- 7 -
were judged and, eventually, sold at auction. The children did
not reside on the ranch during the years at issue.
There were occasional sales only in 1992, through auctions,
of livestock (cattle and sheep) and a goat.
Petitioners were members of the San Mateo Farm Bureau. This
organization provided literature and advice on farming as well as
farm-related supplies. The Bureau also provided insurance for
buildings on the farm. Petitioners also obtained information on
agriculture from local farmers as well as publications from the
University of California at Davis, the U.S. Soil Conservation
Agency, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Dell'Oca Suit
Petitioners executed a water use agreement (agreement) with
the owner of an adjoining parcel of land, Conrad J. Dell'Oca
(Dell'Oca), in conjunction with the purchase of the Pescadero
property. The agreement provided that petitioners and Dell'Oca
would have "exclusive dominion" over the reservoir water.
Additionally, the agreement stated that there would be
restrictions on withdrawals of water during times of shortage if
such withdrawals would interfere with the intended use of the
pond for protecting and sustaining livestock, fish, and wildlife.
On July 5, 1985, petitioners applied to the California State
Water Control Board (water control board) for a permit to divert
and store water from an outside stream into the reservoir on the
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011