SOAR revisions needed for agribusiness to grow
SOAR, short for Save Open Space and Agricultural Resources, has had a big impact on land use in Ventura County. Up for renewal after two decades, a revised SOAR should go before voters this fall. Among other things, SOAR needs revisions that carve out exceptions for food processing facilities. It needs to recognize the growing Read More →
Business, wilderness a successful mix
With the introduction of the Central Coast Heritage Protection Act by U.S. Rep. Lois Capps and Sen. Barbara Boxer, we have an opportunity to protect 250,000 acres of our incredible local landscape as wilderness — a common sense measure that will drive growth in our local recreation economy and enhance the quality of life that Read More →
CDC fails Chipotle by not finding outbreak source
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has concluded its investigation into two E. coli outbreaks that sickened at least 60 Chipotle Mexican Grill customers in 14 states but said it was unable to determine the source of contamination. The CDC said it was probably a common meal item or ingredient. That conclusion is Read More →
Low gas prices great for consumers but not necessarily for the economy
At close to $33 per barrel, crude oil has dropped more than 60 percent since June 2014 — which is great for our economy because it significantly reduces the average price of gas and heating oil. Regular gasoline now averages $2 per gallon nationally. This translates to cheaper costs to transport goods and run your Read More →
Retired business leaders have a lot to teach
Learn by listening to leaders. It is a widely known and accepted belief that one can learn leadership qualities by listening to those who have successfully demonstrated such attributes in their careers. A group of such highly accomplished leaders lives at the same address in Ventura County. Collectively, these individuals possess a gold mine of Read More →
North Santa Barbara County great location for spinout tech
The Third District Supervisor race in Santa Barbara County caught our eye recently when the topic of finding new homes for UC Santa Barbara spinout technology companies came up. Bruce Porter, a West Point alum and stockbroker, has suggested a more comprehensive effort to link UCSB technology startups to communities in north Santa Barbara Read More →
Water rights require balance of interests
As a water lawyer, I am frequently asked, “Who owns the water in California?” In jest, I sometimes respond, “Is that a trick question?” The question is often a charged one that is underlain by personal views that there is either too much or too little government control over water use. The political adage that Read More →
