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estate agent and people came to him requesting lot splits from their properties before the ordinance was changed. He said he did not see how it would be possible to monitor income from sons and daughters helping out on the farm in order for them to qualify for a lot split. He said the purchase of farm land for speculated development has driven up the price of this land. He said there are "developer-farmers" and then there are "farmers, " and it would be difficult for the Planning Commission to determine the differ- ence. Mr. Hesseltine said he could sympathize with a request from a legitimate farmer who wants to retire from his farm and stay in his home. He said he was also concerned about abuse of Williamson Act provisions. Bruce Blodgett, representing the San Joaquin Farm Bureau, spoke in support of the proposed Text Amendment. He read a letter from the Department of Conservation (addressed to him) , which he submitted into the record. The letter was in support of the Text Amendment. Norma Norton (30327 E. Highway 120, Escalon) objected to the Text Amendment. She said her husband passed away and she has had to continue the farming operation by herself. Roger Elissagary (7855 W. Valpico Rd. , Tracy) said that a homesite split should have a restriction of 10 years before it can be sold. Leroy Ornellas (20749 Lammers Rd. , Tracy) said he is a dairy farmer and he felt that legitimate farmers should be given the right to cut off a homesite. He objected to the Text Amendment. He said he is not in favor of the Farm Bureau recommendation. Jeff Harper (840 E. Mettler Rd. , Lodi) said that when a homesite is created for financing purposes only, it should be created only for a temporary period of time; and at the conclusion of that time period, the homesite parcel should be merged back with the parent parcel. John Eilers (21355 Walnut Drive, Linden) spoke in support of the proposed Text Amendment and commended the committee who worked on it. He said the provisions are simple and will help protect agriculture. He said there are now many houses on agricultural land and this doubles the price of agricultural land for those people who wish to get into farming. He said that some additional wording should be added to (a) (1) "except under provisions which provide the parcel should be above the zone minimum. " He said that when the farm land is protected, the farmer is also protected. Karen Cambra (205 Oleander, Manteca) said she has 29 acres and she would like to give a parcel each to her two daughters. Don Moyer (P.O. Box 207, Ripon) stated the following about the ordinance: • It does not allow retirement parcels. -3c-