2021-04-03 Hart
Ms Nicole Sauviat Criste,
Consulting Planner,
City of La Quinta,
78-495 Calle Tampico,
La Quinta, Ca. 92253
Dear Ms Criste:
The proposed project entitled Coral Mountain Resort and Kelly Slater Wave/Surf Park has
morphed over time from what was first proposed by Meriwether Development. In fact, we
residents of Andalusia at Coral Mountain are under no disillusionment that this project is
heading in the wrong direction especially for this unique area in the Valley.
Over 13 years ago as we were evaluating purchasing a home in the Coachella Valley, we were
introduced to Andalusia. Everything we desired in a home and location was at Andalusia at
Coral Mountain. Off the busy path of Highway 111; virtually no car traffic during the day; no
traffic noise at night; the inky black nights with glimmering stars uninterrupted by any kind of
light. The Drummond family purchased and developed our community to provide a respite
lifestyle far away from the stresses of the hustle and bustle of commercial developments and
business. We chose to purchase our residence based on all of these and especially that to we
Andalusia residents, the area was and would remain the pristine desert experience we
intentionally sought.
Through the years, we attended meetings to discuss the completion of the acres across from the
entrance as planned --two more 18 hole golf courses and more Andalusia homes. Perfect. Then
we attended a meeting which floated the idea of a Crystal Lagoon wave pool—beautiful, family
friendly, an additional asset to our membership features. An asset and an excellent value for the
community—still private.
Then Sunrise Companies purchased our beloved community and promised to enhance and not
destroy the very desirability and uniqueness of Andalusia at Coral Mountain. The property
would be developed….then it was sold. Then a walking tour last January I believe informed us
of a different plan which, it too, has evolved.
All this to say, is we residents see this to be a continuation of bait and switch and as I have read
numerous articles on Kelly Slater Wave Company which now has been purchased by WSL and
all the promises that the Surf Farm in Lemoore would be private have been undone. At the
sheer cost to develop and maintain the operation and with it having its doors open 6 am to 10 or
11 pm 7 days a week, there is no way the park could remain private and be solvent. Being so
close to the mountain and its shifting sand dirt, the crashing of the waves will reverberate and
there is very little doubt sounds will not be heard or felt as we are in seismic territory. Not to
mention, given that there are no real street lighting in the vicinity in any direction, the proposed
tower “down” lights will be an issue and distraction and one that is not welcomed.
One other point. Perhaps the key point for most of us. We are surrounded by residential, gated
communities. Not one commercial entity until you reach Ralph’s at Jefferson and Avenue
50…Never were there any mention of a rezoning to accommodate a tourist attraction, a hotel, a
wave park, etc. This is not what any of us agreed to at the time of our investment in this
community and area. This is a quiet community by design and this proposed Surf Wave park
will undue all of the aspects of this last area of pristine desert valley that have caused people to
invest many millions of dollars, taxable dollars and call Andalusia home.
I have attached several articles to confirm changes in Kelly Slater’s company’s own promises.
FROM SWELLNET
Friday, 4 August 2017
Kelly Slater has successfully applied for a permit to open his Central California wave
pool to the public.
Slater applied for a building permit with Kings County back in March. The application
says the wavepool, called 'Surf Ranch', will be staffed with 50 employees split between
recreational use and ongoing development of the wave generating systems.
The development includes design improvements such as wave dampening to increase
commercially viability. Once the wavepool is public, Slater and his investors plan to
operate year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
It also says the facility will incorporate the golf course to the east of the wavepool for
recreational use such as outdoor music and camping for visitors. They are asking for a
permit to hold large events - attracting as many as 8,000 visitors, six times a year.
“Operations under this [Surf Ranch] will permit up to six events per calendar year,
including recreational and competitive surfing events, and ancillary music performances
during a two-to-four day period (i.e. Thursday through Sunday evening). Event
operation time will be from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Attendance is estimated to be up to 8,000
guests per day, over a two-to-four day period. Temporary bleachers, sound equipment,
and lighting equipment may be setup for events and live music performances. Parking
will be provided on site during the events. Contracted services will include traffic control,
security, temporary lighting, potable water, portable toilets, wash stations, and trash
services for each event. “
FRIDAY OCTOBER 5, 2018
Since Kelly Slater dropped the first footage of his years-
long secret wave pool project back in 2015, a single question
has dominated idle lineup chatter: when will the gates be opened to
the public? And not just to watch a contest, but to pay to surf it.
Countless athletes, industry types, and celebrities have released
footage of themselves playing king for a day in Lemoore. Plus, there
are plenty of whispers of wealthy jet-setters with plenty of cash to
blow renting out the place for a day for a ridiculous sum – the WSL
and Kelly Slater Wave Company have been characteristically opaque
about the actual pricing structure.
But, when, if ever, will the layman be able to pony up for an hour of
fun? According to Surf Ranch General Manager Sam Ramirez, don’t
hold your breath.
“We are a private facility,” explained Ramirez during a presentation
at an October 2 Lemoore City Council meeting. “I often get asked if
we’ll ever open to the public, and the reality is we are a private
facility and it will always remain that way.”
Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch 2021
$2,950.00
*To pay in Full, choose Qty 2, to total $5,900.00
Finally you can come surf the best man-made wave in the world! Although we have been taking
private groups to Lemoore the past 3 years, this is the first time we are offering it to you! Each spot
includes the following:
-4 sessions (1 hour each)
-6 Priority Waves Per Person Per Hour
-Includes Split Pool Format with Poaching
-5 star private chef meals throughout the day at the wave ranch
-Surf Coaching by Fulcrum Surf’s Premier coaches
-Professional Surf photography + Drone footage
-Surf Ranch Instant video of all waves from the day
-Beverages including coffee, water, and alcohol
-Water Surf guides provided from the Wave Ranch
Covid Procedures set in place for everyone’s safety provided fro0m KSWC
Deposit: $2,950.00. Once confirmed with the dates, you will have 3 days to cancel for full refund.
Dates: (3 spots left) May 17 th & May 18th Event Split into 2 days
*To pay in full, chose Qty 2, to total $5,900.00
NOT INCLUDED:
-Transportation
-Hotel (at Tachi Palace)
-Shuttle from Hotel to wave ranch (2 minutes away)
-all meals outside of the Wave Ranch
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please take the many comments and letters you
have received in your decision making. It is more than brick and mortar being affected. It is
people’s well being and investments.
Sincerely,
Kelly and George Hart
81455 Carboneras
La Quinta, CA 92253