In a scene from Les Miserables, the French revolutionaries complained while fighting for their freedom, “the people of Paris were asleep in their beds.” If anyone wonders if members in the Covenant are slumbering in the midst of political turmoil, they are reassuringly and most definitely not. It was standing room only as over 65 residents in a sea of Osuna caps and Save Osuna buttons made their voices heard at Thursday’s Board Special Meeting to determine Osuna Ranch’s future.
RSFA President Courtney LeBeau and Treasurer Phil Trubey began researching the options of selling all or part of Osuna Ranch last year, citing liability associated with horse keeping and deferred maintenance. After the Board unanimously voted last month to pursue a potential sale despite the ire of the Osuna Ranch Committee and members, fired-up resident Annie Finch launched the Save Osuna campaign, kitted out with eye-catching Osuna Ranch merch, a Friends of Osuna Instagram site, open-house tours, and an infectious energy that rallied many Ranch neighbors to the cause.
A Sense of Connection
Several members attending Thursday’s special meeting weighed in on the proposed subdivision and sale. Two Rancho Santa Fe School Board members, Annette Ross and Jee Manghani, spoke of Osuna Ranch as an asset that should be fully incorporated as an outdoor learning experience.
“We used to take classes to make adobe bricks – something we have not done since Covid. Parents say that students feel more isolated than ever before and while we know electronic devices and social media are big factors, I think we can begin to solve that problem by teaching students about where they live, so they feel connected to this beautiful place, its history, its land, and they feel they belong,” Ross said.
R. Roger Rowe School Board President Jee Manghani mentioned the lack of amenities for children in the Covenant, and said Osuna Ranch could be a great asset for families with younger children:
“I’ll be the first to admit that we didn’t do our homework when my family moved here in 2010 … We visited the club house with our one-year-old to see what activities there were for the kids. It was a very short visit,” he added. “I understand that the motivating issue with Osuna is its under-utilization by the community. All of this has served to motivate members of our community to revive its use.” Manghani had previously spoken to R. Roger Rowe Superintendent Kim Pinkerton, who is interested utilizing Osuna for school events and field trips.
Ranch Rush Job
Long-time Ranch resident Holly Manion complained the community has not been properly informed of opportunities at Osuna Ranch as a member amenity.
“We deserve clear, detailed information and the opportunity to ask questions and provide meaningful feedback, before any permanent decision is made. Other major projects – such as the golf course remodel — underwent years of planning and community involvement. By contrast, the fate of Osuna Ranch is being rushed through in just weeks with inconsistent and often confusing information,” Manion said.
She also pointed out that the estimated $10 million price tag was appallingly undervalued. “Director Trubey’s claim that Osuna is a ‘decaying $10 million asset’ is profoundly inaccurate. As a licensed real estate broker, I estimate Osuna Ranch true value to be at least $40 million. To sell it for $10 million would be nothing short of egregious,” Manion said.
Non-Profit Status?
The Osuna Ranch Committee is pursuing the creation of a 501(c)(3) designation to enable tax-deductible donations for educational uses on the entire ranch. However, the Association is reluctant to designate the high-value asset as a non-profit, citing, in part, a potential lack of Board control. Osuna Committee members argue the Association would still own the Osuna Ranch property, bestowing management to the nonprofit – much like the RSF Community Center. Former HOA Board Director and current Osuna Ranch Committee member Lorraine Kent spoke up at Thursday’s meeting about other creative ways Osuna could be utilized and engage more members, such as starting an Osuna club similar to a golf or tennis membership.
Osuna Ranch’s 25 acres, including the historic adobe house, were purchased in 2006 with assessment money specifically dedicated to the purchase of open space land. And it should stay that way. Osuna is profitable and self-sustaining. There is absolutely no reason to sell it. Instead, it should be protected and enjoyed by those who rightly own it — the members.
Let It Be
Cultural landscape historian, author and avid Osuna Ranch proponent Vonn Marie May has so pithily stated, “Probably the best thing for the Rancho Santa Fe Association to do regarding the Osuna Ranch is to just let it be.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. And that’s exactly what will happen — for now, at least.
Perhaps overwhelmed by the outpouring of Osuna support, Board Director/Vice President Jeff Simmons stated “I’m in full support of not selling Osuna …” Director Skip Atkins seconded that sentiment, voicing that he was “in total disagreement to sell Osuna,” adding that, “We’re not there to represent the corporation, we’re there to represent the stockholders. And I see all of you as stockholders in this community…I’m here for the community.”
As Director Scott Thurman concluded, there was no need to make any “rash judgments,” so no advisory vote or decision on Osuna’s future was made. So, Vive L’Osuna! It survives another day because our community was awakened by its potential sale and stood up and spoke out.