Handling of Lucasfilm and Grady Ranch Is a Head-Shaker

California was once the land of opportunity. Going west was going to the future, progress, opportunity, a new life, a richer life, a more free and productive life. California was the goose that was laying golden eggs. Now, after decades of overspending, over regulating and environmental fanaticism, the goose that laid the golden eggs is on life support. Far more people with their hands on the business pulse are leaving California than arriving. 

The big local news story of last week was the that he would build a studio in the back hills off Lucas Valley road. (It’s only a coincidence that Lucas Valley road leads to his Hearst style ranch, and the proposed nearby Grady Ranch. Lucas Valley was named years before he arrived after a different Lucas) Lucasfilm may not leave the U.S., but they are a good bet to leave Marin County if not the state.

Lucasfilm was constantly being asked to jump through hoops to have their studio proposal passed by our elected officials and local citizens. For a project that was originally approved by the Marin County Board of Supervisors in 1997 and has still not begun, you have to shake your head in wonder.

It’s no surprise George and his company have said, “enough is enough. We know where we’re not wanted…”  Yet, it’s not the majority that are holding up the process. It’s a small vocal minority that has raised its ire, by claiming the studio has no place near a residential neighborhood. My argument is not that their claims are groundless. My argument is two fold: One, it should never take as long as it has to make a Yes or No decision. And two, why is it that a small vocal minority can hold the rest of the county hostage to a decision that is arguably “better” for the entire county?

From the early days of this proposal, Lucasfilm could have been given a list of requirements that were needed for their studio to get the green light. (Size, traffic, environmental concerns, whatever) Given those parameters, Lucasfilm could theoretically make a decision that would be determined within a few months if it could and would meet the locals demands. Why something would take 15 years to decide is incomprehensible. It’s amazing anything of significance is accomplished in this complicated age of overregulation, hysterical concerns for the environment and paying heed to the voices of naysayers and NIMBY’s.

I relish the day when a politician (or two) will stand up for what is best for the majority (And the business world which makes our daily lives tick) and tell the whiners, NIMBY’s, and environmental kooks to, “sit down and shut up.”