CCA Advocates in Voice of OC
The Coastal Corridor Alliance is deeply concerned about the Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s proposed lease of an 11.36-acre site adjacent to the Randall Preserve. This land, rich in biodiversity and home to species like the California gnatcatcher and San Diego fairy shrimp, is not just a parcel of property—it’s a vital part of our coastal ecosystem.
Our analysis indicates that the district may be sidestepping the Surplus Land Act by not properly notifying relevant agencies, such as the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), which owns the surrounding preserve. This lack of transparency undermines the principles of public trust and environmental stewardship.
Moreover, due to environmentally sensitive habitat areas (ESHA) and required buffer zones, CCA calculates only about one serpentine acre of the site is potentially developable. Yet, this critical information hasn’t been clearly communicated to potential developers, risking uninformed decisions that could harm our environment.
We urge the Newport-Mesa Unified School District to follow the law and engage in a transparent and honest approach that prioritizes conservation and provides needed information to the bidders. Let’s work together to protect our coastal corridors for future generations.
📖 Read more in the original reporting by Angelina Hicks for Voice of OC: Environmental Groups Raise Concerns Over OC School District Property Lease Near Banning Ranch
