Watertrough Child Alliance v. County of Sonom
A local ordinance requires Sonoma County (County) landowners to obtain a permit from respondent Agricultural Commissioner of Sonoma County (Commissioner) prior to establishing or replanting a vineyard. Real Party in Interest Paul Hobbs Winery, L.P. (Winery) applied for a permit under the ordinance, intending to replace an existing apple orchard with grape vines. After review of its application and discussions with the Commissioner and other interested parties, the Winery modified its plans for the project and was granted a permit. The Commissioner found that issuance of the permit was a ministerial act for purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code sections 21000 et seq. (CEQA). Because ministerial acts are exempt from CEQA, the County did not conduct CEQA review of the project.Watertrough Children’s Alliance (the Alliance), an interested community group, filed a petition for writ of mandate challenging the Commissioner’s finding that issuance
Comments on Watertrough Child Alliance v. County of Sonom