FILE # 2021-0047:  General Plan Amendment to include the Barn at Utter Ranch as a County recognized Historic Landmark
APPLICANT: Sandra Wilson PO Box 12 Clarksburg, CA 95612	OWNER: Wilson Vineyard Properties PO Box 307 Clarksburg, CA 95612
LOCATION: 50870 Babel Slough Road, approximately 3 miles northwest of Clarksburg (044-040-033) GENERAL PLAN: Agriculture (AG)/Agricultural District Overlay (ADO) ZONING: Agricultural Intensive (A-N), Clarksburg Agricultural District Overlay (CADO) SUPERVISORIAL DISTRICT: 1 (Supervisor Villegas)	SOILS: Prime (Tb soils) WILLIAMSON ACT: No FLOOD ZONE: A FIRE SEVERITY ZONE: Non-Wildland, Non-Urban
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: Sec 15061(b)(3): ‘Common sense exemption’

That the Historic Preservation Commission receive the staff report, hold a public hearing, and consider a recommendation that the Board of Supervisors:
 
1.   Determine that a ‘Common sense’ exemption is the appropriate level of environmental documentation pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and CEQA Guidelines (Attachment C);
2.   Review the Statement of Condition (Attachment B) and Criteria for Designation (Attachment D); and
3.   Approve a resolution granting County Historic Landmark designation to the Barn at Utter Ranch (Attachment E).
 

Designation of the Barn at Utter Ranch as an Historic Landmark would recognize the contributions of George H. Wilson as a leader in founding the sugar beet industry in Clarksburg and a champion for farmers around the world. This would implement General Plan Conservation and Open Space Element policies that encourage the preservation and protection of cultural resources under Goal CO-4.

BACKGROUND
The Barn at Utter Ranch was constructed in 1910 and owned by George H. Wilson from 1937 to 1950, a renowned leader in the farming and agricultural industry. After serving in World War I and attending college, George helped establish farm bureaus throughout California and lead the range cattle experiment station for U.C. Davis before buying his own land to farm sugar beets in Clarksburg. In 1926, George became President of the Yolo County Farm Bureau and was elected as a director of the Central California Beet Growers Association which led to strong support for the sugar beet growers in the Clarksburg area. Serving four years as the President of the California Farm Bureau, George was nominated to become the American Farm Bureau Federation Director in 1938 which he held for the next 20 years to preserve the interests of farmers across the nation.
 
George became the largest individual sugar beet grower in the U.S. in 1939 and was instrumental in working with the Amalgamated Sugar Company of Utah to build their sugar plant in Clarksburg, which was a big asset to the local growers and one of the most profitable plants in the United States.
 
In 1949, George was selected to join the "Town Hall" of the Air, a flying seminar radio program with 30 people chosen to discuss the current issues from countries around the world. This led to later requests for George to demonstrate farming techniques and agricultural processes in Pakistan, Mexico, and Iran. In 1956, President Eisenhower appointed George to the Agricultural Trade Mission to Asia and he traveled to India and South America to expand international trade in food and fiber. George established the School of International Studies at the College of the Pacific in Stockton, which was later named George Wilson Hall in honor of his dedicated service.
 
George understood farming as a universal language that could be used to define the mutual interests of each country. George dedicated his life to expanding and influencing global agricultural education and his legacy is documented in his book, "Farmer to Farmer Around the World." The Barn at Utter Ranch merits historic landmark designation to honor the life of George H. Wilson for his dedication and contributions to farming and the agricultural industry.
 
The property that includes the Utter Ranch and Barn is part of the 20,000 acres originally purchased by Holland Land Company in Yolo County in the late 1800s/early 1900s. The Land Company constructed levees, tree lined roads and water distribution systems to make the land habitable and usable as productive farmland. It also formally established Clarksburg as an unincorporated community. The Barn historically served as the hub of the ranch, housing equipment and product ready for distribution. A single-family dwelling was constructed to the north of the Barn in 1970, but the home does not detract from the rural setting.  Today, the 290-acre property is planted in a variety of grapes and the Barn serves as the vineyard focal point.
 
STAFF ANALYSIS
To be designated for preservation as an historic landmark, a location must meet one or more of the criteria listed in Section 8-11.102(a) of the Yolo County Code. The Barn at Utter Ranch meets criterion (2) being identified with persons or events important in local, State or national history; and (1) as it exemplifies or reflects valued elements of the County’s agricultural history.
 
As described above, the proposed historic landmark is identified with George H. Wilson who was instrumental in the establishment of the sugar beet industry in Clarksburg and a leader in agriculture at the State, National, and International levels. As such, the Barn at Utter Ranch reflects valued elements of the County’s agricultural heritage that highlight farm life and agricultural leadership.

SUMMARY OF AGENCY AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
A Request for Comments was distributed to agencies, neighbors, and interested parties during the application process, which included the Yolo County Historical Society. Only the Delta Protection Commission responded to the request by providing a letter of support writing the following: The Commission is supportive of projects that encourage agricultural tourism and promote recognition of the Delta as a place by educating individuals about the rich agricultural heritage. We believe that designating the Barn at Utter Ranch as a Historic Landmark is consistent with the Commission’s objectives to establish and maintain the Delta as a place.

The Project was reviewed by the Clarksburg General Plan Advisory Committee on July 14, 2022. The Committee voted to recommend approval with four voting for approval and two abstaining. One abstention was due to involvement in the project and the other was due to a stated general concern about encumbering the property with the designation.

 

Any person who is dissatisfied with the decisions of this Planning Commission may appeal to the Board of Supervisors by filing with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors within fifteen (15) days from the date of the action. A written notice of appeal specifying the grounds for appeal and an appeal fee immediately payable to the Clerk of the Board must be submitted at the time of filing. The Board of Supervisors may sustain, modify, or overrule this decision.