The Sierra Club has filed a lawsuit against the City of San Diego, alleging violations of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) following the City Council’s decision to terminate a historic grant deed and amend a lease for Surf Sports Park. The move by the City Council aimed to remove open space protections and allow for more intensive commercial use of the land, sparking outrage from environmental groups and residents.
Key Takeaways
- The Sierra Club alleges the City of San Diego failed to conduct a proper environmental review before altering land use restrictions at Surf Sports Park.
- The lawsuit challenges the termination of a 1983 grant deed that designated the land for open space and passive recreational uses.
- Critics argue the revised lease with Surf Cup Sports will lead to increased traffic, noise, and environmental impact on the San Dieguito River Valley.
The Legal Challenge
The lawsuit, filed by the Sierra Club, centers on the City Council’s October decision to remove restrictions from a 1983 grant deed. This deed originally conveyed land, now known as Surf Sports Park, to the city with the stipulation that it be preserved as open space for "passive non-commercial recreational uses." The council’s vote also amended the lease with Surf Cup Sports, establishing an annual 40-day limit for large events, defined by specific field usage or attendee numbers.
The Sierra Club contends that these changes necessitate a CEQA review to assess potential environmental impacts. Attorney Isabella Coye stated, "The City Council must uphold its prior promise to its electorate — that the Affected Lands would be dedicated for open space uses. Furthermore, the City is legally bound to implement promised mitigation measures under CEQA and state law."
Concerns Over Land Use and Environmental Impact
Opponents argue that Surf Cup Sports’ activities, including large soccer tournaments that draw thousands of attendees and vehicles, along with subleases to other commercial entities, already exceed the historical uses permitted under the original grant deed. They fear the new lease terms will further intensify the use of the land, negatively impacting the nearby San Dieguito River Park, residential areas, and local roadways.
The lawsuit highlights that the city’s justification for the 40-day limit, based on historical use, relied on data only up to 2016, lacking more recent information. The Sierra Club asserts that the land was granted for open space, not for "private or commercial exploitation."
Broader Implications and Opposition
The termination agreement not only affects Surf Sports Park but also other parcels of "affected land" deeded to the city in the 1980s for open space preservation. The Sierra Club argues that CEQA review is crucial to evaluate the impacts of removing these open-space restrictions across all designated parcels.
This legal action by the Sierra Club is not the only challenge facing the city. Residents of the Fairbanks Polo Club Homes have filed their own lawsuit, alleging the city failed to enforce the original grant deed terms and that the council’s decision illegally overrides grantor rights. Several other organizations and elected officials, including State Sen. Catherine Blakespear and the cities of Del Mar and Solana Beach, have also voiced opposition to the city’s actions.
Sources
- Sierra Club sues San Diego for ending Surf Sports Park grant deed, The Coast News Group.
- Sierra Club sues city of San Diego over revised Surf Cup lease – San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune.
