February 4, 2004

County Supervisor Lou Calcagno
10681 McDougall Street
P.O. Box 787
Castroville, CA 95012

Subject: Agricultural Planing on Hillside Greater than 25% Slope

Dear Chair Calcagno:

The League of Women Voters has long advocated the preservation of our natural resources, including efforts to prevent erosion and removal of native vegetation. Recently the Monterey County Planning Commission overturned a staff recommendation to remove a vineyard which was planted in a residential neighborhood in Carmel Valley on slopes in excess of 25%.

We believe that this action sets a dangerous precedent. Enforcement of the existing zoning ordinance should be upheld by overturning the action of the Planning Commission. Supporting the Planning Commission's action would send the wrong message to landowners who own thousands of acres of land with slopes in excess of 25%.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Beverly G. Bean, President, the League of Women Voters of the Monterey Peninsula

cc:  Supervisors Potter, Armenta, and Lindley