Terri Bailey, Robert Carlyle, Halcie Clark, Russ Day, Donna Dose, Thomas Fortney, Elizabeth Getzoff (alternate), Bruce Graves, Susan Humason, Jack Norvall, Michael Pique, Carol Ravenscroft, John Tainer, Robert Thicksten, Joseph Weeks.
The PMPO Board meeting was convened at 12:35 P.M. May 25, 1996, at the Palomar Mountain Lodge immediately after the Pancake Breakfast and Annual Meeting. Results of the Annual Meeting election were ratified and new members and officers introduced: Jack Norvall; Robert Thicksten, Vice Chair; Michael Pique, Secretary; Halcie Clark, (returning) Treasurer. Chair Bruce Graves graciously agreed to serve another term as Chair with the help of his Vice Chair, Robert Thicksten.
George Ravenscroft stated that Mr. Yale's premise is based on California water rights law never before applied to San Diego county, that Mr. Yale claims all water that neighbors aren't using in the 1000 acres around him. George said Mr. Peterson, the county groundwater geologist, says everyone else should begin pumping water to gain their rights to it, that every day we don't pump, we lose rights. George thinks this "pumpathon" would be a basis for environmental impacts to cause the county to look harder at permission, recalling the Bienna Valley pumping race that drew the water table down and dried out the fire department.
John Tainer pointed out that Mr. Yale's 1993 well test pulled water out of Cedar Creek at once and the stream flow was cut 25% in only 10 minutes. The test lowered the water in the Indian Reservation well a half-mile away, and dropped levels in nearby wells 70 feet, with no subsequent complete recovery.
Joe Weeks noted the current well drilling moratoria in Alpine and Valley Center.
George said Mr. Yale's current plan to pump at a high rate, 250 to 350 gallons per minute, could change the water distribution in the granite fractures and cause irreversible silting. Even though this could do permanent damage, until such damage occurred, no one could bring suit to stop.
John Tainer noted Dr. David Huntley's analysis showed the Palomar Mountain balance to be in surplus during winter only, and in deficit during summer. Unfortunately, summer is when water is most likely to be sold and exported. George and Tom Burton spoke to the Santa Barbara water attorneys for an hour on the telephone. They can prepare a written response based on a review of rights of community, and want a $5000 retainer to proceed. Moved and seconded and passed unanimously to retain the firm.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 PM.
Elizabeth D. Getzoff, outgoing Secretary.
Michael E. Pique, new Secretary.