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January 2, 2002 San Joaquin County Community Development Department Development Services Division ' 1810 E. Hazelton Avenue Stockton, Ca; 95205 Regarding Application Number PA-0200625 (SA) Property Owner: Old German Baptist Church Applicant: VFW Post 1051 5130 Sb6emake Avenue P: 0. Box 207 Modesto, Calif . 95358 Ripon, Ca. 95366 Property Location: Corner of West Ripon Rd & So. Olive Avenue, Ripon Calif, 12455 E. West_Ripon Rd, Ripon, Ca. 95366' Property is zoned AU-20 (Agriculture-Urban Reserve) neral Plan Designation is R/L (Low Density Residence) Dear Sir Or Madam: On November 12, 2002, a meeting was held by the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors where an amendment of the text was approved whereby the VFW could use the site previously reserved for religious organizations only in an agriculturally zoned area. I am appalled that the neighbors were not made aware of this meeting, however VFW members obviously had been, because a significant number of them were there in uniform. The VFW had Mr. Don Moyer the ex mayor of Ripon there to represent them, as well as Mr. Adrian Fondse,who I am told is an ex official himself. It is obvious they were well prepared with their arguments which were politically timed in favor of VFW. Aslo they were allowed time for rebuttal,which the neighbors were not allowed to do. I do not believe that to be a very fair way of handling an issue as important as this,which will obviously affect some of us for many years hence. The neighbors had no time to obtain legal counsel to represent themselves. There was only time to call a few of the neighbors. A few showed up to show their disapproval, however to no avail, because they were unaware how to represent themselves legally. Also I feel it was politically timed to coincide with charitable activities performed by the VFW to gain their favor. Our recent history with 911 also probably had a huge impact.I feel that had we been adequately notified, many of these neighbors could have called, or written in with their objections or obtained counsel to defend themselves. Several of them said they had taken the time to write in, or E-mailed, or planned to do so, when they finally got this notification that they needed to do so by January 8, 2003. I believe Mr. Moyer made the statement that the neighbors did not object to the Old German Baptist Church being sold to VFW and the amendment to the text,which is absolutely untrue. They didn't even know about it or it's impact. ALL the adjacent neighbors are opposed, as well as the overwhelming majority of the rest of them in the close proximity. They gave various reasons for their objections, but I can assure you that the fear of them operating a bar or allow drinking at their social functions was only a part of the reason. Some of the reasons given were: With no notification, there was no opportunity to be allowed to be a part of the decision making process. There is a belief that it will cause a devaluation in our property values. One man said he might have to move because of this, because he could anticipate all the problems he believes will be caused, and he really has not lived here very long. The loud noise of social functions especially if drinking is involved will be disruptive to their peaceful and quiet lifestyle which they moved here for in the first place. Some have a fear of other groups coming in and getting out of control. They especially do not want their children or grandchildren subjected to poor behavior. Some have a fear of VFW