The Fillmore/Piru GSA Board of Directors voted unanimously to oppose the Sespe Aquifer Exemption proposal, and to send a letter to the State Water Resources Control Board, stating their position.

Director Glen Pace recused himself because he represents the Piru Pumpers, but he also spoke in support of the board opposing the exemption.

The GSA board received at least 60 emails from residents in Fillmore and across Ventura County, urging them to protect Fillmore’s water by opposing the exemption, and drafting a letter, like the City of Fillmore’s, to the State Water Resources Control Board.

About 30 Fillmore residents attended the meeting.

Most everyone in the room stood when asked if they opposed the exemption, and several made public comments to that effect, as did CFROG, Keep Sespe Wild and Los Padres ForestWatch, who were there at the invitation of Fillmore residents.

One individual spoke in favor of exempting the Sespe aquifer from Clean Drinking Water protection, a representative from Seneca Resources.

Courtesy Rebecca August, Public Lands Advocate • Los Padres ForestWatch