Save our Access San Gabriel Mountains v. Watershed Conservation Authority
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Objectors challenged the Watershed Conservation Authority's (WCA) certification of the environmental impact report (EIR) for a project in the Angeles National Forest (California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Pub. Resources Code, 21000). The Project comprises 198 acres along 2.5-miles of the East Fork of the San Gabriel River and will involve the development of new picnic areas, pedestrian trails, river access points and upgrades to existing facilities; improvements to roadways, parking, restrooms, and refuse disposal; restoration of riparian and upland vegetation communities; and implementation of a Forest Closure Order to prohibit overnight camping. The EIR addressed the usual range of potential impacts on the environment, on biological resources, cultural resources, water quality, air quality, and more.
The trial court rejected claims that CEQA required WCA to consider additional project alternatives, and that the project was inconsistent with applicable land use plans, but issued a writ of mandate requiring WCA to “articulat[e] and substantiat[e] an adequate parking baseline” for the project, and to reassess the significance of the impacts resulting from the parking reduction. The court later awarded plaintiff attorney fees. The court of appeal reversed as to the parking issue and attorneys’ fees. The trial court erred in its analysis of the parking issue and should have denied the petition in its entirety.
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