— La Quinta City Council, July 5, 2022

WRITTEN
PUBLIC

COMMENT

CITY COUNCIL

SPECIAL

MEETING
JULY 5, 2022
1 From: Brad Anderson <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 5, 2022 2:15 PM
To: City Clerk Mail
Subject: Public Comment - La Quinta City Council Special meeting - July 5, 2022 (4:PM) ** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. ** July 5, 2022
City of La Quinta
City Hall Council Chamber's
78495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta,  CA.  92253
Attn:  Clerk of the Board/ Council/General Public
Re:  Public Comment (Coral Mountain Resort project)
Dear La Quinta City Council,
Please review my written statements listed below prior to deciding the radical change of property Zoning and moving forward with actions of negatively impacting long established City of La Quinta neighborhood's with the proposed Coral Mountain Resort project.

The City's has chosen to cancel the July 5, 2022 regular City Council meeting and have decided to instead scheduled a "Special" City Council meeting for the same date and time. Of course with that type of logic ‐ City officials eliminate members of the Public from attending remotely (AB361) at the July 5, 2022 continued Public Hearing from June 7, 2022. That intentional action of limiting public discord was decided at the Citys regular Council meeting of June 21, 2022.

The City of La Quinta Council placed potential unlawful requirements on the State of California Emergency AB361 during their June 21, 2022 City Council meeting. The City's actions to dictate unjustified requirements attached to California's AB361 illustrates the lawlessness of local politicians in regards to the implementation of AB361 and how to abuse the good intentions of that State of Emergency AB361 law for less than ethical reasons.

Please choose to void (cancel) the July 5, 2022 City Council "Special" meeting and reschedule to another date where both In‐person and remote Public participation would be identified and assepted As was the June 7, 2022 City Council Public Hearing.

Sincerely,
Brad Anderson | 37043 Ferber Dr Rancho Mirage, CA
[email protected]
Cc:
1 From: Monika Radeva
Sent: Sunday, July 3, 2022 2:58 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: Consulting Planner; Monika Radeva; Laurie McGinley; Tania Flores; Cheri Flores Subject: Boehm, Penny: Continuance of Coral Mountain Wave Project Good afternoon,
Thank you for your comments. They will be provided to the City Council as part of the public record for the project. The Council will consider the project at a continued public hearing on July 5, 2022.

Monika Radeva, CMC | City Clerk
City of La Quinta
78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA 92253
Tel: (760) 777-7035
[email protected]
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 3, 2022 12:14 PM
To: Linda Evans <[email protected]>; Kathleen Fitzpatrick <[email protected]>; Robert Radi <[email protected]>; [email protected]; Steve Sanchez <[email protected]> Cc: Monika Radeva <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Continuance of Coral Mountain Wave Project ** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. ** Sorry for not identifying myself:

Penny Boehm
61285 Topaz Drive
La Quinta, CA 92253
From: [email protected] [email protected]
Date: Sunday, July 3, 2022 at 12:10 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]> Cc: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: Continuance of Coral Mountain Wave Project
First, Happy Independence Day!
Respectfully requesting your approval of the applicant’s request for a continuance of their item scheduled for Tuesday, July 5th at 4:00 pm. Further, that there be no public comment at that time. It would, in my opinion, be more of the same comments and information we have heard from the public. 2 It is important that all past and recent questions be fully answered by the applicant, and to do this to the satisfaction of your Council and the public, I suggest more time is appropriate.

Thank you for your diligence and your continued effort to do the best for our City! 1 From: Monika Radeva
Sent: Tuesday, July 5, 2022 11:48 AM
To: Wendy Clarke
Cc: Consulting Planner; Laurie McGinley; Cheri Flores; Tania Flores; Monika Radeva Subject: Clarke, Wendy: Written Comments, City Council Special Meeting, July 5, 2022 Attachments: City Council July 5 Written Comments.docx
Good morning,
Thank you for your comments. They will be provided to the City Council as part of the public record for the project. The Council will consider the project at a continued public hearing on July 5, 2022.

Monika Radeva, CMC | City Clerk
City of La Quinta
78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA 92253
Tel: (760) 777-7035
[email protected]
From: Wendy Clarke <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 5, 2022 9:33 AM
To: City Clerk Mail <[email protected]>
Subject: Written Comments, City Council Special Meeting, July 5, 2022 ** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. ** Good morning Ms. Radeva,
Hope you enjoyed the holiday weekend and as always, that you for your service to our community. Attached are my written comments for the City Council Special Meeting today:

Agenda Item #1, Public Hearing Coral Mountain Resort project.

I appreciate your help to include these alternative development suggestions and project concerns.

Sincerely,
Wendy Clarke
81566 Ulrich Dr. La Quinta
760-777-0812 (mobile)
To:      Mayor Evans, Mayor Pro Tem Fitzpatrick and City Council Members Pena, Radi, and Sanchez Cc:      Monica Radeva, City Clerk
From: Wendy Clarke, 81566 Ulrich Dr. La Quinta   760‐777‐0812 Re:      Coral Mountain Resort
Date:  July 5th, 2022
Thank you for the energy you have invested to listen to your constituents, at times beyond midnight. There is resounding opposition to the Coral Mountain Development. I am asking that you partner with residents to find an alternative to the proposed development: explore revenue streams compatible with LQ resident’s quality of life and aligned with environmental interests.

DEVELOPMENT & REVENUE CONCEPTS

1. Undeveloped annexed land: Consider tax assessment for new homes within the Thermal Redevelopment Project Area: Example: $2.5 M (assessed value) @ 1 % per year is $25,000 to the County. La Quinta receives 7% monies and fire service credits. The city could consider assessing new homes to cover losses until the long‐term debt is recovered. Include aligning school district tax $$ from CVUSD (Coachella) to DSUSD (Desert Sands/LQ)

2. Alternate fitness revenue for CM: Maintain Low Density zoning compatible with established neighborhoods. 1) Destination pickleball venue, ultimate dining experience with crafted cocktails, lessons with pros, pickleball sports store. Partner with existing regional/national tournaments for practice and play. 2) Hiking and Electric biking are significant attractions in the Coachella Valley. Coral Mountain is an extraordinary location for these activities, and it is a fantastic opportunity to support local businesses and LQ Pedigo Electric Bikes.

3. La Quinta Residents and Homeowners are not in favor of water intensive projects. The developer continues to compare CM water usage to a golf course. Using this to defend a surf wave is mind‐ boggling. Neither new development should not be considered suitable. Moreover, existing golf courses could be held accountable for turf reduction and reclaimed water use. Fines could be imposed, if not compliant. Potential city revenue?

4. Coral Mountain residential build: STVR/ TOT: The Developer has a vague, 20+ year build‐out for the 496 homes starting @ $2.5M. This phase is where the city realizes the majority of TOT. By the time these homes are built, sold, and rented, if at all, the established Thermal annexed properties will generate property tax revenue.

CONCERNS AND OPPOSTION
 Surf Wave Location: The surf wave is not a good or compatible neighbor. In reviewing USA surf waves open/pending/closed, they are not located, or rezoned to disrupt the lives of 1,000s of long‐standing residents. The proposed venue is located adjacent to 15 well‐established neighborhoods and private residence with limited access on the South, West, and North boundaries: Andalusia, Trilogy, The Quarry, Santerra, PGA West & Legends, Puerta Azul, Lions Gate, Santa Rosa Trails, Coral Mountain at Alta Verde, Palo Verde, Stone Creek Ranch, and 3 private residences.  Land Purchase/Zoning: In May 2019, Meriwether purchased 400 acres @ $29M zoned for a low‐ density residential/golf course community. Who would risk this investment without reassurance that a zoning change would be granted?
 Kelly Slater: Environmentalist? Beyond Lemoore, located near dairy farms, KSW’s other investments have failed: Austin (permanently closed), Queensland/Coolum (debacle with developer and government), Japan (devastating blow pre‐Olympics). Environmentally conscious doesn’t come to mind considering the state’s worst drought in history.
 KESQ News “Desert Water,” June 16. The was bold coverage focused on the abundance of water in our Valley. It stated that our aquifer is not reliant on the Sierra Nevada snowpack. It comes from the Colorado River. We have senior water rights to this resource. It talked about CVWD, and the positive level post the last drought. What they didn’t say is that residents and businesses were asked to cut back during that time, contributing the level increase. A specific example was reported referencing residents questioning water demands of new developments, specifically local surf parks and luxury communities. The LQ City council meeting photo with Mr. Gamlin sitting front and center and a Meriwether, Coral Mountain illustration were shown to viewers. This was patronizing and residents question the association of the developer, Coachella Valley Water Resource Conservation District, CVWD and the media, all appearing aligned in support of Coral Mountain. In closing it said our water could not be shifted elsewhere in the State. There is an air of arrogance to think that the State Water Resources Control Board could not take bold action to amend what they believe is an antiquated water rights system.
 Investor: Wave Pool Magazine speaks to Mr. Schwab’s love of race cars and surfing. Noteworthy that he is financially supporting a surf wave in La Quinta, 6 miles from the Thermal Racetrack (owners invested in CM).
 Property Tax/Thermal Redevelopment Project Area: Trilogy, Andalusia, Griffin Ranch, portions of PGA West and other smaller developments were annexed to LQ and are exempt from annual property County tax $$ to repay the bond. In 2014 and 2016, the city met with John Benoit, County Supervisor, to negotiate a monetary compromise. Yes, residents who purchased in these areas use city services.

The original negotiation agreement and current situation is a result of a city and county decision, not the homeowners who contribute to the community interests, pay sales tax, and voted for an increase in 2016 that generated $22M in 3 years.
1 From: Monika Radeva
Sent: Tuesday, July 5, 2022 11:18 AM
To: [email protected]
Cc: Laurie McGinley; Monika Radeva; Consulting Planner; Cheri Flores; Tania Flores Subject: DeCausemaker, Judy & Russell: La Quinta Wave Pool Project Good morning,
Thank you for your comments. They will be provided to the City Council as part of the public record for the project. The Council will consider the project at a continued public hearing on July 5, 2022.

Monika Radeva, CMC | City Clerk
City of La Quinta
78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA 92253
Tel: (760) 777-7035
[email protected]
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 5, 2022 10:41 AM
To: City Clerk Mail <[email protected]>
Subject: La Quinta Wave Pool Project
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. ** To City Council:

I will not be able to attend the City Council meeting but would like to add my comments to the meeting. We don't want a Wave Pool in our community. My husband and I moved to La Quinta from the San Francisco Bay to retire and move away from all the development that is taking place there.

Since we moved here we have seen little by little how this city is trying to over build things and make this an overblown tourist attraction. If you want to have more people come here and have more traffic that's what this will do. Most people will not come here in the summer months to vacation in a hot desert area anyway. The short winter season is not worth the trouble this will cause. I see the congestion in the Palm Desert area and I don't want to see this nice small town of La Quinta turn into that. We live in the Trilogy complex and the development is getting too close to us. We may have to think about moving again to escape being trapped into a overpopulated, overdeveloped mess. Please consider what the outcome of this decision means to the people who want to live in a nice retirement community and be comfortable with our surroundings.

Judy & Russell DeCausemaker
81919 Prism Dr.

La Quinta, CA. 92253
(442)300-2675
email: [email protected]
1 From: Monika Radeva
Sent: Monday, July 4, 2022 11:59 AM
To: Lovrien, Christopher
Cc: Laurie McGinley; Monika Radeva; Consulting Planner; Tania Flores; Cheri Flores Subject: Lovrien, Christopher: Coral Mountain Support
Good afternoon,
Thank you for your comments. They will be provided to the City Council as part of the public record for the project. The Council will consider the project at a continued public hearing on July 5, 2022.

Monika Radeva, CMC | City Clerk
City of La Quinta
78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA 92253
Tel: (760) 777-7035
[email protected]
From: Lovrien, Christopher <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 4, 2022 11:57 AM
To: City Clerk Mail <[email protected]>
Subject: Coral Mountain Support
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. ** Dear Council Members:

As a La Quinta homeowner (48785 Via Linda) who splits his time between La Quinta and Santa Monica, I write in support of the Coral Mountain project and to urge the Council to approve the project. Coral Mountain is likely to expand and diversify the offerings that bring visitors and new residents to our city. That means additional revenues and opportunities for the city and our many local businesses. Every project garners some opposition, and NIMBY‐ism is a typical part of the process. But it appears to me that the project owners, and the city itself, have been thoughtful about this development. As much as some opponents might wish to freeze time, thoughtful development is vital to having a vital city. I support the project and urge the city to do the same.

Thank you for your consideration of my views.

Christopher Lovrien
***This e‐mail (including any attachments) may contain information that is private, confidential, or protected by attorney‐client or other privilege. If you received this e‐mail in error, please delete it from your system without copying it and notify sender by reply e‐mail, so that our records can be corrected.*** 1 From: Teresa Thompson
Sent: Tuesday, July 5, 2022 10:17 AM
To: Teresa Thompson
Cc: Jon McMillen; Monika Radeva
Subject: COMMENT: Coral Mountain Resort - NADLER
Dear Shay Nadler,
Thank you for your email to the Members of the La Quinta City Council. Your email has been forwarded to me as City Manager. Please be advised that California law and the La Quinta Municipal Code set forth processes under which land use applications are governed. Generally speaking, these processes extend from U.S. and State constitutional provisions that entitle persons and property owners to due process of law and use of real property, subject to the valid exercise of the City’s police powers governing land use and its regulatory review.

The land use applications for the Coral Mountain project, like any other land use applications, are entitled to the review processes. Moreover, the proponents of these land use applications are subject to the regulatory review process as would be other similarlysituated projects. The regulatory review process includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the review processes and requirements set forth in the State Planning and Zoning Law (Gov. Code, § 65000 et seq.), the State Subdivision Map Act (Gov. Code, § 66410 et seq.), the California Environmental Quality Act (Pub. Resources Code, §21000 et seq.), and the applicable provisions set forth in State Regulations and Title 9 [Zoning] and Title 13 [Subdivision Regulations] of the La Quinta Municipal Code (among other provisions). Because the law entitles all interested persons, including property owners and members of the public, to participate in the land use review processes, the City of La Quinta and its Council are committed to ensuring these processes are followed and respected.

Your email and comments are appreciated. They will be added to the record of communications received for consideration by the City Council. As explained above, the land use processes must be followed, which means that the Coral Mountain project applications were first reviewed by the City’s Planning Commission for a recommendation that was provided to the City Council. A duly noticed public hearing was held on June 7, 2022 for Council’s consideration of the project which was continued to July 5, 2022 for a Special City Council meeting.

I hope this is helpful. Thank you for reaching out to the Council and providing your comments.

Sincerely,
2 Jon McMillen | City Manager
City of La Quinta
78495 Calle Tampico ◦ La Quinta, CA 92253
Ph. 760.777.7030
[email protected]
www.laquintaca.gov
Begin forwarded message:

From: Shay Nadler <[email protected]>
Date: July 4, 2022 at 6:49:24 PM PDT
To: Linda Evans <[email protected]>, Robert Radi <[email protected]>, Kathleen Fitzpatrick <[email protected]>, John Pena <[email protected]>, Steve Sanchez <[email protected]>
Subject: Say NO to the Wave Park
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. ** Dear Council members and Madam Mayor,
I have been a full time voting resident of La Quinta for almost 4 years. I am extremely disappointed this development with a water wasting wave park is even on the agenda. Our State and in fact the entire country needs to protect and conserve water.

I am totally against the developments Theme Park water waisting debacle and you will continue to hear this statement from me. Don’t let this get approved. Voters remember who voted for this and I will keep track and report to my neighbors.

Shay Nadler
54120 Avenida Ramirez
La Quinta, CA 92253
Sent from my iPhone
1 From: Teresa Thompson
Sent: Tuesday, July 5, 2022 2:51 PM
To: Teresa Thompson
Cc: Jon McMillen; Monika Radeva
Subject: COMMENT: Coral Mountain Surf - VARELA
Dear Celeste Varela,
Thank you for your email to the Members of the La Quinta City Council. Your email has been forwarded to me as City Manager. Please be advised that California law and the La Quinta Municipal Code set forth processes under which land use applications are governed. Generally speaking, these processes extend from U.S. and State constitutional provisions that entitle persons and property owners to due process of law and use of real property, subject to the valid exercise of the City’s police powers governing land use and its regulatory review.

I hope this is helpful. Thank you for reaching out to the Council and providing your comments.

Sincerely,
2 Jon McMillen | City Manager
City of La Quinta
78495 Calle Tampico ◦ La Quinta, CA 92253
Ph. 760.777.7030
[email protected]
www.laquintaca.gov
Begin forwarded message:

From: Celeste Varela <[email protected]>
Date: July 5, 2022 at 11:11:40 AM PDT
To: Linda Evans <[email protected]>, Robert Radi <[email protected]>, Kathleen Fitzpatrick <[email protected]>, John Pena <[email protected]>, Steve Sanchez <[email protected]>
Subject: Coral Mountain Surf
** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. ** Hello,
I am writing to confirm my signature on the petition to VETO this project.

HOW in the right mind of our City Council leaders can you even think this is a sustainable or wise project to tackle at this time.

We are in the WORST drought in the history of the state. We NEED to keep the water for our communities and the golf courses that sustain them and keep our communities thriving.

Why put a water park in the desert? ALL the light pollution to our beautiful desert sky’s. The added traffic to our small town, we already have the entire Montage‐Pendry project coming in 2023.

It sounds to me as greed is the motivating factor in this bc there is NO way the Council can say this is to better or enhance our community.

I am vehemently against it.

Thank you,
Celeste Varela
Sent from my iPhone
Celeste Varela
CalBRE# 01350384
Bennion Deville Homes
Indian Wells, CA 92210
Cell: (760) 408‐7116
Office: (760) 773‐3958
[email protected]
1 From: Consulting Planner
Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2022 2:54 PM
To: Kathy Weiss; acallimanis; derekwong745 Wong; Anast Demitt; Ramon Andalusia; Harvey Reed; Sheila Warren; sherry. barkas; Linda Evans
Cc: Monika Radeva
Subject: Re: From The New Yorker: The Water Wars Come to the Suburbs Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Ms. Weiss,
Thank you for your comments. They will be provided to the Council when they consider the application on July 5, 2022.

Nicole Sauviat Criste
Consulting Planner
City of La Quinta
From: Kathy Weiss <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2022 2:36 PM
To: acallimanis <[email protected]>; derekwong745 Wong <[email protected]>; Anast Demitt <[email protected]>; Ramon Andalusia <[email protected]>; Harvey Reed <[email protected]>; Sheila Warren <[email protected]>; sherry. barkas <[email protected]>; Linda Evans <[email protected]>; Consulting Planner <[email protected]> Subject: From The New Yorker: The Water Wars Come to the Suburbs ** EXTERNAL: This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta. Please use proper judgement and caution when opening attachments, clicking links or responding to requests for information. ** FYI
The Water Wars Come to the Suburbs
https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter‐from‐the‐southwest/the‐water‐wars‐come‐to‐the‐ suburbs?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=tny&utm_mailing=TNY_Daily_063022&utm_campaign=aud‐ dev&utm_medium=email&utm_term=tny_daily_digest&bxid=5be9ef5d3f92a404692c5846&cndid=42423808&hasha=8c eb1ecd81aa786984a1a17931598f03&hashb=a033b6344b7d28bc2df561811b826b0d1cf9a555&hashc=5fdbfd04a36e6fd 418de568e15c0c3d58de3a25452b3287cc35154c0532b1d5d&esrc=applenewsoverlay&mbid=CRMNYR062419 Get the writers you love, plus your favorite cartoons, on your phone or tablet. Download The New Yorker Today. https://itunes.apple.com/app/apple‐store/id1081530898?pt=45076&ct=App%20Share&mt=8 Kathy Weiss
Owner/Director
Crystal Springs Ranch & Saddlery
Carbondale, CO
2 Crystal Springs West,
Thermal, Ca.
(970) 309‐7037
[email protected]

La Quinta City CouncilJuly 5, 2022

La Quinta City Council
July 5, 2022