RE: 'The truth of the matter'

The truth of the matter? Bonsall residents with horses have been misled and misinformed? Truth.

But some of those Bonsall residences with horses had been included on a list compiled by Mr. Morrison’s client, Dawn Clayton. That list included the parcel size and the number of horses on each parcel, “denoting” which were commercial facilities. That list was submitted to the County with a letter signed by Dawn Clayton for public record. The County’s obligation is to investigate the accuracy of the information submitted.

Considering a Major Use Permit is required, by definition, before boarding one horse in San Diego County, and considering there is only a handful of Major Use Permits issued in all of San Diego County, it was reasonable for the 85 listed to become a bit concerned.

The Puchtas withdrew the permit for their project because of the “neighbors who have consistently opposed the project.” That would be the Claytons in opposition, and that would be a quote from Mr. Morrison.

Truth? The project is two barns with a total 52 stalls, some used for tack and some for hay. The remainder could be used to house 48 horses. The area is zoned agricultural and “unlimited horses.” Mr. Puchta can have his horses in 48 pipe corrals, according to the zoning. Density is a moot point. The barns and the language of the zoning ordinances have become the stumbling blocks.

Mr. Morrison says, “The equestrian community should be at ease” because “nothing will change at all.” I can only hope that is not the truth. We need big changes in the county regarding the equestrian community. We need clear definitions that pertain specifically to horses and horse keeping. We need standards for our industry that protect horse keepers from unreasonable neighbors and that enable horse keepers to provide adequate shelters for their animals.

Now that’s the “Truth of the Matter.”

Susan Bernard