After years of heated debate, San Diego County Supervisors have unanimously rejected an appeal to turn the former Cottonwood Golf Club in Rancho San Diego into a large-scale sand mine.
The decision was met with cheers from community members who had spent years voicing concerns about the project’s potential impact on their neighborhoods.
Community Concerns Take Center Stage
Residents and local organizations have long argued that the proposal was more than a typical land use change. Opponents highlighted how an industrial sand mine in the middle of a residential area could bring traffic, noise, and environmental hazards to the region. Groups such as the Sierra Club San Diego Chapter, the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, and the grassroots organization Stop Cottonwood Sand Mine all stood firmly against the development.
Former County Supervisor Dianne Jacob, who has decades of experience reviewing land use projects, did not mince words when addressing the board. She called the mine one of the most harmful proposals she had ever seen because of its widespread negative impacts.
Background of the Project
The developers, Cottonwood Cajon LLC, had originally sought to repurpose more than 200 acres of the golf course property into an operation running five days a week for at least 10 years. Their plan included mining, processing, and transporting sand for concrete production.
Earlier this summer, the county’s Planning Commission reviewed the project but failed to approve it after two tie votes. That denial under county rules set the stage for this week’s appeal to the Board of Supervisors.
Arguments on Both Sides
While community members and environmental groups pushed back, the developers argued that the mine would help meet a growing demand for construction materials. Supporters, including representatives from the construction industry, said sourcing sand locally would lower costs and reduce reliance on materials shipped from out of state or overseas.
Cottonwood Cajon LLC also emphasized that the project would eventually restore portions of the property to open space, promising nearly 150 acres of land as a public benefit once mining operations ended. They also noted the jobs the project could create.
Despite these arguments, the supervisors sided with residents and local organizations, citing the risks to the community and environment as outweighing the promised benefits.
What’s Next?
With the appeal denied, the proposal for a sand mine at Cottonwood Golf Club is effectively halted. For local residents, it marks the end of a years-long fight and a win for those who wanted to protect the character, safety, and health of their community.