May 2012

Santa Paula's East Area One Update 

 

The dream of Santa Paula's East Area 1 development is about to be realized.  Following years of community outreach, planning, environmental impact review, and entitlement work that began in 2004, the Limoneira Company, in cooperation with the City of Santa Paula, is now finalizing the last pieces of the entitlement puzzle necessary for this historic community development to begin.  Since most of the action surrounding this project has taken place behind the scenes we wanted to update everyone on the status of East Area 1 and 2 in order to set expectations on what's next.

 

Before looking forward it is important to review what got us here.

 

�         2004

*   Letter of Cooperation between Limoneira and Santa Paula was established to master plan East Area 1 and 2 as a community development project         

 

�         2004 - 2006

*   Community outreach and the creation of a specific plan for the benefit of the Santa Paula community was completed

 

�          2006 - 2007

*   Environmental impact review and corresponding mitigation measures were identified

     

�         2008

*   Development Agreement negotiated between Limoneira and the City of Santa Paula

 

*   Planning Commission and City Council unanimously approved East Area 1 specific plan including the terms of the Development Agreement

 

*   Ballot Measure G (East Area 1 SOAR Vote) passed in a general election with an 83% approval rating

 

�         2008 - 2010

*   Greenbelt Ordinance between Santa Paula and Fillmore established and approved by both City Councils

 

�         2011

*  LAFCO approval of East Area 1 annexation into the City of Santa PaulaEast Area 1 annexation conditioned upon application submission (to LAFCO)  for East Area 2

 

*   Environmental Impact Review for EA2 initiated

 

*   Passage within Santa Paula Creek for Steelhead Trout studied as part of the EA2 EIR

 

�         2012

*   Santa Paula Creek flooding concerns for East Area 1 and 2 resolved through extensive studies completed by Ventura County's Watershed Protection Agency and the United States' Army Corps of Engineers

 

* Santa Paula Creek maintenance measures agreed upon between Limoneira, Watershed Protection Agency, and the City of Santa Paula

 

*   2008 Housing element approved by City Council identifying potential areas of future affordable housing expansion in existing City boundaries

 

The final pieces to the East Area 2 environmental impact review include updates to the City's Sewer Master Plan and Water Master Plan for the East side of Santa Paula.  Both of these pieces are being worked on by Limoneira and City staff.  We anticipate completion of all EIR elements and submission of our East Area 2 application for annexation to LAFCO by early Fall 2012.  Successful submission of the East Area 2 annexation application will trigger the successful annexation of East Area 1 into the City of Santa Paula and we will then be allowed to begin the development.

 

Now, what to build first and when to start?

 

Limoneira has recently completed a comprehensive housing market study for Southern California, Ventura County, the Santa Clara Valley, and Santa Paula.  It shouldn't surprise anyone that the housing markets in these areas suffered as result of the recent economic down-turn, the loss of thousands of local and regional jobs, the melt-down of the financial markets and mortgage systems, and  the general austerity that all of us have had to deal with over the past few years.  Despite these challenges we are beginning to see signs of recovery locally.  Unemployment is declining.  Falling home prices are bottoming out and slowly beginning to rise again.  Foreclosures are declining.  Housing sales are gradually picking up and we are beginning to see modest housing starts creeping up around us once again.  It won't be long, we predict, that Ventura County's housing demand will once again be deemed "healthy."  It is our goal to put East Area 1 in position to capture this healthy home sales market when it officially returns.

 

In order to do this we need to work with urgency to lay down the infrastructure necessary to attract home builders to Santa Paula.  We are pleased with the levels of interest we are encountering from homebuilders and we are optimistic that, upon successful ground-breaking, grading, and lot building, we will find home-builder / lot buyers who will build homes targeting specific market segments of home buyers.  We have also been pleased with the high levels of interest from commercial and light-industrial investors and tenants who want to come to Santa Paula's East Area 1 and 2.

 

We predict the following sequence of events to play out:

 

�   Fall 2012

*   East Area 2 annexation application submitted to LAFCO

 

*   East Area 1 LAFCO annexation into Santa Paula complete

 

*   Tentative tract maps approved by the City Council

 

�         Fall - Winter 2012

*   Agreements between Limoneira and developers / home-builders will be concluded, enabling a development phasing plan to be established

 

�         Spring 2013

*   Phase 1 infrastructure development will begin

 

�         2014

*   Home sales will begin in East Area 1

 

East Area 1 and 2 is a large master-planned community that includes 1,500 homes (single family and multi-family, for-sale and for-rent), 500,000 square feet of commercial property (retail and office), and 150,000 square feet of light-industrial property.  Housing types will be determined once market conditions are clearer and homebuilders purchase lots to build homes that target specific buyers.  Successful real estate development is like Wayne Gretzky's description of the game of hockey . . . "you don't play where the puck is but rather where the puck is going to be." 

 

As market conditions firm and housing demand improves it will be easier for all of us to see where housing markets will be.  This will allow the right housing product types to be constructed to meet the demands of the market at the time they are constructed.  Limoneira is excited to follow the guidelines and conditions of the development agreement and, like the majority of Santa Paula's citizens, looks forward to the many benefits it will provide to our local community.

 

 We would like to thank all of you for your ongoing patience and support.  Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns as we begin this historic Santa Paula development.

 

Sincerely,

 

Harold S. Edwards                                                            Alan M. Teague

President & CEO                                                               Chairman

 

 

 

Issue: 28  
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Table of Contents

Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes' Pucker Up Promotion
Paso Robles and Windfall Farms
Limoneira Lemon and Avocado Natural Skincare Products
Corporate Events
Limoneira Adds New Acreage...in San Juaquin Valley
The Versatility of Lemons
Mother's Day Gift Pack
Kid's Ag Education
Limoneira's New Website Design
Limoneira Winner's Block

Links

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Limoneira 

Limoneira Lifestyles 

Orchard Fresh Gifts 

Tours

  



 

  

Pineapple Lemonade Coctail

  

Ingredients 

4 parts vodka

6 parts pineapple juice

fresh lemonade

 

Preparation  

Pour vodka and pineapple juice into a chilled glass over ice cubes. Fill with lemonade and stir.  

Decorate your cocktail with a fresh slice of pineapple and lemon zest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes' Pucker Up Promotion

 

In April, Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes partnered on a chain-wide promotion called "Pucker Up - April is Lemon Month."  Delicious lemon recipes such as Summer Lemon Tossed Salad with Spiced Pecans, Lemon Cream Hot Pasta with Capers, and Hot Lemon Lava Cake were featured at the Company's 112 Company-owned restaurants in 15 states.  Industry experts credit the company with being the first casual eatery brand to serve fresh, wholesome menu options.  With over 300 million guests since their 1978 founding, Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes rank #1 in fresh produce and salads, made-from-scratch soups, hot-tossed pastas, freshly baked breads and muffins, fresh fruit, frozen yogurt, and more.  Limoneira is proud to partner with this great customer experience brand.

Paso Robles and Windfall Farms    

 

In Spanish, the name means "Pass of the Oaks," a tribute to the rolling hills and majestic oaks that captivated the region's pioneers.  Today, these oaks are joined by vineyards, olive orchards, farms, and ranches that inspire the local cuisine and culture. 

 

Paso Robles is situated midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles on California's Central Coast. The community of 30,000 residents is known for its warm hospitality and entrepreneurial spirit.  The heart of their downtown is called City Park, a classic plaza featuring grand old shade trees, a Carnegie library, a children's playground, and a traditional bandstand that serves as the centerpiece for their many events.  All around the park, restaurants, wine bars, pubs, inns, and specialty shops set a relaxed and flavorful tone amid early 20th century-style architecture.

 

Just minutes from town, along country roads, it's possible to discover what Sunset Magazine recently called the West Coast's "most exciting wine region," where more than 200 wineries make their home.

 

Just minutes from downtown Paso Robles is Windfall Farms, an exclusive community that promotes and enhances the sustainability of local agriculture and celebrates equestrian, ranch, and agrarian lifestyles.  Windfall Farms is a spectacular 724-acre horse farm with one of the finest equestrian facilities in the Western United States.  The farm was initially developed as the only Kentucky-style thoroughbred farm in California. It is currently operated as a horse training and boarding facility with an extensive farming operation.

Underlying Windfall Farms is a subdivision consisting of 76 lots of approximately 10 acres each. This subdivision was recorded in 1921 with unconditional certificates of compliance in place, which offers a variety of development opportunities.  Lots between 40 acres and 10 acres are currently available.  The breathtaking setting, combined with the world class facilities, has the potential to become an exclusive agricultural estate community in the heart of the Central Coast wine country.  For more information  please visit www.windfallfarms.net/

                

Limoneira Lemon and Avocado Natural Skincare Products at Skin Deep Laser

in Pasadena

 

On Tuesday, April 10th, Limoneira introduced its line of natural avocado and lemon skin care products at Skin Deep Laser Medspa in Pasadena with treatments for clients and a delicious lunch.

 

Skin Deep Laser presents the latest skin care therapies that can slow down the appearance of aging and restore that youthful glow.  Directed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, our medical staff, and aestheticians are our most valued assets.  Trained in a culture of warmth, friendliness, and customer service, together they can assist you in achieving your aesthetic goals.

 

Skin Deep Laser Medspa was designed with your comfort and convenience in mind.  Even their business hours, which are flexible, can adjust to your needs.

 

 

Corporate Events

 

Every company has its own culture, and at Limoneira Ranch, we have a variety of venues and an on-site chef  with loads of options  to ensure  your meeting is as distinct as your company. Below is a sampling of just a few of Limoneira Ranch venues.

 

The Hilltop Orchard is an event space that is situated in a high hilltop orchard overlooking the Santa Clara River Valley, the facing mountains, and the Pacific Ocean.  The space is designed to maximize the spectacular sunset view, with most tables gazing straight into the sunset past the Tower Club in Oxnard, and the Anacapa Islands off the Ventura coastline.  Candles are the signature light source, casting ambiance on the tables.  Minimal candlelight and solar lighting accentuates the orchard trees, overhead stars, and footpaths to transportation and bathroom facilities.  Fire pits, chimineas and patio heaters are available during the cooler months, but are not frequently used given our moderate temperatures.  Transportation via the Limoneira Trolley shuttles guests from the parking lot to and from the Hilltop Orchard.  That shuttle transportation, as well as two portable toilets, and the outdoor catering kitchen are included in the Site Fee.   Available for all events: Ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinners.
  

Limoneira Hot Air BallooningThe North Lawn  is ideal for larger groups.  This site is surrounded by lush landscaping, lemon orchards, the sun-baked foothills typical of Southern California, and some ranch buildings built in the 1920s.  Tall fir trees provide dramatic backdrops for photos, and shade for afternoon events.  Guests are welcome to stroll through the adjacent Specialty Citrus Orchard or championship Bocce Ball courts 

 
 
The Visitor Center is a beautiful historic building that has been around since the turn of the century.  Once home to Limoneira's general store for residents and workers that lived here on the ranch, this building has since been restored and is now used to tell both our company history and exciting future plans.  With its original iridescent wooden floors, spacious room, high ceiling, and historical charm, this building is ideal for large groups and can accommodate tables and seating for up to 175 guests.  The history of Limoneira can be seen throughout this building with old, original crate labels, historical photographs, and authentic agricultural tools and memorabilia decorating the walls and adding allure to the venue.  Also adorning the walls are informative displays that tell of our sustainable efforts including our water management, integrated pest management, green waste recycling facility and solar fields.  The building is also equipped with a bathroom.

 

 

Limoneira Adds New Acreage in San Juaquin Valley  

  

Limoneira - Everlasting SummerOn April 16th, Limoneira Company completed the purchase of 125 acres of agricultural property in the San Joaquin Valley.  The two properties are currently planted with Navel oranges.  With these acquisitions the Company will own or lease nearly 8,000 acres of agricultural property.  Harold Edwards, President and Chief Executive Officer of Limoneira, said, "Following the expansion of our agribusiness with the Sheldon leases in January, we are very pleased with these acquisitions of additional productive agricultural property as further execution of our strategy to grow our agribusiness segment.  These properties are located in close proximity to our existing orchards in Porterville, California which will make for efficient integration into our current operations."

The Versatility of Lemons

 

Chilean poet, diplomat and politician Pablo Neruda called the lemon a miracle and with its versatility, it's easy to wax poetic about this little yellow gem.  Lemons can be used for health, beauty, cleaning and home d�cor.  They also make a great lemon drop martini!

 Limoneira Hot Air Ballooning

Home D�cor - Place lemons in your vase and add some water.  This makes for a beautiful centerpiece. You can also use sliced lemons in water to create a floating lemon d�cor.

 

Cleaning Lime Scale - Use half of a lemon to clean off the lime scale from your taps/faucets or shower heads.  Rinse well.

 

Treating Dull or Damaged Hair - Combine � cup olive oil, � cup raw honey, and 3 tbsp of lemon juice.  Set aside.  After shampooing your hair, towel dry and work the lemon juice mixture into your hair by combing it evenly throughout your hair.  Cover your hair with a plastic cap for � hour.  Shampoo again and rinse hair thoroughly.

 

Remove Toxins From Your Body - Lemon water is a great detoxifier for the body.  Squeeze the juice from half a lemon into water.  Cut the lemon half in pieces and place in water for extra flavor.

Thank Mom on Mother's Day with a specialty created Limoneira Lifestyle

Gift Pack Limoneira Hot Air Ballooning

 

Return the gift of love that your mom has given you.  When she opens her special gift pack, she'll know that she has been in your thoughts and that you appreciate her.  This lovely gift pack combines our delicious chocolate-lemon biscotti, our lemon-sugar candle with a hint of vanilla and citrus for a lovely aroma.  We also include our lemon and avocado natural skin care products to ensure she retains her beautiful skin.

 

Mom's gift pack includes delicious chocolate-lemon biscotti; our avocado-honey lip balm (natural and organic ingredients coupled with lip plumping polypeptides and vitamin B3 in a delicious flavor mix of vanilla, and almond); Limoneira lemon hand lotion (keeps hands feeling soft and hydrated while looking toned and supple.  Natural citrus, avocado, and jojoba extracts combine to form an elegant barrier that instantly softens skin and stays with you all day); Limoneira Hand Cleanser (exceptionally mild even for dry, irritated skin in an all-natural, amphoteric base of cleansing agents safe enough for a baby); Lemon-sugar candle (with a hint of vanilla); and Limoneira mouth watering citrus.

 

Kid's Ag Education 

 

Limoneira opens its ranch for educational opportunities.  We are pleased to be affiliated with 21st Century Farming and Ag in Ventura County, an innovative program designed by Director Mary Maranville. 

 

The mission of the program is to increase the understanding of the food journey from farm to consumption and to provide students with unique, locally relevant agriculture education, and connect them to agriculture and farm land in their own backyard through field trip experiences.   

 

Limoneira Hot Air BallooningThe 21st Century Farming and Ag in Ventura County Education Program has successfully been introduced, over the past 3 years, to third graders in several school districts across Ventura County.  The program consists of a classroom education presentation and an outdoor field trip to the Limoneira Ranch.  The program teaches California Content Standards in Science and History, Social Science, and also incorporates California's new EEI Units, including the six parts of a plant and their functions, discusses in detail the top ten specialty crops of Ventura County, including the strong economic impacts and nutrition from strawberries to Valencia oranges, and live fruit & vegetable orientation.  Furthermore, the importance of our Ventura County Agricultural Heritage and Labor Force is an important aspect of the lesson plan.  Finally, the program gives locally relevant examples of 21st century sustainable farming practices from three specialty crop producers: Limoneira Lemon Ranch - green waste recycling and solar energy, Houweling's Tomato Nurseries - hydroponic growing and land use, and  Gills Onions - 100% waste-free, turning onion waste into bio-fuel in fuel cells.  

 

CA Content Standards: 

 

Science - 2.2.a & 2.2.b. - Cycle of Life - Plant Life Cycles

History/Social Science - 2.4.1. - From Field to Table - Producers and Consumers 

History/Social Science - 2.4.2 & 2.4.3 - The Dollars and Sense of Food Production - Producers and Consumers

History/Social Science - 3.1.1/3.1.2 - The Geography of Where We Life - Land and Water in Your Area

History/Social Science - 3.5.1/3.5.2/3.5.3 - California's Economy - Natural Choices - The Economy of Your Region 

 

Limoneira Hot Air BallooningLimoneira's New Website Design   

 

A redesign of Limoneira's website has recently been completed. The goal of the redesign was to create a clean, attractive look that also made it easy to navigate Limoneira's various business units, and provide versatility and ease for updates.  Additional web content is planned to make our visitor's experiences informative and pleasurable.  Please let us know if you have any suggestions.  Thank you.

 

 

Limoneira Winner's Block   

 

This month our lucky winner is Kristine Bettinger from Torrance CA. As our monthly winner, Kristine has won a Limoneira Orchard Fresh or Lifestlyes Gift.

 

Congratulations Kristine!!!   

 

For your chance to win, make sure you're on our mailing list to be entered into our monthly drawing. To join click here or visit our website at www.Limoneira.com    

 

Be sure to check out our other contests and drawings for additional changes to win prizes.