VASCM: Asking Assistance to Counter Protest at ABC of Our Winery

[frank dorsa]

I was held up for three years because of one neighbor the ABC would not grant me a license

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 27, 2017, at 12:12 PM, Ryan Beauregard <ryan at beauregardvineyards.com> wrote:
> 
> My experience with ABC is they only require a zoning affidavit from your county planning department.  If you have a use permit from your county to have a winery, the ABC will issue you their permit.  I have never heard of the ABC holding up a permit from a neighbor complaint, or we would be out of business.  
> 
>> On Thu, Jan 26, 2017 at 9:45 PM, Jeff Griffin via VASCM <vascm at kkn.net> wrote:
>> Hi VASCM,
>> For those of you who are willing, we would like to ask a favor.  As some of you know, we have been trying to get our winery permitted and bonded.  At this point, the TTB has approved us, but our permitting with the California ABC is held up due to a protest by our next door neighbor.  His protest focuses on two issues:  (1) the winery’s water usage and how this might negatively affect the aquifer; and (2) potential winery traffic on our shared driveway, an easement on his land.  To address the traffic issue, we have worked with the ABC toward a conditional license that prohibits us from having a tasting room and retail sales to the public.  Regarding the water issue, we do not expect to exceed 750 cases and don’t believe our water usage will negatively affect the aquafer.  This has not dissuaded the protestor and he will not withdraw the protest.
>>  
>> Our examiner at ABC is Marilyn Lefler (marilyn.lefler at abc.ca.gov).  She let me know that she is unsure of our prospects, although she is recommending that we be approved.  She says that emails from supporters will help her put together our case to be presented to a judge.  If you would be so kind as to write to her, here are some of the key points that you might raise:
>> 
>> 1.       Wineries have a long and positive history in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
>> 2.       Wineries such as ours contribute to the economy and vitality of the region.
>> 3.       This winery, formerly Noble Hill Winery, has a history, starting in 1981, of positive relations among wineries and customers.
>> 4.       Wineries do not use enormous amounts of water.
>> 5.       For those of you who know us, your impressions of us as people who are dedicated to building a professional winery and products.
>> 6.       The traffic at a small winery without a tasting room or retail sales would be insignificant.
>> 
>> Your help and support would be very much appreciated and we would gratefully accept any advice on getting through a protest from those of you would similar experience.
>> 
>> Jeff & Claudia Griffin
>> Griffin Hill Vineyards, LLC
>> 650-799-3327
>> 
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> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Ryan Beauregard
> Winemaker
> Beauregard Vineyards
> 10 Pine Flat Road
> Bonny Doon California 95060
> 
> 831-425-7777 ext 3
> 
> "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
> Dr. Seuss
> 
> "The only man who makes no mistakes is the man who never does anything.” Teddy Roosevelt
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