News and Press Coverage

News and Press Coverage

November 2009: Interview on Saving Clover Valley

Watch and listen to appreciate the decade-long grassroots effort to save Clover Valley, to learn how the community can benefit from saving the valley, and to appreciate what a historic nature preserve can bring to the region for both citizens and wildlife.

February 2009: Unfortunate Court Decision

On Friday, February 6, 2009, Judge Lloyd Connelly, Sacramento Superior Court, ruled against plaintiffs, Clover Valley Foundation (CVF), Sierra Club, and the town of Loomis, in their Clover Valley lawsuits. Their petitions were denied, thus favoring the defendants. CVF, Sierra Club, and Loomis have the combined expertise of five excellent environmental attorneys; the lawsuits had great merit with compelling arguments proving that CEQA was violated, but this round was lost.

Although the ruling is a setback, CVF has been preparing for this turn of events. The ten-year grassroots effort with regional support to save this most precious ecological gem known as Clover Valley will not be abandoned. All legal options are being reviewed. Additionally, work to build a consortium of buyers to purchase the property is being pursued.

Clover Valley is a magnificent gift from nature. It must be protected against development destruction and have its destiny secured as a historic nature preserve. It's not over yet—stay tuned!

Fall 2008: Awards and Court Proceedings!

Governor's Award recognizes Save Clover Valley's preservation effort as lawsuit progresses. Go to Governors Award and Litigation Report for more.

Spring 2008: Saving Clover Valley Focuses on CEQA Violations

Our nine-year battle to Save Clover Valley is now focused primarily on a multitude of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) violations. Our lawsuit against the city of Rocklin and the development was filed by co-plaintiffs, Clover Valley Foundation and the Sierra Club. Having been reviewed by expert legal teams, we are confident our case has great merit. As our legal brief proceeds through the courts, the Town of Loomis has also filed its own legal action.

Anyone who has experienced the valley knows how important it is to save this one last pristine remnant of foothill diversity (wetlands, woodlands, wildlife, creek, scenic ridges, meadows, grasslands, 33 pre-historic sites, rock walls, stone corral, and so much more) all concentrated in one little two-mile stretch. Saving Clover Valley is not easy; it's still expensive and requires constant effort--research, meetings, letter writing, presentations, education, and fundraising. We welcome your ongoing support as we continue to fight in the trenches to save one of the last ecological and cultural gems in the region. Contact us for more information.

Fall 2007: CEQA Violations Charged—Lawsuit Filed

Unfortunately, the City of Rocklin's approval of the proposed Clover Valley development has forced Clover Valley Foundation (with Sierra Club as co-plaintiff) to utilize a last resort: the courts. The City's misguided approval of one of the most envirnomentally disastrous projects in the region (despite hundreds of submissions pointing out flaws and CEQA violations and in spite of strong citizen support for saving the valley) necessitated taking legal action.

At the same date, another Group, Save Clover Valley, received word that signatures they submitted for a referendum have been validated and now qualify for a referendum. The Rocklin City Council will consider its options at the next regular meeting on October 9.

Summer 2007: The Fallacy of Private Property Rights

Time to Dispel the Propaganda

For a different take on private property rights that will not dovetail with some public officials' or developers', please visit the Placer Group Sierra Club Home Page (supported by the Mother Lode Chapter) and click on "From the Chair."

Early Summer 2007: Alert!

The Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) Is Out!

We now have a short window of time to review the city's responses to our comments. If you commented, please find your comments, review the city's responses and let us know ASAP if you feel your concerns were not addressed sufficiently--or let the City know ASAP. To read the Final EIR (over 1,000 pages), go to Rocklin's Planning Department and obtain a CD, or visit Clover Valley Final EIR (supported by the City of Rocklin) to download it (over 150 MB).

Late Spring 2007: News Flash—Rocklin Poll

Rocklin Residents Support Saving Clover Valley!

By an overwhelming 3-to-1 margin, Rocklin residents oppose the proposed development that will destroy the unique historical, cultural, and ecological features of Clover Valley. Furthermore, if a referendum were held today, voters would soundly defeat the development proposal, according to a recent poll conducted by Capitol Campaigns of Sacramento. Read more about the Rocklin Poll …

Spring 2007: Clover Valley Common Wealth Report Completed!

With assistance from the Tomales Bay Institute, the Clover Valley Common Wealth Report Who Decides the Fate of Clover Valley? (PDF, 1.1 MB) is available to the public. This 15-page report examines concepts of "common wealth" in light of natural and cultural features of a place, and discusses rightful ownership issues. Get the report … (from Saving Clover Valley).

To order a printed copy, please send $5 to cover shipping and handling to Clover Valley Foundation, P.O. Box 713, Loomis, CA 95650. Copies are also available at most local libraries.

Spring 2007: Ansel Adams Photographed Clover Valley!

Ansel Adams found Clover Valley spectacular enough to photograph as evidenced in an exhibit that was displayed at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento. Although it was known that Adams had been commissioned by owners of what was then "Spring Valley Ranch" (Rocklin area) to photograph the region for a possible new city (1962), obvious landmarks prove he ventured into Clover Valley to capture its beauty. For Adams to have carried his creative genius into Clover Valley, recogizing its unique beauty, further honors the valley and validates current efforts to save it from development.

Spring 2007: Environmental Impact Reports

We are constantly meeting with public agencies, elected officials, non-government agencies, individuals who may be able to help, and following every lead. We continually submit documents with new information to be included in the Final EIR as we await its release.

In addition to Clover Valley's Final EIR, we await the release of a DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (DEIR) to be released by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) which will analyze transportation issues in the region of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). We believe the proposed "Valley View" parkway (with 60' cuts and fills) that will slice Clover Valley in half diagonally and severely impact and/or destroy many fragile ecological and prehistorical features must be stopped. Please stay tuned, as your participation in the DEIR process (submitting comments during the comment period, attending hearings, etc.) will be essential in our effort to stop this train wreck.

Fall 2006: Rave Reviews for Clover Valley Film and Now an Award for Sean!

The work of directing/producing the film, "Clover Valley: Last of Its Kind," was recognized by the Sierra Club's Mother Lode Chapter with a well-deserved "Environmental Education" award to its creator, Sean Booth. The film documents the more than seven-year effort to save Clover Valley from destruction via a proposed major development. The natural, historical, and cultural values of Clover Valley are wonderfully explored in Sean's film, as he convinces the viewer that this last, unique valley, with its concentration of wetlands, woodlands, wildlife, creek, scenic ridges, meadows, historic/prehistoric sites, to mention a few, must be preserved.

Clover Valley Foundation expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the ECOS Club of Sierra College, Sean Booth, film producer, and all the hard-working volunteers who made the premier showing of "Clover Valley: Last of Its Kind" such a huge success. Thank you one and all!