Oral arguments on the UnClog appeal are now set for October 28th, 2009 in Santa Barbara.

After the dust has settled in the reply and opposition briefs, the question before the court comes down to “are we potential users” vs. the new legislative intent of the certified LCP, urban and water master plans. The court rulings in the prior actions were that we were potential users of water and sewer in the prior cases.

The County and the Coastal Commission stated that it was “obvious immediate” that Ordinance 2-2000 closed the wait list only to allow future connections to come from a CCSD wait list position holder. The County and the CCSD position is not consistent with the prior rulings which occured two years after the ordinance was adopted.

The updated LCP, along with the adopted CCSD Urban and Water Master Plans which limit additional development to 4650 once the desalination plant (new water source) comes on line memorializes that the County, conditioned by the CCC, is using police power to limit any more future development on presently vacant lots, except those on the districts wait list.

This adopted legislative intent will limit the appellate court in this ruling. It will be interesting how the court interprets the new legislation against the prior rulings. Either way, it will have a significant impact on the community of Cambria.

“Composting toilet systems do not require
water for flushing, and thus, reduce
domestic water consumption.”

Are we just too lazy? Incapable? Fearful of taking responsibility for learning to live more simply? Fearful of regulators whose policies promote continued excess?

As far as growth, I think that Cambria can afford to grow up, on Main Street, and there abouts. To have sqwelched the Bicycle Museum at the former Ian’s Restaurant location was a mistake.

On the matter of desal focus, my friend Jim Brownell, a soil consultant and bright man, has suggested that it would be less expensive and more feasible for us to filter the non-potable water for water use, as opposed to sea water. Since most people use water filters and bottled water for their drinking water, anyway, that would make great sense. It would also encourage our town to use better detergents, since the aftermath would be returning to their sink. Now, we must rely upon one’s compassion for the fish, which is sorely delinquent.

Another plan to discourage Cambria’s growth would be to begin a well planned hub of a new village around the area of HWY 46 and HWY One. If the County could begin to re-classify that region, with allowances for the Red Legged Frog habitats, then our village could retain a moratorium or 1% growth cap, even with the new water system.