VCDA files environmental suit against large ag landowner
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has filed suit against the agriculture landowner Guzman family for alleged unlawful streambed alteration, diversion, grading, and pollution activities on multiple ranch properties near Wheeler Canyon Road east of Santa Paula.
Named as defendants are Guadalupe A. Guzman, the Lupe and Carmen Guzman Revocable Family Trust, Guzman company Santa Paula Hay and Grain and Ranches, LLC, and related defendants.
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced the lawsuit July 30.
It was filed in Ventura County Superior Court May 14.
The complaint alleges the defendants engaged in unauthorized construction and land disturbance activities that have significantly affected streams and surrounding habitat areas on six separate properties associated with the 1,800-acre Hampton Ranch and Valestrino properties owned by the Guzman family.
According to the civil action, the alleged activities included pond and dam construction, stream grading, vegetation removal, placement of fill material, and diversion or obstruction of natural stream flows without required authorization.
“The allegations in this case describe significant and permanent damage to Ventura County’s natural landscape,” Nasarenko said in a press release.
The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief to halt further violations, civil penalties, environmental restoration, and recovery of investigative and remediation costs.
