Highlands opponents raise nearly $14,000

Measure N opponents have spent more than $18,000 to fight the Yuba Highlands project, according to campaign statements filed with Yuba County Elections Department.

Yuba Highlands, a controversial 5,100-lot subdivision between Beale Air Force Base and Spenceville Wildlife Refuge, was approved by the county Board of Supervisors in July.

The project goes before voters Feb. 5.

No on Measure N received $13,835 in contributions through the end of 2007 and spent $18,669 on consultants, petition circulation and postage, according to its statement.

Three dozen individuals and groups contributed in amounts ranging from $100 to several thousand dollars

Among them were former Yuba City Mayor Bob Barkhouse, who gave $100, and Fred Holmes, a major foothills landowner, who contributed $150.

Warren Spieker of Menlo Park was the largest contributor, giving $4,500. He owns the 4,400-acre Saddleback Ranch, which fronts on Loma Rica Road between Highway 20 and Iowa City Road.

In 2005, Spieker wrote to the Browns Valley Irrigation District, warning that he was prepared to “oppose any attempt to carry out the Spring Valley development plan.”

As initially proposed, Spring Valley would cover about 2,500 acres with 3,500 homes in the rolling foothills along Highway 20 east of Marysville. It could have a population of about 10,000 at completion.

No disclosure statement was filed by supporters of Measure N. Yuba Highlands developer Gary Gallelli was unavailable for comment.

Jan. 24 is the next filing deadline.

These individuals and organizations contributed at least $250 to the “No on Measure N” campaign:

• Warren Spieker, Menlo Park, $4,500

• Sierra Fund, Nevada City, $1,000

• Rural Quality Coalition, Nevada City, $750

• Charles and Marilyn Center, Smartville, $500

• Don Perkins, Challenge, $500

• Dan Crosbie, Wheatland, $500

• Kevin and Gaylene Collins, Rough and Ready, $250

• Frank Nichols, Loomis, $250

• Karen Cox, Nevada City, $250

Contact Appeal-Democrat reporter Andrea Koskey at 749-4709 or akoskey@appealdemocrat.com