Representative Matters

• Represented water districts and farm bureau in legal challenge to adequacy of Water Supply Assessment and CEQA Environmental Impact Report for proposed residential development project lacking water rights.
• Negotiated and documented land conversation transitions involving conservation easements and fee acquisitions for land trusts and private landowners.
• Represented farmers in conceiving and permitting innovative water storage project to enhance Coho and steelhead fisheries without reducing irrigation water supply by substituting appropriative water rights for riparian rights.
• Obtained local and Coastal Act land use permits for construction of residences and barn in area of sensitive resource concerns.
• Addressed water rights needs for ranch, vineyard, row crop and orchard lands, including SWRCB permits and amendments, riparian rights, groundwater and spring water rights, and mutual water company issues.
• Resolved multi-faceted land use development dispute involving litigation over Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) annexation and Planning Commission and City Council entitlement hearings involving CEQA, General Plan consistency, zoning conformity and endangered species protection.
• Advised variety of public and private clients regarding CEQA documentation and compliance.
• Negotiated and documented development and construction of commercial and industrial facilities in several Western states.
• Analyzed water supply, related infrastructure, treatment and transmission arrangements and land use issues for large industrial property owner; interpreted existing contracts and negotiated contract modifications.
• Represented urban water district in State Water Resources Control Board water rights hearings to establish minimum instream flows, sedimentation control and other fish protection measures.
• Defended local public agency in CEQA writ and regulatory takings litigation.
• Represented farmer in resolving wetlands enforcement matters initiated by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and California Coastal Commission.
• Advised master consultant to the U.S. Navy in compliance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA) and other laws applicable to worldwide deployment of advanced submarine detection technology.