In his “State of North County” Address, San Diego Supervisor Bill Horn said he’ll go to Washington next month to lobby for money to help with the costs of illegal immigration. He added another goal to his lobbying efforts: millions of dollars to buy the biggest remaining Mexican land grant in California, Rancho Guejito. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.
Dan Silver of the Endangered Habitat’s League calls Rancho Guejito a place of immeasurable value.
Silver : It is an historic, cultural and environmental icon.
The owners of the Ranch, north of Escondido, have taken steps to open the land to development.
County Supervisor Bill Horn, not normally known for his environmental credentials, says he’d rather see it kept pristine. But as an advocate for private property rights, he wants to give the owners an incentive to sell.
Horn : It would take a major national developer 10, 15, 20 years if you could get it through, so I think there’s an opportunity for them to make a legitimately fair profit.
The Coats family bought the ranch in 1974 for $10 million.
Horn says he’s seeking $100 million from state and federal sources.
Horn : As long as it’s a fair price, I don’t want to steal it.
The owners have not shown any interest in selling the 20,000 acres.
Dan Silver says Horn has invited him to go to Washington to explore options.
Silver : I’m not personally aware of any deal that’s in the works, but I think that raising the issue of how many dollars it would take, going to Washington to sound out acquisition opportunities, is very constructive.
Rancho Guejito is bigger than Otay Ranch in Chula Vista was, before it got developed.
Alison St John, KPBS News.
