Court entirely rejects attempt by Center for Biological Diversity and other environmental groups to delay development on Tejon Ranch
(Los Angeles, CA) The United States District Court, Central District of California, has granted summary judgment entirely in favor of the US. Fish & Wildlife Service and Tejon Ranch Co. in a lawsuit that challenged the 2013 approval of a Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan covering the upland regions of Tejon Ranch. The Habitat Conservation Plan—a permit issued in compliance with the Federal Endangered Species Act—will protect the California condor and other species found on Tejon Ranch.
In granting summary judgment for Tejon Ranch and the US Fish & Wildlife Service, United States District Court Judge Cormac J. Carney resoundingly rejected each and every argument made by the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), Wishtoyo Foundation, and Delia Dominguez, who were the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. The court went so far as to characterize CBD and the other plaintiffs’ arguments as “unsupported by the record” and noted that CBD tried to “misleadingly suggest” its position was based on law.
The plaintiffs’ lawsuit was initially filed on April 25, 2019, a full six years after the approval of the Habitat Conservation Plan, and just four days prior to the expiration of the time period in which to file a legal challenge.
This is not the first time CBD and the other plaintiffs have unsuccessfully attempted to use the courts to delay development on Tejon Ranch, in this instance, the community of Mountain Village, which has already received numerous approvals from local, state and multiple federal agencies. The plaintiffs had previously filed an environmental lawsuit against Kern County in 2009 for its approval of the Tejon Mountain Village project and subsequently lost in both the superior and appellate state courts. CBD has also sued to obstruct and delay other Tejon Ranch developments including the expansion of the Tejon Ranch Commerce Center, where both superior and appellate courts ultimately rejected CBD’s claims.
The tactics employed by CBD to litigate, delay and obstruct proposed housing developments throughout California, including Tejon Ranch, are a significant contributing factor to the housing crisis in California. As CBD pursues its agenda, which is, as stated by CBD co-founder Robin Silver, ‘to inflict severe economic pain,’ those burdened by that economic pain are the countless numbers of Californians who find adequate housing increasingly unavailable and unaffordable.
Even in the face of this onslaught by CBD and other environmental groups who rush to court to try and derail Tejon Ranch’s efforts to responsibly develop its landholdings and create thousands of homes and jobs for Californians, Tejon Ranch Company remains fully committed to the ongoing stewardship of the ranch’s 270,000 acres, as it has done for over 175 years.
Outlets at Tejon starts reopening and is ready to welcome community
Tejon Ranch, CA – The Outlets at Tejon is pleased to announce that following two months of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic and stay at home order set by Governor Newsom, it will be open to be public once again on May 27, 2020 This is a phased reopening as some individual stores may open sooner than others. Guests should check the outlet website, www.TejonOutlets.com, for a list of the stores that will be open. Outlet employees are ready to return to work and look forward to serving guests once again.
The Outlets at Tejon is taking all the steps necessary to ensure the safety of its guests. The janitorial crew has conducted a thorough cleaning of the entire center. Hand-sanitizing stations have been installed throughout the center, as well as signage reminding everyone of suggested COVID-19 safety precautions such as social distancing and mask-wearing. As an additional safety precaution, the food court, Camp Tejon and all kiddie rides will remain temporarily closed. Outlet guests are encouraged to visit the numerous food options at the same exit in the Tejon Ranch Commerce Center including In-N-Out Burger, Chipotle, Starbucks, Pieology and Habit Burger.
“We have been working tirelessly to ensure the opening of the Outlets at Tejon is as safe as possible for all our guests,” says Rebecca Swiggum, marketing director of the outlets. “We look forward to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for our guests and are thrilled to welcome everyone back to enjoy the warm sun, fresh air and some healthy savings!”
WHAT: Reopening of The Outlets at Tejon
WHEN: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 with modified center hours from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.
WHERE: 5701 Outlets at Tejon Pkwy, Arvin, CA 93203
WHY: To offer a place for our local community and visitors to shop while supporting local jobs and the economy
WHO: The Outlets at Tejon
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As described in the proxy materials for the Annual Meeting, shareholders of record at the close of business on Admission to the Annual Meeting Online To participate in the Annual Meeting online, go to the meeting website at http://www.meetingcenter.io/273861214 and log in using your control number (see below) and the following password: TRC2020. Shareholders of Record. Holders of shares of the Company’s common stock as of Beneficial Owners. If you hold your shares through an intermediary, such as a bank, broker or other agent, you must register in advance with Computershare to obtain a control number that gives you access to the Annual Meeting. To register, you must submit proof of your proxy power (legal proxy) reflecting your Meeting Information During the meeting, which will be held as a live audio webcast, you may vote, ask questions, and view the shareholder list by following the instructions available on the meeting website. You are encouraged to log in to this website at least 15 minutes before the Annual Meeting begins. Additional information regarding the rules and procedures for participating in the Annual Meeting will be set forth in the Company’s Rules of Conduct for the Annual Meeting, which you can view during the Annual Meeting at the Annual Meeting website or prior to the Annual Meeting at https://tejonranch.gcs-web.com. It is important that your shares be represented at the Annual Meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, you are urged to vote and submit your proxy in advance of the meeting by one of the methods described in the proxy materials. The proxy card or voting instruction form you previously received may continue to be used to vote your shares in connection with the Annual Meeting. About More information about
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200429005046/en/ Source: Tejon Ranch Co. Announces Change to a Virtual Meeting Format for 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders |
We at Tejon Ranch, like so many other businesses, are adjusting to life in the face of COVID-19. First and foremost, our thoughts are with everybody who has been directly or indirectly impacted by the pandemic, and stand ready to support our community, partners, employees, and all of our stakeholders.
As a fully diversified and integrated real estate company and agribusiness, Tejon Ranch comprises several operations, most of which have been deemed “essential” by the State of California under current governmental guidance, including agricultural production, logistics and supply chain, and travel centers.
Food, water and other essential supplies are delivered across California through our distribution centers, and our two travel centers offer essential amenities such as food, fuel and charging stations for motorists traveling California’s most vital north-south corridor.
As we continue to serve Californians, our first priority is the health and safety of our employees. Where possible, and consistent with Governor Newsom’s directive, our employees are working remotely, and those who cannot are doing so consistent with social-distancing and infection control guidelines set by local, state and federal authorities. We are closely monitoring updated guidance from these organizations, and will respond accordingly, as applicable.
At the same time, we are continuing to advance our real estate development efforts to meet the ongoing housing, employment and lifestyle needs of current and future generations of Californians.
