Robert Redford joins Angwin debate | Napa Valley Register

Robert Redford joins Angwin debate

Actor Robert Redford has joined Save Rural Angwin in its fight against Pacific Union College's proposal to add hundreds of homes, a retirement center and more to the rural Napa County community. AP file photo | Buy photos

Actor and Calistoga resident now on Save Rural Angwin council

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Comment

By JILLIAN JONES
Register Staff Writer

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Actor and environmentalist Robert Redford has stepped out against the controversial Angwin eco-village, announcing that he will join the local group Save Rural Angwin.

An eight-year resident of the Napa Valley, Redford will serve on SRA’s 13-member Advisory Council, leading the group in its efforts to defeat the eco-village proposal.

“I believe that the citizens of Napa Valley, from American Canyon to Calistoga, care about preserving our beautiful agricultural and rural heritage,” Redford said in a prepared statement. “That is why I am happy to join the Advisory Council of Save Rural Angwin in its efforts to preserve this naturally carved land-basin from development.”

Members of the Advisory Council also include Meade Baldwin, Carl Benson, Guy Kay, Robin Lail, Dick Maher, former Napa County Supervisor Mel Varrelman and vintners Jon-Mark Chappelet, Hugh Davies, Mary Novak, Dario Sattui, John Shafer and Barbara and Warren Winiarski.

“Redford’s leadership will help make all citizens of Napa Valley aware of the fact that, to some degree, we are all stewards of the land,” said Donna Morgan, a member of the SRA steering committee and longtime resident of Angwin.

Redford — an Academy Award-winning film actor, director, producer, businessman and philanthropist — has championed various environmental causes for the last 35 years.

He was named by Time magazine as one of their Heroes of the Environment in a 2007 feature that cited his work on issues such as global warming and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska.

Time also noted his efforts to keep 1.7 million acres in Utah from development, a move that was unpopular with Utah residents, especially cattlemen and states-rights activists.

Redford will also be honored by Duke University this week or lifetime achievement in the arts. Duke’s LEAF award recognizes artists who promote environmental awareness and stewardship.

Officials from Pacific Union College, the institution proposing the 380-unit environmentally friendly eco-village, appear unfazed by Redford’s recruitment.

“As a member of the community, Mr. Redford is certainly welcome to participate in this discussion, and he has an open invitation to come and speak with the college about his concerns and ideas,” said Julie Lee, spokeswoman for PUC.

52 comment(s)

Dirty Napkin wrote on Apr 13, 2009 12:17 PM:

" Now, in comes some muscle! "

JimClark wrote on Apr 13, 2009 2:11 PM:

" Redford? So? Specificity might be more enlightening. "

napablogger wrote on Apr 13, 2009 2:21 PM:

" great, maybe Rush Limbaugh can come out in favor now. He stays here at least one weekend a year too, doesn't he? "

thoughtank wrote on Apr 13, 2009 2:43 PM:

" Thanks, Robert Redford, for getting involved in the fight against this pseudo eco village.

Developers are keen to exploit and ruin Napa's unique beauty. To have someone of your stature work against this project is great! "

Jane Eyrehead wrote on Apr 13, 2009 2:57 PM:

" To napablogger--

Last I heard, Redford had a home somewhere in the valley. He has supported environmental causes here in the past. Most people appreciate his help very much. "

LocalNapa wrote on Apr 13, 2009 3:01 PM:

" At first glance I thought that was Elton John...Yes, Redford has been involved with land issues in the community. I believe he's worked with Napa Land Trust in the past. "

Tim wrote on Apr 13, 2009 3:02 PM:

" Typical case of nimby....he has his big house up on the hill...now he doesn't want anyone else to have theirs....Hey didn't he promise to leave the country if Bush won a second term? "

kkjp wrote on Apr 13, 2009 3:29 PM:

" They don't want homes saying they'll be occupied by rich second-home weekenders, so they pick a rich second-home weekender for their poster boy. Think he knows they wouldn't want him to live there either? "

MarkMiwords wrote on Apr 13, 2009 6:20 PM:

" Thank you Mr. Redford for your assistance. It is really generous of you, especially since your home is in a neighboring community. "

interested wrote on Apr 13, 2009 7:25 PM:

" KKJP, I may be missing something, but I would tend to find someone with 30 years of work protecting our environment who dedicated himself to this work long before it became fashionable, and who could live anywhere in the world but chose Napa Valley for the same reasons many or us chose it, a bit more persuasive than, say, a glorified real estate salesman living on a golf course in Petaluma.

Spend an evening with Redford's "Lions for Lambs" then come back and talk to us about your Triad. "

VERUM wrote on Apr 13, 2009 8:06 PM:

" "Eco-village" or whatever, what is the environmental impact on the Napa Valley with the auto traffic heading up and down the hill from Silverado Tr.? "

skippert wrote on Apr 13, 2009 9:11 PM:

" Thanks Mr. Redford. We need peoplefhnf2 like you on the right team.. "

suze wrote on Apr 13, 2009 9:23 PM:

" I welcome Mr Redford's efforts to defend his home territory. His main pledge is for environmental considerations. Three hundred and eighty homes!! These homes would all have service personnel of one kind or another, cleaning, gardening, Fedex, UPS - the pool guys. Can you imagine the increase in traffic to this rural location? We have to stand up to this kind of exploitation of the area. To see Angwin and Pope Valley come under the developer's sights for profit is something that has to be vigorously defended.
Some things truly are above price. I do not think Robert Redford's status as a 'movie star' is part of his thinking at all in this case, he is simply acting as a concerned local citizen who cares deeply about environmental issues. If I had his kind of influence, I would do the same.
Some things truly are above price. Why do you think people come to this area? It is not to look at housing divisions!
I have been a resident of this area for 27 years and I have seen a lot of change, some good, some bad, but I think it would be a mistake to change the essentially rural character of Angwin and Pope Valley. "

vocal-de-local wrote on Apr 13, 2009 10:28 PM:

" Those of us in Angwin really appreciate your help, Robert R. Thank you. "

vocal-de-local wrote on Apr 13, 2009 10:34 PM:

" kkjp, there's a world of difference between a couple of vacationers occupying a home situated on 25 acres and 400 vacation homes occupied by 800 vacationers situated on 25 acres. No comparison. "

Tim wrote on Apr 13, 2009 11:17 PM:

" Mr. Redford talks the talk...but how is his walk?...not too good... he probably promotes the burning of more fossil fuel than virtually any other single American outside of Mobil.

Mr. Redford founded a ski resort in Park City Utah, an environmentally unfriendly venture in which rich folks routinely travel to from all over the world – and they’re not riding in hot air balloons to get there.

He also started the environmentally unfriendly Sundance Film Festival, that pulls in countless Gulfstream jets full of film executives to the remote and pricey Utah resort.

In my book he is just another 'do as I say, not as I do' rich guy who takes full advantage of his name to promote himself and make gobs of money off of the system...then tries to keep others from doing the same. "

VERUM wrote on Apr 14, 2009 6:16 AM:

" Tim-
Is it your position that you are pro or con for Save Rural Angwin? Perhaps the homeless are better written into your book for speaking out pro or con? "

kkjp wrote on Apr 14, 2009 6:43 AM:

" vocal -- No one, until you, has characterized the ecovillage as "400 vacation homes occupied by 800 vacationers". In fact, characterizing assisted living rooms in a retirement facility as "vacation homes" is a term that those residents would find laughable. Just another grossly inaccurate misrepresentation of what is being proposed - 275 units and a retirement facility that was requested by members of the community. "

Jasper wrote on Apr 14, 2009 8:01 AM:

" kkjp,

About the retirement center. You have probably inadvertently contributed to the "big lie" that the retirement center was "requested by members of the community." The retirement center was suggested by one member of the community at a meeting of eight people in a hotel room in St. Helena. The one person was a retired PUC professor. There was not a vote or request of even the eight people. Triad took it under consideration and came back with it in a new plan and the story that it was something requested by the community after two months of study. You have been suckered by people who will say anything. Anything.

Back to Redford. This is a guy with a long history as an activist for one of the most serious problems of the human race. He is a wonderful addition to the SRA Advisory Council because he knows how to fight this kind of battle and win. Napa County will welcome his experience. "

Econut wrote on Apr 14, 2009 8:47 AM:

" How big is Mr. Redford's home? Does he have solar panels, solar water heaters, a geothermal heat pump and a cistern for rain water storage? Does he drive a SUV? Does he practice what he preaches? "

badheadache wrote on Apr 14, 2009 9:10 AM:

" Redford has way too much time on his hands.....he should be out promoting his Park City ski resort, so he would have to sell anymore of that awful salad dressing gig he has going....YUUCCK!!!! "

NVwineLover wrote on Apr 14, 2009 11:24 AM:

" Badheadache - That would be Paul Newman with the salad dressing/popcorn/cookie/cracker and wine line of foods, not Robert Redford. Newman's Own. "

Sickothis wrote on Apr 14, 2009 11:28 AM:

" Of course, Mr. Redford would presumably have the wherewithal to purchase the property from PUC at a mutually agreeable price and do with it what he will. "

Econut wrote on Apr 14, 2009 11:39 AM:

" So what's preventing such well-to-do members of the Advisory Council from paying PUC what Triad is willing to pay and donating the land to the Napa Valley Land Trust? That would be a win-win situation for all! "

anothervoice wrote on Apr 14, 2009 11:52 AM:

" What do you mean, nimby? How unkind of you to say that. He can vimby (visit in my back yard) anytime. "

Mike Garamendi wrote on Apr 14, 2009 12:06 PM:

" I like Redford, but he is also building more hotel rooms, meeting centers, buildings at his Sundance resort. Which in many peoples minds is just as important an environment. If Rich people want to control land then Buy It. Rich Nimby's is what this is about! "

turkeyvulture wrote on Apr 14, 2009 12:17 PM:

" I quote Homer Simpson: "Celebrities-- is there anything they don't know?" "

napablogger wrote on Apr 14, 2009 1:44 PM:

" Janeyre, I recognize that Redford has a long history of environmental activism. I do not believe that he knows a whole lot about land use and housing issues in Napa. At least John Mark Chappellet was on the General Plan steering committee, and others on the SRA board have been long time involved Napa county residents.

I have never seen Redford at one meeting of any sort over land use issues. What is his plan for affordable housing then, if he is opposed to the eco village? What is his plan for workforce housing in the north valley? How does he propose we deal with state RHNA laws and the lawsuit we are under?

What is his reasoning on how the next 800 McMansions that will be built in the hills over the same time frame as the eco village will be built will be less disruptive to the environment and more enabling of open space and rural character than the eco village, since he said that is his reason to oppose it?

What do celebrities know that we don't know? I guess from living in LA for ten years and knowing a lot of Hollywood types, I am pretty skeptical of the attitudes that people take toward celebrities. They don't necessarily know anything more than anyone else, and I hate to see people give their power away to them. "

kkjp wrote on Apr 14, 2009 2:13 PM:

" It sounds from PUC's statement as though Redford didn't bother to speak to the college after hearing from SRA to learn the college's position before forming his opinion. Not to suggest that would've changed his opinion, but it would've given at least the appearance that he was interested in gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the conflict first-hand. "

livesinangwin wrote on Apr 14, 2009 3:51 PM:

" Robert could buy all the college property behind the airport. Give it to the land trust. Wonderful idea, and it would actually be a win win if it was left natural. But hey, he is a businessman, then he could develope the whole thing and it would just be normal "agricultural conversion". "

reader wrote on Apr 14, 2009 4:02 PM:

" To all the naysayers: If the best you've got is to trash Redford then you are definitly scrapping bottom to find sound-bytes to support your arguments. Let's wait and see.

Right now, perhaps you should be more concerned about Osbourn's sudden retreat, or perhaps the boot? Now that is interesting and I do await more info. "

Dblue34 wrote on Apr 14, 2009 7:00 PM:

" Way off the subject, but it should be noted that Newman's Own donates 100% of profits to charity. "

WeHeartNapaValley wrote on Apr 14, 2009 7:59 PM:

" For all of his work on behalf of the environment, it is rather surprising that Mr. Redford isn't interested in exploring further PUC's efforts to promote sustainable living and a green community. "

angwindeac wrote on Apr 14, 2009 8:22 PM:

" PUC's efforts are to get an endowment. If they could pull it off without an eco-village they would but these were the developers that thought they could walk right in and get it done. Now it will be even a more interesting challenge for PUC to keep Triad interested.
Napablogger--Using your logic it is a natural extension to say that since you live in Yountville...you should stay out of this discussion because the immediate impact of vehicles and pollution won't be as dramatic on you. "

kkjp wrote on Apr 14, 2009 9:25 PM:

" angwindeac - if Napablogger should "stay out of this discussion" because he lives in Yountville, perhaps the same should be said for all of the SRA members who don't live in or anywhere near Angwin. "

napablogger wrote on Apr 14, 2009 11:02 PM:

" angwindeac, well first of all I don't live in Yountville but in the unincorporated county---like Angwin is.

But extending my logic isn't about whether Redford lives here or not, I am questioning whether he even knows what is going on with land use in Napa before taking a position.

Using my logic, I have been on the Gen Plan Steering Committee, the citizens advisory board of the NCTPA, I go to nearly every Supervisors meeting and have for years, am the Taxpayer Rep on the Measure A oversite commitee, etc.

I have never seen Redford at one meeting of any sort. That is my point.

If he is up to speed on land use issues in Napa, then good for him. "

vocal-de-local wrote on Apr 14, 2009 11:52 PM:

" kkjp, and how many bloggers from Seattle have given their input? Where are you from?

People are entitled to their opinions wherever they live. However, we do have a right to question their motives. Redford is an environmentalist. His motives are clear. Napablogger, I do not really believe you are as interested in affordable housing as you are in supporting those "property rights" activists who are out to exploit their land for greatest profit. For you, it's about getting your way and being right.

The argument about "affordable housing" is absurd. The developers are going to maximize profits. These homes are not going to be cheap, not even the affordable ones. Also, it's not cheap living here. Gas costs alone are significant. Tires, brakes, and general wear and tear are more costly due to the 1700 foot climb. I had to sell a vehicle because it went through brakes every single year. The vehicle was heavy and the brakes wore out easily. It was costing me $700 a year because when it's hot up here, and you're heading downhill, the heat warps the brakes. Also, during the really hot spells, people are often pulled over to the side of the road to allow their radiators to cool off. The uphill climb is very taxing on vehicles. Farmworkers, tasting room clerks, and hospitality employees are going to find it quite expensive living in Angwin due to the terrain alone, not to mention the inflated prices of homes because it's an Upvalley destination. "

Econut wrote on Apr 15, 2009 12:15 PM:

" Relatively small units (100-1200 square feet) in compact, multi-family condominium complexes would be more affordable to local workers and would cut down on the traffic from out-of-county commuters. Napa Pipe and Angwin would be ideal locations. "

vocal-de-local wrote on Apr 15, 2009 1:58 PM:

" Wasn't the original intent of Angwin development to fulfill the housing needs of PUC EMPLOYEES? How did it go from there to debates about building multifamily condominiums to fix the housing needs of all Napa County? "

reader wrote on Apr 15, 2009 2:18 PM:

" econut: Oh, great! Now you are advocating building "projects" for our workers?? That's what your description looks like. Let's just cram them all into compact little apartments. Has it occured to you that many of our working folks have large families?

By the way, have you looked up the definition of the word "eco" this century? Your argument sounds more like "pack 'em in and far away out of sight.' I definitly would not want you on my side if I was looking for worker housing. And I do trust that Napa County is above building oppressive housing developments. It is the 21st century, you know? Where did you say you are from? "

angwindeac wrote on Apr 15, 2009 2:19 PM:

" kkjp,
Sorry bud I live on the hill.
NB,
Land issues aren't unique to Napa. Your service is great but all one has to do is look at the mess that Berryessa has become and it becomes obvious that our county is more than willing to overlook flaws in planning to try and capitalize on questionable tax revenue. No one can make a major development on top of a hill "green". Your continued support for this obviously flawed plan just brings into question the goals that you have. "

Econut wrote on Apr 15, 2009 4:41 PM:

" Reader, ever hear of smart growth as an alternative to urban sprawl? Yes, that's what you and other SRA supporters have been touting all along. Homes concentrated where the infrastructure and jobs already exist. Multiple-family homes, like what I described, not single-family homes. It's not the American dream but it's much, much more sustainable than having people live miles and miles and miles from their jobs and shopping centers. Not all of us need a mansion to be happy. In fact I suspect many of us are happier than those with mansions. "

reader wrote on Apr 15, 2009 5:32 PM:

" eco: You don't get it. There are two types of jobs in the Angwin/Deer Park area.
1. Low income, never to afford the smallest or cheapest home in this area.
2. Higher income, who already live here, if they want to.

There are no jobs up here. The retail jobs are filled by PUC students and they pay very low. PUC already has housing and proposed housing for their worker needs. It is either ridiculous or self serving to think of building a housing development on this mountain and it is so far from "eco" to the point of being laughable. Where did you say you are from? You don't sound very local/knowledgable about this area because, if built, these homes will be "miles and miles and miles from the jobs and shopping centers" up a 1700 foot incline. The "proposed" shoping center will be retail jobs and no one will be buying a home working at (God, help us) Starbucks. "

kkjp wrote on Apr 15, 2009 7:00 PM:

" reader - "There are no jobs up here"? Right, if you don't count 2 of Napa County's top 10 employers, PUC and St. Helena Hospital (expanding), as well as wine industry hdqtrs for large corporations, plus high end resorts w/well paid mgmt staff, all within Supervisor Luce's 10 mile radius. Nope, no jobs up here. We're all commuters. But we don't want any MORE commuters, right? "

178326 wrote on Apr 15, 2009 10:12 PM:

" The jobs issue is ephemeral. Build the houses, motivate people to buy - price, probably, and there will be people. They need services, here come the jobs. These new job holders need more housing, build more houses, more services, more jobs. After a few years the Valley can be built out from St. Helena to Clear Lake. That is how places develop. Napa once was a field and trees. It was built out, ratchet by ratchet. Subdivisions are a cheap way to house lower middle class people while making buckets of cash doing it. That is life. LA is the future whether we like it or not. Forget about preservation. If we want peace and foliage we can go to Trinity County and look for it. We will learn to live with the traffic. Infrastructure can be added; Perhaps a bridge from Sanitarium Rd. up the hill to avoid the hairpin. It could be painted decorator colors to compliment the weeds and trees. It is true this is some of the least likely location for a subdivision, but let the buyers and bankers vote with their cash. Make sure all the real costs are built in. Don’t let the developer get away with passing infrastructure costs to the County or the neighborhood. Provided this happens, build it out. Build the whole county out. Greed is good. Growth is good and a lot of growth is great. Pack ‘em in. It is good we have Triad to show us the way. They are good at this. Right KKJP? "

Econut wrote on Apr 16, 2009 8:24 AM:

" Balance between jobs and homes--that's all I'm asking for. The American dream is to be able to afford to live within 10 miles of one's job, but the county's land-use policies marginalize local workers and prevent them from living the American dream. If local workers can't afford to live in Angwin there is something askew. Angwin is a lot closer to Napa and St. Helena than Middletown, Hidden Valley Lake, Lower Lake, Clear Lake, Kelseyville, etc. We all know that there are a LOT of workers throughout the valley who commute from Lake County. "

reader wrote on Apr 16, 2009 11:24 AM:

" 178236: Amen.

econut: You live in lala land. "

Econut wrote on Apr 16, 2009 1:17 PM:

" Yep, in Lala Land we listen to and care about the well-being of our neighbors regardless of their social status. We strive for a more sustainable future for humanity and our cohabitants of the planet. You can help us out by driving less and walking more, turning out your lights during Earth Hour and contributing to the Angwin Food Pantry. "

Econut wrote on Apr 16, 2009 1:24 PM:

" Interesting how NVR is much, much less biased in its coverage of this subject than the Angwin Reporter. Reader, would you happen to know why? "

reader wrote on Apr 16, 2009 6:31 PM:

" Econut: I have no idea. I haven't read the Angwin Reporter in a while. The Angwin Reporter is a community post by and about the community. Certainly nclusive of but not specifically Adventist. "

NapaSean wrote on Apr 17, 2009 8:06 PM:

" Although I support the development project, I believe Mr Redford is entitled to his opinion and liberty like any other member of our community. The ad hominem attacks do not advance the debate. "

reader wrote on Apr 18, 2009 2:46 PM:

" Econut: I misread your question in your 4/16 post. Let me answer it again. The Angwin Reporter is a community post. The community, overwhelmingly, does NOT support this proposed development, which includes large numbers of adventists. It is the Church leadership, some of its members, and TRIAD that wants the development, along with a very few outsiders like yourself, who either have some type of vested interest in the development or just do not know and understand this area. The proposed development is very unpopular up here and I personally have not met one Angwin resident who supports it, Adventist or not, and I know a lot of people. The Angwin Reporter just reflects the community news and interests. "

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