I am writing about the take-over actions of the Coastal Commission. Arbitrary rules and regulations placed on my home and land continue to be self-serving, unfair and probably illegal. The Coastal Commission continues to limit property owner rights and I am writing to voice my objection. The recent decision to prevent agriculture is ridiculous. I cannot even plant a lemon tree anymore! Agriculture is part of our heritage, and has been in the Santa Monica Mountains long before there were housing subdivisions, or the National Recreation Area. Agriculture is beautiful, and enhances the National Recreation Area, drawing thousands of visitors every year. Agriculture is a priority use in the Coastal Act, given priority over residential, commercial, or industrial development.Â
We very much want an LCP to be adopted, but this LCP proposes to ban all new agriculture, when in fact the LCP should be promoting appropriate agricultural uses.Â
Agriculture includes organic farms, orchards, and vineyards, all of which would be banned by the LCP, with a ripple effect on bee keepers, wineries, wine tasting rooms, tour charters and farmers markets.Â
We urge the Coastal Commission to modify the LCP to delete the ban on agriculture, and replace it with policies that promote agriculture.Â
Gail CopleyÂ