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LO CKE "%r%% RANCH RECEIVED VINEYARDS ♦ ORCHARDS Since 1850 JA'`(�J 1 (�" 20�}06 January16,2006 San Joaquin County Community Development Department COMMunity Development Dept, Development Services Division 1810 East Hazelton Avenue Stockton,CA 95205 Dear Sir or Madam: This letter concerns itself with Application #: PA-0300573(GP) PA-0500807(ZR) by property owner Kautz Row Crop Farms of Lodi.I am a life long resident of Lockeford having attended Lockeford Elementary and Lodi High Schools. I am presently serving my eighth year of my second term on the Lockeford Community Services District and am also quite proud to be the great, great grandson of the founder, D.J. Locke.While on the LCSD board,we have listened rather impatiently to the Kautz plans for their development across from the elementary school on Tully Road.They were told on several occasions that they were not even on the screen for future development since they were not even on the General Plan nor in the LCSD for services even if there were services.The LCSD is presently at capacity for treated wastewater disposal. While the LCSD is investigating the purchase of property to increase disposal,there are others who are ahead and in the LCSD's sphere of influence. Jack Kautz's claim that this 105-acre property would be better used for development for homes forgets the county's assertion that no prime agricultural property should be used for development,especially this picturesque Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard. The Kautz family, like our own Locke Ranch walnut farming operation,must have priority throughout the year to perform agricultural activities that are mandated by our business. And we do.The community of Lockeford is taking its share of the growth of the county and to ask that we be further burdened along with the Lockeford Oaks and Lockeford Vistas projects is condemning the residents to a more overcrowded school, more gridlock on Highways 88/12 through town,and poorer air quality for all the increased car trips.My wife and I condemn the notion that this General Plan amendent could even be considered by the county. It is about thinking that developing this property nets more money than farming it. This is very shortsighted and selfish and does not consider this resident's quality of life.We urge you to deny this application.Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Christopher J.Locke President,Locke Ranch,inc. P.O. BOX 811 • LOCKEFORD, CA • 95237 PHONE: 209-727-5868 • FAX: 209-727-5871 P.O. Box 84 • Lockeford, California 95237 • (209) 727-5595