75B - PH - APPEAL 1584 EAST SANTA CLARA AVE

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2. Contribution of Small, Family-based Citrus Operations: The dismissal of small, family-based citrus growers as having any significance in the local citrus industry has plagued the historical assessment of the Sexiinger property ever since the release of the Discovery Works, Inc. "Cultural Resource Study" (2008). SOOC, and others, have challenged this erroneous misinterpretation using the EIR consultant's own data. In contrast, it would seem small family-based citrus farms were the core of the local industry: more than 96% of the county's citrus growers had farms of less than 20 acres each, yet produced upwards of 72% of citrus revenues - ca. 1930 (TAVA-DEIR, Section 5.4.3, pp. 5-26). Additionally, the California Fruit Growers Exchange (later to become "Sunkist") was founded in 1892, specifically, to facilitate the marketing of local citrus crops in southern California by providing picking, packing, and shipping services to the burgeoning numbers of family growers. 3. "Active Participation" of Landowner in Maintaining Historical Property: The commission expressed concern that if the Sexiinger orchard complex were listed as a city historical property it may be subject to "willful neglect" on the part of the landowner, since both Concordia University Irvine and Orange Lutheran High School formally expressed opposition to historical listing of the property. The Issue being that although "active participation" is desired there is nothing compelling maintenance or upkeep on the part of the property owner -- thereby, resulting in continued degradation of the resource. Albeit understandable to consider this issue as relevant to the long-term success of the property, it Is not a requirement for nomination, or listing: Chapter 30_of the Santa Ana Municipal Code does not require owner consent for designation to the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties. And, furthermore, if "willful neglect" is in evidence the city has other avenues it can pursue to ensure owner upkeep of the property, including code enforcement measures which have been in force at the subject property for years (e.g., weed abatement). If the issue of "willful neglect" or purposeful destruction were to become an overriding concern the city could follow the recommendations issued for demolition of historic properties. SAMC-Chapter 30, Section 30-7 states that in cases of "Intent to demolish an historic property ... the commission shall investigate all feasible alternatives to demolition" by seeking buyers for the property, including city purchase when feasible. 4. Financial Impact of Historic Preservation on Property Valuation; A number of comments were made, and questions asked, by the commissioners reflecting a concern for the property rights of the owners. The city's recommendation indicates both Lutheran schools "... are opposed to the historic designation of this site" on the grounds that ".., preservation of the historic landscape reduces the potential value of the land" (vis-a-vis development). The schools argue "... it is not economically feasible to operate the orchard ..." siting current zoning and General Plan designation which does not allow commercial operation of the orchard. And, as a result, "_ it is very unlikely that we will receive any economically feasible offers to purchase the property." It's clear the schools view the Sexiinger Orchard and Farmhouse as an endowment for their institutions, and It is equally clear that some commission members are sympathetic Preserving history & Iferitage Promoting Education & Health PrOFTIO ing F0041 & JOWS 75B-24