Community Corner

Savannah's Organic Ranch Moves Closer to Reality

At a fourth delegate meeting on the issue, yes votes continue to pile up, but still fall short of two-thirds majority needed for final approval.

The third time wasn't a charm and neither was the fourth, but plans for an organic ranch moved a step closer to reality at Monday night's delegate vote.

For several months, the Aliso Viejo Community Association has been asking delegates to vote on a proposed land lease for Savannah's Organic Ranch, which wants to build an organic farm, community garden and educational center on the 24-acre piece of land off Wood Canyon.

A two-thirds majority is needed to either approve or deny the project. Although votes accumulate at each meeting, no verdict has been reached. At Monday's session, 1,183 new yes votes and 94 new no's were added to the tally, bringing the running total to 8,101 in favor of Savannah's Ranch and 1,229 against, according to AVCA president Ross Chun.

Find out what's happening in Aliso Viejowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

To seal the deal, Savannah supporters needs another 2,691 votes, AVCA officials said.

Will the fifth time be a charm? Joe Sachen, president of Savannah's Organic Ranch, was optimistic after the latest round of votes. "I think we will wrap this up by the next vote being held early next month," he said. "The community of Aliso Viejo is clearly in support of this project."

Find out what's happening in Aliso Viejowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Friends of Savannah's Organic Ranch Facebook page added, "We are 1,200 votes closer to the two-thirds majority we need for the land in Aliso Viejo. Thanks to all the delegates of Aliso Viejo who showed up for the vote. We are getting closer to Savannah's ultimate dream. Thanks for everyone's support."

More information to come. 

Read more about Savannah Sachen, the little girl behind the dream of Savannah's Organic Ranch.


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