SB 1916 by Senator Liz Figeroa- OPPOSE -Would expand the authority of the California Coastal Commission. The CSHA & the California Equestrian Trails & Lands Coalition, is dedicated to preserving equestrian uses throughout California and opposes SB 1916. Placed in Inactive File

Local government and citizens should continue to work with Regional Water Quality Control Boards, who have had staffs expert in water quality for a long time, and with the EPA through much more democratic-based coalitions, like the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project, rather than the authoritarian California Coastal Commission (CCC).

The CCC has demonstrated that they do not have the staff, expertise, local knowledge, nor inclination to work and prioritize with visitors and residents to reduce non-point source pollution. The typical CCC approach to non-point source pollution control is "just say no" or "just make it impractical or impossible to do". Here are some response examples of how the CCC is not working with the citizens or the local governments in their LUP for Malibu & the Santa Monica Mountains:

SB 1916 if passed would perpetuate this type of response to land use plans.

· No conversion of open spaces to orchards, vineyards, etc. even if they are zoned rural residential or agriculture ( Harris, Hinman, San Luis Obispo, etc)
· Unprecedented designations as Environmental Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHA) for areas with common sagebrush & chaparral and for open spaces with weeds and grasses. No livestock allowed in or adjacent to an ESHA.
· Unprecedented limits of all improvements to no more than 10,000 sq.ft. "Disturbed area" even in rural neighborhoods that characteristically have always had orchards, horse facilities, tennis courts, ponds, etc. Note that a tennis court is 7,000 sq.ft. and a required hammerhead driveway is 3,000 sq.ft., so that you could not have a house also!
· No grading at all for horse corrals, barns, arenas, etc. Restricting horse facilities so close to homes that it conflicts with public health codes for 50 foot distance from homes, resulting in no horses allowed. Only one ancillary structure and it can not exceed 750 sq. ft. A structure is defined to include fences & corrals.

H.R. 434 Emigrant Wilderness Preservation Act of 2001

H.R. 2177 Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002 (Enrolled as Agreed to or Passed by Both House and Senate)

H.R.2622 Rep Thomas M.Reynolds (introduced 7/25/2001) To prohibit the interstate transport of horses for the purpose of slaughter or horseflesh intended for human consumption, and for other purposes. Analysis: H.R. 2622 is drafted in such a way that it will not prohibit the transport from a state to a foreign country of horses for slaughter or horse flesh for human consumption. It will pre-empt any existing or future state law relating to slaughter of horses for human consumption. And the "downed horse" exemption in H.R. 2622 will permit the interstate transport for slaughter for human consumption of lame and sick horses.

H.R. 3781 Morella, has been substantially changed correcting problems addressing constitutionality. However, there are still two major issues that have not been amended: Euthanasia and Enforcement. As currently drafted it allows for confiscated horses both beyond recovery and unplaceable to be euthanized using gun shot or captive dead bolt. Also H.R. 3781 does not grant authority to law enforcement resources outside the USDA to enforce the Act.

H.R. 3808-Representative Scott McInnis (R-Colorado) Legislation aimed at deterring unlawful abuse by persons on Federal lands that fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service.

H.R. 4589 Wilderness Study Area Release Act

H.R.4750 Big Sur Wilderness and Conservation Act of 2002

HR 4840 requires "sound science" - solid, valid, legitimate scientific data - to place a species on the endangered species list.

H.R.4948 Northern California Wild Heritage Wilderness Act of 2002

H.R.4947Southern California Wild Heritage Wilderness Act

H.R.4949 Northern California Coastal Wild Heritage Wilderness Act of 2002

H.R.3259 To amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973

What can you do to help!
You can become involved by being aware about what is happening. You can write or call representatives in your area to make your support or opposition known, and you can also contact members of committees as well as sponsors/ authors to tell them your concerns. You can also ask for amendments or changes to bills that would be acceptable. Remember that many legislators may not be knowledgeable in the areas that the bill would effect and that they are willing to make compromises and changes so that all can benefit.