After a series of guided tours of Tres Hermanos Ranch, the newest event at this roughly 2,500-acre local gem, managed by an authority comprised of the cities of Chino Hills, Diamond Bar and Industry, is a self-guided three-mile hike from Grand Avenue Park in Chino Hills to the ranch headquarters and back. For more information:
Showing posts with label City of Diamond Bar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label City of Diamond Bar. Show all posts
03 April 2026
26 November 2018
Surprising New Twist to Tres Hermanos Saga
As reported in yesterday's San Gabriel Valley Tribune, an unexpected left-field turn of events concerning the Tres Hermanos Ranch in Tonner Canyon, directly north of Carbon Canyon, emerged recently when the City of Commerce made overtures to purchase the ranch for $42 million.
The story is convoluted and complex, but seems to involve an effort from a utility firm, San Gabriel Valley Water and Power, formed to develop a solar farm at Tres Hermanos by contract with the City of Industry until that plan wetn awry, to work with Commerce on acquiring the ranch and revive the project. So far, officials in Commerce have been tight-lipped about its discussions concerning the property, basically saying that they are simply exploring options.
Industry was given approval by the successor agency to its former redevelopment agency to buy the ranch but whose purchase has been stalled by litigation involving the cities of Chino Hills and Diamond Bar. A key condition was that the ranch had to be developed for public use and there was talk about preserving portions of the nearly 2,500-acre property for open space and recreation. That public use, for a time, was the scuttled solar farm project, though it looks like Commerce is aiming to bring it back.
Chino Hills City Manager Rad Bartlam was blunt in stating that the city would sue Commerce if it was to acquire the land and pursue the solar farm, adding that officials in Commerce would be "completely crazy" to assume otherwise. Industry's city attorney Jamie Casso noted that the state's Department of Finance has approved the sale of the ranch to the city, noting "it's mind-boggling that anybody would think that this is possible."
Industry, Chino Hills and Diamond Bar have recently undertaken settlement negotiation talks concerning joint control of Tres Hermanos, but Commerce claims Industry has not satisfied the terms of the sale from the successor agency and requested consideration for purchase, even though its own city council has not formally acted and two members of the council said they knew nothing about the issue.
Moreover, any sale would have to be approved by the successor agency and would also have to go out to bid, including to developers who've already made offers of up to $125 million for the ranch. There are also other legal issues, including whether Commerce's closed door meetings are a violation of the Brown Act, requiring public transparency for certain discussions by government agencies.
Officials from Chino Hills and Industry appeared at a Commerce council meeting just before Thanksgiving, at which officials there were poised to have a closed-door confab about Tres Hermanos, and threatened, including by letter, to sue Commerce over its proceedings. Two Los Angeles County supervisors, Janice Hahn and Hilda Solis, have indicated they want as much preserved open space as possible in addition to raising concerns about the legality of Commerce's actions to date.
As for Commerce, which gets a significant revenue stream from casinos in the city but is facing a significant loss of funds due to new state actions on gaming, it apparently is looking to utility services as a potential generation of income. Its two months of closed doors meetings and hiring of an attorney formerly employed by Industry to work on the solar farm project have raised eyebrows, with the Tribune reporting that Anthony Bouza may have broken the law by not getting informed written consent by Industry about his possibly using confidential information that would harm a previous client (Industry) to benefit a new one (Commerce,) a point echoed by Casso.
Check back for updates as new information is forthcoming.
The story is convoluted and complex, but seems to involve an effort from a utility firm, San Gabriel Valley Water and Power, formed to develop a solar farm at Tres Hermanos by contract with the City of Industry until that plan wetn awry, to work with Commerce on acquiring the ranch and revive the project. So far, officials in Commerce have been tight-lipped about its discussions concerning the property, basically saying that they are simply exploring options.
Industry was given approval by the successor agency to its former redevelopment agency to buy the ranch but whose purchase has been stalled by litigation involving the cities of Chino Hills and Diamond Bar. A key condition was that the ranch had to be developed for public use and there was talk about preserving portions of the nearly 2,500-acre property for open space and recreation. That public use, for a time, was the scuttled solar farm project, though it looks like Commerce is aiming to bring it back.
Chino Hills City Manager Rad Bartlam was blunt in stating that the city would sue Commerce if it was to acquire the land and pursue the solar farm, adding that officials in Commerce would be "completely crazy" to assume otherwise. Industry's city attorney Jamie Casso noted that the state's Department of Finance has approved the sale of the ranch to the city, noting "it's mind-boggling that anybody would think that this is possible."
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| An aerial photograph of Tres Hermanos from the north, taken in March 2018. |
Moreover, any sale would have to be approved by the successor agency and would also have to go out to bid, including to developers who've already made offers of up to $125 million for the ranch. There are also other legal issues, including whether Commerce's closed door meetings are a violation of the Brown Act, requiring public transparency for certain discussions by government agencies.
Officials from Chino Hills and Industry appeared at a Commerce council meeting just before Thanksgiving, at which officials there were poised to have a closed-door confab about Tres Hermanos, and threatened, including by letter, to sue Commerce over its proceedings. Two Los Angeles County supervisors, Janice Hahn and Hilda Solis, have indicated they want as much preserved open space as possible in addition to raising concerns about the legality of Commerce's actions to date.
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| A view of the 2,500-acre ranch from the east. |
Check back for updates as new information is forthcoming.
19 August 2018
A Turn of Events at Tres Hermanos Ranch
The situation has evolved yet again at Tres Hermanos Ranch, situated in Tonner Canyon just north of Carbon Canyon. Long owned by the City of Industry's redevelopment agency and subject to a purchase by the City after the dissolution of those agencies by the state, the ranch was then earmarked for a solar farm.
The cities of Chino Hills and Diamond Bar separately filed lawsuits challenging the sale on several grounds concerning this proposed plan without consulting the cities with respect to existing general plans and others.
Recently, however, came news in late July through the San Gabriel Valley Tribune that the City of Industry, which has undergone major administrative changes, has abandoned the solar farm plan, though it is not clear if the concept of some use of the ranch for solar power generation is totally jettisoned.
Yesterday, a new shift was announced in the form of an article in the Tribune that Industry has made overtures on some form of a joint partnership concerning the future of the 2,500-acre ranch, about 70% of which is in Chino Hills and the remainder in Diamond Bar. The article indicated that discussions have yielded progress with an agreement nearing completion toward a joint powers authority. There has been a Tres Hermanos Conservation Authority in the past, so it appears this would be a new entity with Industry having a more direct and formal repersentation.
One of the issues is the $42 million price tag which was attached to the ranch when a deal was made to sell the former redevelopment property to Industry and whether it would ask the other cities to help defray portions of that cost. Industry is seeking to end a lease agreement with a firm hired to develop plans for the now-scuttled solar farm but is being challenged by that company, San Gabriel Valley Water and Power, LLC.
While specifics of the discussions were not provided by any of the cities, Chino Hills City Manager Rad Bartlam called the talks so far "genuine" and found them encouraging, stating that the several weeks of meetings would, hopefully, lead to a result "we can all live with." Industry leaders have expressed hope for use of Tres Hermanos for a public purpose, with green energy still an interest of some of them.
Jim Gallagher of Save Tres Hermanos Ranch and a recent candidate for a Chino Hills City Council seat, however, expressed suspicion about the latest news, citing the possibility of housing needs assessments leading to Chino Hills and Diamond Bar eyeing at least parts of the ranch for development. Instead, Gallagher and others with the advocacy group are pushing to preserve the ranch as part of a nature corridor linking the Puente and Chino hills ranges.
As the Tres Hermanos situation continues to develop, look for more here.
The cities of Chino Hills and Diamond Bar separately filed lawsuits challenging the sale on several grounds concerning this proposed plan without consulting the cities with respect to existing general plans and others.
Recently, however, came news in late July through the San Gabriel Valley Tribune that the City of Industry, which has undergone major administrative changes, has abandoned the solar farm plan, though it is not clear if the concept of some use of the ranch for solar power generation is totally jettisoned.
Yesterday, a new shift was announced in the form of an article in the Tribune that Industry has made overtures on some form of a joint partnership concerning the future of the 2,500-acre ranch, about 70% of which is in Chino Hills and the remainder in Diamond Bar. The article indicated that discussions have yielded progress with an agreement nearing completion toward a joint powers authority. There has been a Tres Hermanos Conservation Authority in the past, so it appears this would be a new entity with Industry having a more direct and formal repersentation.
One of the issues is the $42 million price tag which was attached to the ranch when a deal was made to sell the former redevelopment property to Industry and whether it would ask the other cities to help defray portions of that cost. Industry is seeking to end a lease agreement with a firm hired to develop plans for the now-scuttled solar farm but is being challenged by that company, San Gabriel Valley Water and Power, LLC.
While specifics of the discussions were not provided by any of the cities, Chino Hills City Manager Rad Bartlam called the talks so far "genuine" and found them encouraging, stating that the several weeks of meetings would, hopefully, lead to a result "we can all live with." Industry leaders have expressed hope for use of Tres Hermanos for a public purpose, with green energy still an interest of some of them.
Jim Gallagher of Save Tres Hermanos Ranch and a recent candidate for a Chino Hills City Council seat, however, expressed suspicion about the latest news, citing the possibility of housing needs assessments leading to Chino Hills and Diamond Bar eyeing at least parts of the ranch for development. Instead, Gallagher and others with the advocacy group are pushing to preserve the ranch as part of a nature corridor linking the Puente and Chino hills ranges.
As the Tres Hermanos situation continues to develop, look for more here.
19 May 2018
Another Twist at Tres Hermanos Ranch
The news is a few days old, but the City of Industry has filed a rare municipal subpoena for information from San Gabriel Valley Water and Power, LLC, the company it paid $20 million as part of early planning for a proposed solar farm at Tres Hermanos Ranch, which is directly north of Carbon Canyon.
This is said to be done in order to satisfy demands made in lawsuits filed by the cities of Chino Hills and Diamond Bar contesting the sale of the ranch to Industry.
Read more here.
This is said to be done in order to satisfy demands made in lawsuits filed by the cities of Chino Hills and Diamond Bar contesting the sale of the ranch to Industry.
Read more here.
22 April 2018
New Lawsuits Filed Over Tres Hermanos Ranch
Last week, the cities of Chino Hills and Diamond Bar filed new suits against the City of Industry over what they are arguing is a lack of information requested about a prposed solar farm on the Tres Hermanos Ranch, which Industry owns and which is located in Chino Hills (about 70%) and Diamond Bar.
The two cities claim that Industry would not release or significantly redacted paperwork and are asking for a full release of that material. Industry counters that it has responded appropriately and has been waiting for third parties to provide some of the requested information.
To read more, here is the article from Friday afternoon.
The two cities claim that Industry would not release or significantly redacted paperwork and are asking for a full release of that material. Industry counters that it has responded appropriately and has been waiting for third parties to provide some of the requested information.
To read more, here is the article from Friday afternoon.
13 March 2018
The Latest at Tres Hermanos Ranch
Recent changes in the administration at the City of Industry and other matters have led to a halt in proceedings regarding a potential solar farm at Tres Hermanos Ranch, just north of Carbon Canyon in Tonner Canyon.
Jason Henry of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune contributed this article on the latest involving the ranch, which is still the subject of litigation initiated by the cities of Chino Hills and Diamond Bar.
As developments occur, check back for more on what happens to the last major undeveloped piece of land in the area.
Jason Henry of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune contributed this article on the latest involving the ranch, which is still the subject of litigation initiated by the cities of Chino Hills and Diamond Bar.
As developments occur, check back for more on what happens to the last major undeveloped piece of land in the area.
11 November 2017
Tres Hermanos and Potential Public Use
Today's Champion has an article by Marianne Napoles on Tres Hermanos Ranch, located in Tonner Canyon just north of Carbon Canyon, and the continuing controversy over its potential future uses.
Napoles repoted that "The City of Industry reiterated its commitment to use the 2,450-acre Tres Hermanos Ranch for open space, public use, and preservation purposes" following last week's determination by the state's Department of Finance that it would not act on the sale of the ranch to the city for $41,5 million.
Further, it was observed that Industry stated "it is not proposing a 450-megawatt solar facility" on the property, with documents suggesting the possibility of one up to that size. This was confirmed in a statement made by Chino Hills City Attorney Mark Hensley, who told the paper that document he'd seen indicated that the project "could be up to 450 megawatts, but there are various numbers in various documents."
Paul Philips, city manager in Industry, was quoted as saying "we will collaboratively with interested stakeholders and residents to ultimately create a space for people to enjoy." A restrictive covenant was part of the sale that would only allow for the three stated uses cited above. Philips went on to say that there will be a plan for Tres Hermanos coming in the near future.
Officials in Chino Hills and Diamond Bar continue to express the belief that their lawsuits challenging the legal validity of the sale will be upheld in the courts, with Chino Hills council member Peter Rogers referring to "this shroud of secrecy" about Industry's plans keeping the city "vigilant in seeking information that defines this project." Hensley added that "when you [Industry] are constantly working to hide the facts from the public and are untruthful when you are caught, it results in a lot of mistrust and confusion."
Diamond Bar City Manager Dan Fox stated that the sale, executed, in his view, "so Industry could have more cash to develop a massive solar generating facility is clearly inconsistent with" the long-range property management plan for the Successor Agency to the City of Industry Urban Development Agency. The argument is that the sale should have been for the maximum monetary value for the benefit of public entities like the two cities.
To further explain their positions, Chino Hills and Diamond Bar have added pages to their web sites, with the former offering this page and the latter presenting this one. The City of Industry has posted this press release on its website in the aftermath of the finance department's announcement.
Napoles repoted that "The City of Industry reiterated its commitment to use the 2,450-acre Tres Hermanos Ranch for open space, public use, and preservation purposes" following last week's determination by the state's Department of Finance that it would not act on the sale of the ranch to the city for $41,5 million.
Further, it was observed that Industry stated "it is not proposing a 450-megawatt solar facility" on the property, with documents suggesting the possibility of one up to that size. This was confirmed in a statement made by Chino Hills City Attorney Mark Hensley, who told the paper that document he'd seen indicated that the project "could be up to 450 megawatts, but there are various numbers in various documents."
Paul Philips, city manager in Industry, was quoted as saying "we will collaboratively with interested stakeholders and residents to ultimately create a space for people to enjoy." A restrictive covenant was part of the sale that would only allow for the three stated uses cited above. Philips went on to say that there will be a plan for Tres Hermanos coming in the near future.
Officials in Chino Hills and Diamond Bar continue to express the belief that their lawsuits challenging the legal validity of the sale will be upheld in the courts, with Chino Hills council member Peter Rogers referring to "this shroud of secrecy" about Industry's plans keeping the city "vigilant in seeking information that defines this project." Hensley added that "when you [Industry] are constantly working to hide the facts from the public and are untruthful when you are caught, it results in a lot of mistrust and confusion."
Diamond Bar City Manager Dan Fox stated that the sale, executed, in his view, "so Industry could have more cash to develop a massive solar generating facility is clearly inconsistent with" the long-range property management plan for the Successor Agency to the City of Industry Urban Development Agency. The argument is that the sale should have been for the maximum monetary value for the benefit of public entities like the two cities.
To further explain their positions, Chino Hills and Diamond Bar have added pages to their web sites, with the former offering this page and the latter presenting this one. The City of Industry has posted this press release on its website in the aftermath of the finance department's announcement.
05 November 2017
State Finance Department Takes No Action of Tres Hermanos Ranch Sale
The State of California's Department of Finance has issued a decision to "take no action" regarding the sale of the nearly 2,500-acre Tres Hermanos Ranch, north of Carbon Canyon, to the City of Industry.
The department indicated that, in its review of the sale, it determined that the transaction was approved by the Successor Agency to the City of Industry Urban Development Agency and that it had no objection.
The cities of Chino Hills and Diamond Bar requested a review because of concern that the sale price of $41.5 million, being far less than anticipated sale value and other offers topping $100 million, would result in significant financial losses.
Both cities have also filed two sets of lawsuits challenging the sale on the grounds that the sale did, as both claim, violate the state's law for disposing of former redevelopment land, as well as not meet state environmental review laws.
So, the legal wrangling will continue at the courts and Industry's proposed solar farm project, with promises for provision of the public use of other portions of the ranch, remains in play.
Read more in this San Gabriel Valley Tribune article just posted online today.
The department indicated that, in its review of the sale, it determined that the transaction was approved by the Successor Agency to the City of Industry Urban Development Agency and that it had no objection.
The cities of Chino Hills and Diamond Bar requested a review because of concern that the sale price of $41.5 million, being far less than anticipated sale value and other offers topping $100 million, would result in significant financial losses.
Both cities have also filed two sets of lawsuits challenging the sale on the grounds that the sale did, as both claim, violate the state's law for disposing of former redevelopment land, as well as not meet state environmental review laws.
So, the legal wrangling will continue at the courts and Industry's proposed solar farm project, with promises for provision of the public use of other portions of the ranch, remains in play.
Read more in this San Gabriel Valley Tribune article just posted online today.
02 November 2017
2nd Lawsuits Filed by Chino Hills & Diamond Bar Over Tres Hermanos Ranch Sale
As reported by Jason Henry of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the cities of Chino Hills and Diamond Bar have filed separate lawsuits, and for the second time, challenging the sale of the 2,450-acre Tres Hermanos Ranch to the City of Industry by the Successor Agency to the Urban Development Agency, the former redevelopment agency of the City.
The first suits were filed on the ground that the sale violated state laws governing redevelopment property liquidation. These new filings argue that Industry's purchase and its recently revealed plans violate California's environmental statutes and are "an illegal gift of public funds."
Chino Hills City Attorney Mark Hensley accused Industry of having "rigorously concealed" the planned solar project and so "failed to maximized the value of the land," as well as rejected an offer of purchase for over $100 million. Technically, the rejection was from the Successor Agency, which includes of city and county officials.
Industry countered by saying that the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, is not yet at issue because the city is researching the potential for the property and has not advanced to the stage with the solar project to have it be applicable to that law.
Chino Hills Mayor Ray Marquez issued a statement stating that there was a concern "that Industry will use their position as a public agency developing the land for public benefit' to proceed without any input from the residents and the City."
Notably, perennial Chino Hills city council Rossana Mitchell, at a recent meeting, accused Marquez of favoring housing on Tres Hermanos, which she stated most residents do not want, and Marquez responded strongly that this was not the case.
Henry's article concluded by observing that Industry's solar farm plan could be boosted by state policies geared towards ramping up alternative and renewable energy sources. He noted that the state, nearly a decade ago, agreed to waive CEQA requirements for a proposed football stadium in Industry near the Walnut and Diamond Bar borders and implied this could be attempted at Tres Hermanos.
For more, here is the Tribune article.
The first suits were filed on the ground that the sale violated state laws governing redevelopment property liquidation. These new filings argue that Industry's purchase and its recently revealed plans violate California's environmental statutes and are "an illegal gift of public funds."
Chino Hills City Attorney Mark Hensley accused Industry of having "rigorously concealed" the planned solar project and so "failed to maximized the value of the land," as well as rejected an offer of purchase for over $100 million. Technically, the rejection was from the Successor Agency, which includes of city and county officials.
Industry countered by saying that the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, is not yet at issue because the city is researching the potential for the property and has not advanced to the stage with the solar project to have it be applicable to that law.
Chino Hills Mayor Ray Marquez issued a statement stating that there was a concern "that Industry will use their position as a public agency developing the land for public benefit' to proceed without any input from the residents and the City."
Notably, perennial Chino Hills city council Rossana Mitchell, at a recent meeting, accused Marquez of favoring housing on Tres Hermanos, which she stated most residents do not want, and Marquez responded strongly that this was not the case.
Henry's article concluded by observing that Industry's solar farm plan could be boosted by state policies geared towards ramping up alternative and renewable energy sources. He noted that the state, nearly a decade ago, agreed to waive CEQA requirements for a proposed football stadium in Industry near the Walnut and Diamond Bar borders and implied this could be attempted at Tres Hermanos.
For more, here is the Tribune article.
24 October 2017
Chino Hills & Diamond Bar Sue Over Tres Hermanos Ranch Sale
It's hot off the (electronic) press, being posted just about 20 minutes ago, but the San Gabriel Valley Tribune has an article detailing the lawsuits filed on Friday the 20th by the cities of Chino Hills and Diamond Bar against the sale of the 2,450-acre Tres Hermanos Ranch, which is within their borders, to the City of Industry.
Mark Hensley, city attorney for Chino Hills, wrote in his filing that Industry "deceived the Oversight Board [for the former Industry redevelopment agency] and the public by consistently making false statements that the property would be used for open space and recreational purposes" while spending millions of dollars in studies for a solar farm that would cover about 40% of the land. Hensley argued that "as a result of this deception the affected taxing agencies have been harmed."
Industry secured a 4-3 vote by the oversight board because of an offer to use Tres Hermanos land for public access and for the preservation of open space and has, it's been reported, contacted the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation about ways this could be done, presumably on the remaining 60% of the ranch, or about 1,550 acres.
Statutes require the oversight boards of former redevelopment agencies to secure the "best and highest value" for former redevelopment property, like Tres Hermanos. A question would be whether this is solely measured in dollars lost to cities like Chino Hills and Diamond Bar, because the appraised value of the ranch was up to approximately $120 million and the agreed-upon purchase price was just south of $42 million. The suits claim the ranch should be sold to the highest bidder
Notably, these suits challenge the sale as their major focus, though there are expressed concerns about the proposed solar project violating state environmental laws and local planning ordinances. Interestingly, the Chino Hills filing includes letters from the Chino Valley Fire District and the County of San Bernardino supporting the city's allegations.
Here is the full article, which will appear in tomorrow's print edition.
Mark Hensley, city attorney for Chino Hills, wrote in his filing that Industry "deceived the Oversight Board [for the former Industry redevelopment agency] and the public by consistently making false statements that the property would be used for open space and recreational purposes" while spending millions of dollars in studies for a solar farm that would cover about 40% of the land. Hensley argued that "as a result of this deception the affected taxing agencies have been harmed."
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| Tres Hermanos Ranch from the south, March 2016. |
Industry secured a 4-3 vote by the oversight board because of an offer to use Tres Hermanos land for public access and for the preservation of open space and has, it's been reported, contacted the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation about ways this could be done, presumably on the remaining 60% of the ranch, or about 1,550 acres.
Statutes require the oversight boards of former redevelopment agencies to secure the "best and highest value" for former redevelopment property, like Tres Hermanos. A question would be whether this is solely measured in dollars lost to cities like Chino Hills and Diamond Bar, because the appraised value of the ranch was up to approximately $120 million and the agreed-upon purchase price was just south of $42 million. The suits claim the ranch should be sold to the highest bidder
Notably, these suits challenge the sale as their major focus, though there are expressed concerns about the proposed solar project violating state environmental laws and local planning ordinances. Interestingly, the Chino Hills filing includes letters from the Chino Valley Fire District and the County of San Bernardino supporting the city's allegations.
Here is the full article, which will appear in tomorrow's print edition.
26 September 2017
State Launches Review of Tres Hermanos Ranch Sale
As explained in this San Gabriel Valley Tribune article today, the State of Calfornia's Department of Finance will review the recent sale of Tres Hermanos Ranch to the City of Industry, the agreement of which calls for approval of the deal by the department.
The department's staff who deal with redevelopment issues have 40 days to complete the review, though it is not expected to take that long.
As noted here recently, the cities of Diamond Bar and Chino Hills, in whose jurisdictions the ranch is located, have called for a state review and/or rejection of the sale as undercutting their tax receipts for the sale. The City of Industry has stated that its purchase will yield open space, public access, and public uses--the latter meaning a planned solar farm on a substantial portion of the ranch.
While the article quotes state law requiring redevelopment land sales to "maximize value," the fundamental question with that word of "value," seems to be whether it is to be taken as meaning "dollar value" or some other qualifiable "value," such as open space, public access and so on.
The purchase price of $41.5 million agreed upon in a 4-3 vote by the City of Industry Successor Agency to the Urban Development Agency was contingent on a perpetual use of the 2,450 acres for public access and public uses. However, a property management plan pegged the monetary value as roughly $86 to $122 million.
Interestingly, Chino Hills City Manager Rad Bartlam, who talked before of housing limits in general plans for the city, is now taking a different tack on the ranch by suggesting that his city and Diamond Bar could have bid $41.6 million ($100,000 more than the approved deal) and turned Tres Hermanos into parkland if the cities could have been allowed to bid. He stated, "I would think the community would be better off having the cities of Chino Hills and Diamond Bar own it, than the City of Industry."
The department's staff who deal with redevelopment issues have 40 days to complete the review, though it is not expected to take that long.
As noted here recently, the cities of Diamond Bar and Chino Hills, in whose jurisdictions the ranch is located, have called for a state review and/or rejection of the sale as undercutting their tax receipts for the sale. The City of Industry has stated that its purchase will yield open space, public access, and public uses--the latter meaning a planned solar farm on a substantial portion of the ranch.
While the article quotes state law requiring redevelopment land sales to "maximize value," the fundamental question with that word of "value," seems to be whether it is to be taken as meaning "dollar value" or some other qualifiable "value," such as open space, public access and so on.
The purchase price of $41.5 million agreed upon in a 4-3 vote by the City of Industry Successor Agency to the Urban Development Agency was contingent on a perpetual use of the 2,450 acres for public access and public uses. However, a property management plan pegged the monetary value as roughly $86 to $122 million.
Interestingly, Chino Hills City Manager Rad Bartlam, who talked before of housing limits in general plans for the city, is now taking a different tack on the ranch by suggesting that his city and Diamond Bar could have bid $41.6 million ($100,000 more than the approved deal) and turned Tres Hermanos into parkland if the cities could have been allowed to bid. He stated, "I would think the community would be better off having the cities of Chino Hills and Diamond Bar own it, than the City of Industry."
17 September 2017
Chino Hills to Sue City of Industry Over Tres Hermanos Ranch Sale
The Chino/Chino Hills Champion reported in its edition yesterday that the City of Chino Hills intends to file a lawsuit challenging the late August sale of the 2,450-acre Tres Hermanos Ranch, immediately north of Carbon Canyon, to the City of Industry, which has been planning for a large solar farm on the ranch.
This development came after a closed door session of the Chino Hills city council meeting last Tuesday night. City Attorney Mark Hensley cited a "number of issues" including Industry's not presenting the proposed solar farm to the Chino Hills Planning Commission, which determines appropriate use to the city's general plan.
City Manager Rad Bartlam decried a lack of transparency in the process, telling the council that the city had to file public records requests for thousands of documents in order to learn of the plans for the ranch. Mayor Ray Marquez observed that the farm would cover most, if not all, the property and be visible from Grand Avenue.
A City of Industry spokesperson responded that going to the Chino Hills planning commission before a purchase "would have been premature" and added that Industry was committed to following all applicable laws and regulations from the local jurisdictions up to the federal level.
Jim Gallagher, a Chino Hills resident and member of the grass roots organization Save Tres Hermanos Ranch, told the city council during the open portion of the meeting that people [most, presumably] in Chino Hills are against housing and the traffic it would bring to the area if these were built. Chino Hills and Diamond Bar together allow nearly 1,100 units (meaning a few thousands new residents) on their respective portions of the ranch.
Gallagher went on to say that "Tres Hermanos is a critical natural area with a natural waterway. Our residents say yes to open space and green infrastructure." This latter refers to the publicly stated intention of Industry to build a large solar farm on the ranch and Gallagher told the council that it was too big, noting he mentioned this to Industry officials. He then observed that there are misperceptions in the public mind about what solar farms are.
Chino Hills council member Cynthia Moran stated that the idea of the sale was "not necessarily a good one" and that she would like to see a public meeting to explain how the decision to sell the ranch will affect the city. She also said that while "people are quick to say they don't want houses," there is also the matter of residents comprehending "the reality of the situation."
Stay tuned as this issue ramps up!
This development came after a closed door session of the Chino Hills city council meeting last Tuesday night. City Attorney Mark Hensley cited a "number of issues" including Industry's not presenting the proposed solar farm to the Chino Hills Planning Commission, which determines appropriate use to the city's general plan.
City Manager Rad Bartlam decried a lack of transparency in the process, telling the council that the city had to file public records requests for thousands of documents in order to learn of the plans for the ranch. Mayor Ray Marquez observed that the farm would cover most, if not all, the property and be visible from Grand Avenue.
A City of Industry spokesperson responded that going to the Chino Hills planning commission before a purchase "would have been premature" and added that Industry was committed to following all applicable laws and regulations from the local jurisdictions up to the federal level.
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| A view from the south of Tres Hermanos Ranch, March 2016. |
Gallagher went on to say that "Tres Hermanos is a critical natural area with a natural waterway. Our residents say yes to open space and green infrastructure." This latter refers to the publicly stated intention of Industry to build a large solar farm on the ranch and Gallagher told the council that it was too big, noting he mentioned this to Industry officials. He then observed that there are misperceptions in the public mind about what solar farms are.
Chino Hills council member Cynthia Moran stated that the idea of the sale was "not necessarily a good one" and that she would like to see a public meeting to explain how the decision to sell the ranch will affect the city. She also said that while "people are quick to say they don't want houses," there is also the matter of residents comprehending "the reality of the situation."
Stay tuned as this issue ramps up!
15 September 2017
San Gabriel Valley Tribune Editorial on Tres Hermanos Ranch
The editorial board of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune has weighed in on the Tres Hermanos Ranch issue and the editorial can be viewed here.
The last post here linked to an article on a request by the cities of Chino Hills and Diamond Bar for a state review on the legality of the sale of the ranch to the City of Industry, so we'll see what is forthcoming from Sacramento.
The last post here linked to an article on a request by the cities of Chino Hills and Diamond Bar for a state review on the legality of the sale of the ranch to the City of Industry, so we'll see what is forthcoming from Sacramento.
30 August 2017
Chino Hills & Diamond Bar Seek State Rejection of Tres Hermanos Sale
A new twist to the ongoing saga of the City of Industry re-acquisition of Tres Hermanos Ranch, as the cities of Chino Hills and Diamond Bar are petitioning the State of California to reject the sale or undertake a review to determine if the purchase meets legal criteria. The stated harm to the cities involves the loss of tax revenue from the lower price ($41.5 million rather than in excess of $100 million) paid by the terms of the 24 August sale.
Read more in this San Gabriel Valley Tribune article.
Read more in this San Gabriel Valley Tribune article.
04 September 2015
Tres Hermanos Ranch Sale Delayed
Tomorrow's edition of the Champion has an article about a delay by the City of Industry in deciding whether to put the 2,400-acre Tres Hermanos Ranch up for sale.
Back in the Spring, it was stated that an Irvine company had been retained to market the property, but, according to Industry's new city manager, Paul Phillips, there was never a signed contract.
Phillips was quoted in the article that there would be a 60-90 day period in which the city would further study the situation before the city council, which took on a new majority in June's elections, would decide on what to do.
It is hard to imagine that there would be any other alternative than to place the property on the market for sale, given that the ranch was a redevelopment agency project. With the abolition of these entities in California, a successor agency has been tasked for several years with identifying and then disposing of those properties held by Industry's Urban Development Agency.
So, by the end of the year, expect an announcement from the city that Tres Hermanos is officially up for sale.
Meantime, the Save the Tres Hermanos Ranch group (click here for the group's Facebook page) is slated to have a meeting on the 17th to discuss strategies on fighting the development of the ranch.
It should be noted that any plans for building on the property will require zoning changes in Diamond Bar, which has several hundred acres in its limits, and Chino Hills, which has the lion's share within its domain.
Diamond Bar can make those decisions within its administrative system and by a vote of its city council, but, in Chino Hills, any such request is subject to the provisions of Measure U, passed by voters some fifteen years ago. This means that there would have to be an election held and voter approval given for any change to the zoning for the portions of the ranch within Chino Hills.
Now, that would be an interesting election!
Back in the Spring, it was stated that an Irvine company had been retained to market the property, but, according to Industry's new city manager, Paul Phillips, there was never a signed contract.
Phillips was quoted in the article that there would be a 60-90 day period in which the city would further study the situation before the city council, which took on a new majority in June's elections, would decide on what to do.
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| A panoramic view of a section of Tres Hermanos Ranch south of Grand Avenue within the City of Chino Hills. Any request for a zoning change in the Chino Hills section of the ranch requires voter approval at an election per Measure U, which was passed about fifteen years ago. Click on either image to see them in enlarged views in a separate window. |
So, by the end of the year, expect an announcement from the city that Tres Hermanos is officially up for sale.
 |
| This image shows the area of Tres Hermanos Ranch largely within the city limits of Diamond Bar and is north of Grand Avenue. A zoning change to allow building can be made by a vote of the city council. |
It should be noted that any plans for building on the property will require zoning changes in Diamond Bar, which has several hundred acres in its limits, and Chino Hills, which has the lion's share within its domain.
Diamond Bar can make those decisions within its administrative system and by a vote of its city council, but, in Chino Hills, any such request is subject to the provisions of Measure U, passed by voters some fifteen years ago. This means that there would have to be an election held and voter approval given for any change to the zoning for the portions of the ranch within Chino Hills.
Now, that would be an interesting election!
07 May 2015
Tres Hermanos Ranch For Sale
With the dissolution of California's redevelopment agencies, the City of Industry, through a successor agency, has been going through a multi-year process of identifying and then either buying or selling its large swaths of redevelopment land.
The most significant piece involved in this has been the Tres Hermanos Ranch, created in the upper or northern reached of Tonner Canyon between Chino Hills and Diamond Bar about 1914 by Los Angeles Times publisher Harry Chandler, oil magnate William Benjamin Scott, and former Los Angeles County Sheriff, oil producer and ranching heir William R. Rowland.
The property, which passed down to Chandler's heirs was sold to the City of Industry in 1978 and the city had longstanding plans to build a reservoir for water storage intended for city uses.
While these went unrealized, the 2,450-acre parcel has been leased to several people using the land to graze small herds of cattle on the picturesque property on either side of Grand Avenue in the cities of Chino Hills and Diamond Bar.
This blog has featured several posts relating to the history of Tres Hermanos, which will now enter a new phase after nearly four decades. Local papers have reported in the last few days that the City of Industry has contracted with the Hoffman Company of Irvine to sell the ranch. It has been suggested the land could go for as high as $125 million.
Steve Tye, mayor of Diamond Bar, was quoted as being "shocked that they are selling it" and that he "didn't know it was going to come to that." Why exactly Mayor Tye was surprised is, well, surprising. Cities with redevelopment land can either buy at market rates or sell that properties. Tres Hermanos clearly didn't have commercial value and, as noted above, the city's intent was for water storage. Faced with new realities in the post-redevelopment agency area, the obvious outcome was to sell.
Obviously, the prospect of buying a huge, nearly virgin property is going to make the mouths of land investors and housing developers water (pardon the pun). According to Industry's city manager, speaking to a reporter Tuesday after a meeting of the successor agency, "this could be an international sale of some sort."
The same article, in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, quoted a Diamond Bar resident as feeling "very strongly about the preservation of our natural environment" and expressing the idea that "it would kill me to see them take out such beauty for tract homes."
It would take a significant number of people and very strong, highly organized community-based grassroots organizations to have any chance of convincing at least one of the two cities in which the ranch is situated that Tres Hermanos is better suited for preservation than for home building. The lobbying efforts of developers and promises of revenue and enticements (developers' fees for infrastructure, parks and so on) are going to be formidable barriers to overcome.
Another barrier, of course, is our drought. If it continues to worsen and lasts for decades as some project, will the building of hundreds of housing units be feasible as conservation measures get more extreme and water supplies tighten further? Knowing that housing projects would be years and years away, but also knowing that our changing climate makes the prospect of a long-term drought more likely, how can any large-scale development, whether at Tonner Canyon or anywhere else in the region, be justifiable?
Then, there are considerations dealing with traffic. Grand Avenue is the only major thoroughfare through the ranch and a proposed Tonner Canyon Road, which would essentially be a north-south bypass for the 57 Freeway, could only potentially be built if the lower part of the canyon, held by the City of Industry and the Boy Scouts of America, was made available. Hundreds of houses with many thousands of car trips per day with only one current roadway leading to freeways that are already packed (the 57/60 interchange is one of the busiest in the country) do not bode well for efficiency in traffic movement.
There are other considerations relating to infrastructure, schools, pollution and others, as well, which leads to another point about how we continue to conduct urban planning in a transforming environment.
Our long-established templates for development are increasingly being challenged as archaic and not viable for the changing world in which we now live and will be living. Planning for any place in our region, including Tres Hermanos, using outmoded models is not a smart way for public policy to proceed.
There has been a Tres Hermanos Conservation Authority, comprised of representatives from the City of Industry, Chino Hills and Diamond Bar, that has met and discussed the future of the ranch. We'll see what becomes of that body and how the management of the property is to be handled as the sale proceeds.
Naturally, with the announcement of the impending sale just made, there is nothing listed yet on the Web site of the Hoffman Company, but those interested might want to check here from time-to-time to see when a listing is posted.
The most significant piece involved in this has been the Tres Hermanos Ranch, created in the upper or northern reached of Tonner Canyon between Chino Hills and Diamond Bar about 1914 by Los Angeles Times publisher Harry Chandler, oil magnate William Benjamin Scott, and former Los Angeles County Sheriff, oil producer and ranching heir William R. Rowland.
The property, which passed down to Chandler's heirs was sold to the City of Industry in 1978 and the city had longstanding plans to build a reservoir for water storage intended for city uses.
While these went unrealized, the 2,450-acre parcel has been leased to several people using the land to graze small herds of cattle on the picturesque property on either side of Grand Avenue in the cities of Chino Hills and Diamond Bar.
This blog has featured several posts relating to the history of Tres Hermanos, which will now enter a new phase after nearly four decades. Local papers have reported in the last few days that the City of Industry has contracted with the Hoffman Company of Irvine to sell the ranch. It has been suggested the land could go for as high as $125 million.
Steve Tye, mayor of Diamond Bar, was quoted as being "shocked that they are selling it" and that he "didn't know it was going to come to that." Why exactly Mayor Tye was surprised is, well, surprising. Cities with redevelopment land can either buy at market rates or sell that properties. Tres Hermanos clearly didn't have commercial value and, as noted above, the city's intent was for water storage. Faced with new realities in the post-redevelopment agency area, the obvious outcome was to sell.
Obviously, the prospect of buying a huge, nearly virgin property is going to make the mouths of land investors and housing developers water (pardon the pun). According to Industry's city manager, speaking to a reporter Tuesday after a meeting of the successor agency, "this could be an international sale of some sort."
The same article, in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, quoted a Diamond Bar resident as feeling "very strongly about the preservation of our natural environment" and expressing the idea that "it would kill me to see them take out such beauty for tract homes."
It would take a significant number of people and very strong, highly organized community-based grassroots organizations to have any chance of convincing at least one of the two cities in which the ranch is situated that Tres Hermanos is better suited for preservation than for home building. The lobbying efforts of developers and promises of revenue and enticements (developers' fees for infrastructure, parks and so on) are going to be formidable barriers to overcome.
Another barrier, of course, is our drought. If it continues to worsen and lasts for decades as some project, will the building of hundreds of housing units be feasible as conservation measures get more extreme and water supplies tighten further? Knowing that housing projects would be years and years away, but also knowing that our changing climate makes the prospect of a long-term drought more likely, how can any large-scale development, whether at Tonner Canyon or anywhere else in the region, be justifiable?
Then, there are considerations dealing with traffic. Grand Avenue is the only major thoroughfare through the ranch and a proposed Tonner Canyon Road, which would essentially be a north-south bypass for the 57 Freeway, could only potentially be built if the lower part of the canyon, held by the City of Industry and the Boy Scouts of America, was made available. Hundreds of houses with many thousands of car trips per day with only one current roadway leading to freeways that are already packed (the 57/60 interchange is one of the busiest in the country) do not bode well for efficiency in traffic movement.
There are other considerations relating to infrastructure, schools, pollution and others, as well, which leads to another point about how we continue to conduct urban planning in a transforming environment.
Our long-established templates for development are increasingly being challenged as archaic and not viable for the changing world in which we now live and will be living. Planning for any place in our region, including Tres Hermanos, using outmoded models is not a smart way for public policy to proceed.
There has been a Tres Hermanos Conservation Authority, comprised of representatives from the City of Industry, Chino Hills and Diamond Bar, that has met and discussed the future of the ranch. We'll see what becomes of that body and how the management of the property is to be handled as the sale proceeds.
Naturally, with the announcement of the impending sale just made, there is nothing listed yet on the Web site of the Hoffman Company, but those interested might want to check here from time-to-time to see when a listing is posted.
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