The Desert Area Initiative

For farmers, the land is everything. That’s one reason farmers are characteristically so concerned about property rights. When bureaucrats take control of your prerogatives over the property you own, they put at jeopardy your livelihood and way of life. Actually, it’s an issue that should worry all citizens, not just farmers.

I am very concerned about the proposal made by the Borrego Springs Community Sponsor Group for a “Desert Area Initiative.” On the face of it, some of their ideas sound constructive and community oriented. The larger agenda, however, seems outrageously negative. The draconian scope of the intrusive regulation proposed by the Sponsor Group would compromise the property rights of everyone in Borrego, mandating everything from what kind of driveway you could install, to the lights you use, to how close you could live to the state park. The way I read it, the proposal would make it almost impossible for anyone to conduct business in Borrego. It would be a disaster.

If you don’t believe me, ask the Sponsor Group for a copy of the proposed regulations—it’s a 13 page long, single spaced agenda.

The Sponsor Group began working on this initiative in May of 2006. They didn’t ask for public comment until January 2007, as a final step before submitting the proposal to the county. I hate to say it, but it seems they just want us to sign on to a plan they have already decided is best for everyone. This is a no growth initiative in sheep’s clothing. It will hurt everyone in Borrego.

I urge you to directly contact San Diego County Supervisor Bill Horn and express your opposition to this proposal.