Watertrough Childrens Alliance needs you!

[MamaBird]

Dec 17, 2014

Dear Community,

We are asking for your vital financial support as rapidly we approach our most crucial juncture regarding the Watertrough Children's Alliance legal action towards the proposed Vineyard.

In the eventful year since our case was filed (November 2013), we have survived the legal challenges used by Sonoma County and Paul Hobbs Vintners to have our case dismissed and other additional efforts against our suit as well.


Our case is currently being heard in court with a ruling expected in January. Please help us meet our legal expenses as the WCA suit would set new precedent regarding the circumvention of environmental impact reports for impactful vineyard projects and the enforcement of other California State law that is currently being overruled by Sonoma County.


Using both video and still photographs, we have documented the extensive dust drift that occurred over the past few months as the proposed vineyard was mechanically disked. The vineyard borders five schools serving 700 children. The water truck for dust control that was promised was not used during much of the disking process. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District told us that if this was not an agricultural project being given a waiver for crucial air quality rules, the operation would be shut down due to unhealthful conditions.


The Vintner for the proposed Watertrough Vineyard, Paul Hobbs, is currently being sued by Sonoma County for multiple very serious violations at multiple vineyard locations. This does not bode well for being a neighbor to so many young children. In addition, Hobb's Vineyards have an established record of extensive pesticide use.

Read further about the County lawsuit:
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/home/2503268-181/da-files-environmental-lawsuitagainst?page=0

Other Counties are taking action regarding Vineyards next to schools as highlighted in a recent
NBC News story:
https://www.nbcbayarea.com/investigations/Farmers-Spray-Pesticides-NearSchools-with-No-Notifcation-Required-283508751.html

The Watertrough Children’s Alliance is in urgent need of your funding support for this most important time. Please help us with this historic action and send your tax deductible donation to:

O.W.L. Foundation
1390 N. McDowell Blvd. Suite G 306
Petaluma, CA 94954

Or donate online at:
https://wcachildren.org/donate/