thanks for being supportive of our equine heritage, yet being fiscally responsible.
I enjoy seeing horses around town once in a while, and new stable would be a nice addition, but an additional burden on the taxpayer would not be appreciated considering the economy!
Especially considering that the golf course is costing us so much money. People who play golf should pay for the golf course, and people who have horses should pay for their own stables.
Since only people with horses will be using a horse facility, it’s not fair that the rest of the residents should be financing it. What will happen to the existing horse arena on Buena Vista? Is there enough activity to warrent having both facilities? Doesn’t the city already pay for the upkeep of that facility?
I’m sure that if all the horse owners band together, they can figure out a way to make this happen privately.