Wal-Mart buys 52-acre Orcutt property

By Malia Spencer/SENIOR STAFF WRITER

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The site in the 4400 block of Orcutt Road, where Wal-Mart has bought property south of Santa Maria. //Len Wood/Staff

Less than a year after the Santa Maria City Council said it would not make land-use changes to allow Wal-Mart to build a controversial “super center” in town, the big-box retailer purchased property in Orcutt, just outside the city limits.

Known in the Orcutt Community Plan as Key Site 26, the 51.5-acre site is east of Highway 135 along Orcutt Road, south of Foster Road and west of Hummel Drive. The proposed extension of Union Valley Parkway runs through the site.

The property, which is three parcels, was purchased by the Bentonville, Ark., company in late September 2006, according to Santa Barbara County Assessor's records. The property was sold by trustees of the Richards Family Trust.

Despite repeated calls, a Wal-Mart spokesman contacted Friday did not return comments about the company's plans for the property by late Monday.

Rumors of the property's sale to Wal-Mart have been circulating through Orcutt since the fall. One thread of speculation is that the site will be used for a warehouse.

Orcutt resident Don Ward said he thought a warehouse would not be a good use of the site since it could bring tremendous amounts of truck traffic.

“The traffic and noise would not be beneficial for Orcutt residents,” he said, and added that he plans to follow the issue.

He scoffed at the idea of a store at that location, saying it would be impractical.

In fall 2005, Wal-Mart officials submitted an application to Santa Maria asking to change the zoning of 55 acres along West Betteravia Road, from light industrial to commercial use. Additionally, the company asked the council to consider altering an ordinance that limits the amount of grocery and pharmaceutical products in a store of more than 90,000 square feet.

In November 2005, the council said it would not support the zone change and was uninterested in altering the ordinance. The issue brought out both fierce opposition and support of Wal-Mart and saw more than 200 people attend the public hearing.

At the time, company officials said they were looking at the West Betteravia site for a 200,000 square-foot “super center” store that would include general merchandise and a full-service grocery store.

City staff members brought a preliminary inquiry for Wal-Mart to the council to determine members' opinion of the idea.

The company has smaller general merchandise stores in Santa Maria and Lompoc already.

Following the rejection, company officials would not reveal whether they were looking at property elsewhere except to say Wal-Mart would “continue to look at opportunities to expand our service to our customers.”

In December 2006, Wal-Mart officials began preliminary talks with Lompoc city staff exploring the idea of a super center in that community on 37 acres on West Central Avenue. At the time, both sides acknowledged it would be years before a plan developed.

The property in Orcutt is zoned for retail commercial use, said county planner Brian Tetley. He noted that the site's specific plan, approved in the 1980s, calls for residential uses, but it was never been put into effect.

Looking at the county's database, Tetley said, there appear to be no current applications regarding the site.

As with any development in Orcutt, the property is constrained by requirements within the Orcutt Community Plan such as the need for a supplemental water source.

Orcutt developers have a history of turning to Santa Maria to purchase water, but obtaining water from the city for retail development has been difficult. City officials have refused to sell water to commercial projects, to avoid competition with Santa Maria retailers and loss of sales tax revenue to the county.

Developers of Orcutt Plaza, which would be built near College Drive and Santa Maria Way, are working on annexing into Santa Maria after years of delay in buying supplemental water.

City Manager Tim Ness said no one has approached the city about water for Key Site 26, but he noted the circumstances to purchase water would be similar to Orcutt Plaza.

Even if Wal-Mart tried to annex into the city, similar to Orcutt Plaza, he added, Santa Maria still has its big-box ordinance to contend with.

Fourth District Supervisor Joni Gray, who represents Orcutt, said she has not heard about any plans for Key Site 26.

“Wal-Mart has not called and said, ‘Dear Supervisor Gray, we want to build a Wal-Mart in Orcutt,'” she quipped.

She did not know what the company would do with its property, though she said she would support whatever development the community wants on the site.

“But my best guess is (Orcutt residents) aren't going to want that,” she said.

Malia Spencer can be reached at 739-2219 or mspencer@santa

mariatimes.com.

June 12, 2007

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47 comment(s)

Roger Hart wrote on Jun 12, 2007 12:41 AM:

" If this store is built, we can kiss our local "mom and pop stores" good by. If Wall-Mart follows their normal business plan, they will come in and cut prices to the bone. This will be the strategy until the competition is vanquished. Once they have destroyed local competition, prices will inevitable rise to market standards. Don't be fooled Santa Marians, this venture must be opposed. When we opposed them previously, somehow I knew the will of the people would not be honored. We stopped them once and we can do it again. America was built on the spirit of competition not monopoly. "

Sara wrote on Jun 12, 2007 6:46 AM:

" Another sneaky trick by Walmart! We need another Walmart like a hole in the head, the one we have is the worst anywhere. We attempted to keep them out of SM to start with and they pulled a "back door" stunt back then. I can only hope that Joni Gray will for once listen to the Orcutt residents and keep this horrible retailer out of our community. I won't hold my breath, but I will follow this issue vigantly! "

Orcutt American wrote on Jun 12, 2007 10:05 AM:

" Dang Right we dont want it! I was supportive of Orcutt Plaza but this is disaster for Orcutt and Santa Maria. Hats off to the City for not selling water to this monster. "

An Orcutt reader wrote on Jun 12, 2007 1:15 PM:

" Well it looks like I may be unpopular among the current commenters, but I am one of those who WOULD LOVE a Supercenter here on the Central Coast. The idea of having a one-stop shop sounds like heaven to me, as I have 2 small children and do not have the time or energy to shop at 5 different stores. I know there are more of us out there who would shop at Walmart Supercenter if they build here, however it seems like the anti-Walmart folks are more vocal. Yes Roger, I feel bad for the "mom and pop" stores, but the reality is that because so much of our money goes to taxes, my family can't afford to pay the higher mom and pop prices! So far the Walmart in our community (as well as many others that I have visited) has not raised its prices as you predicted. Sara, I agree that our Santa Maria Walmart is not the greatest, as there is always merchandise in the aisles and it is crowded and hard to get around. But I am wondering if a larger store would help resolve that issue. Time will tell. "

Kelly wrote on Jun 12, 2007 6:42 PM:

" A Walmart store there would definitely spoil the area. Don't build it! "

gary wrote on Jun 12, 2007 8:24 PM:

" folks, wally-wanka-world has bought the property and it is going to be a super sam's, i'd venture to bet. get used to it! "

Becca wrote on Jun 13, 2007 8:29 AM:

" Good, the legally purchased land and have a right to build. I, too, love the idea of a superstore. I have shopped at Walmart for years and have had nothing but positive experiences. I have friends and relatives both, who work or have worked there and have had great things to say about working for the company. I see many mom and pops still making a go of it, so I don't think Walmart is hurting anyone. I look forward to shopping at this store.. "

A.A.I. wrote on Jun 13, 2007 10:55 AM:

" "Oh man, think of the traffic at the intersections of Foster and Lakeview, especially when school lets out! "

Roger Hart wrote on Jun 13, 2007 2:36 PM:

" Folks, I can truly understand trying to save a "buck." However, to borrow an Andy Caldwell phrase, WalMart has the most "Draconian" business practices on the planet. Not only do they deliberately reduce prices to eliminate competition, but once they have a monopoly the prices return to the retail standard. As competition diminishes, jobs are lost, especially in communities that do not have diverse and flexible economies. Additionally, people have travel to look for work elsewhere, on one hand, or move to relocate their business or residence, on the other. I understand about family expenses but WalMart is really a bad deal. You begin to understand the WalMart mentality when you consider this action, on their part, especially after the city rejected their plans for a superstore last year. It is there way or the highway. They are going to do what they want, no matter what. We the people, have to make our feelings known and tell WalMart NO. "

An Orcutt reader wrote on Jun 13, 2007 3:09 PM:

" Roger, funny how you say that the Walmart mentality is "their way or the highway". It seems like often our local governments are that way too, and many of our residents. Here is my opinion, that we should just let capitalism work naturally. If our people truly do not want a Walmart Supercenter in the community, they will not shop there. As a result the Walmart will go out of business. Period. However for those of us who DO want the Walmart, why are we not given the choice? Why are others trying to control where we shop and force us to do things their way? I don't tell you where you are allowed to shop, and I don't fight certain businesses from opening stores here even though I might not agree with their products or philosophy. (for example, unionized grocery stores!) So why do others feel that they have the right to limit MY choices and force me to behave a certain way, as a consumer? "

An Orcutt reader wrote on Jun 13, 2007 3:18 PM:

" One more question Roger....where do you get your data about the WalMart practices you describe in your comment below? Most of what you are describing is just capitalism at work, except for the part about "once they have a monopoly the prices return to the retail standard". I have shopped at WalMart for years and I have never seen that happen. Please tell me where you found this information and give specifics so that I can research and verify it for my own knowledge. Thank you. "

John wrote on Jun 13, 2007 4:19 PM:

" Whether one is for or against Walmart's plans, why should we care what OTORA or thier board of directors think about it? After they have been 'consulted', will they try to forward thier own agenda on even more people, not just old town residents? It makes no sense to have a paragraph about OTORA's views in your June 13 article.Is Ms.Spencer an OTORA member? "

Roger Hart wrote on Jun 13, 2007 5:12 PM:

" Orcutt Reader, A couple of years ago I could have given you those sources off the top of my head; but, if you give me a little time, I'll get back to you with an answer. As I get older it becomes more difficult to retain specific information in the ready reserve section of my brain. "

a santa maria resident wrote on Jun 13, 2007 11:03 PM:

" I can give you examples of Walmart's employee practices from the experiences of my father - who worked for Walmart after he retired. My father was trying to help out in the pet department and "dipped fish" from the aquarium. He contracted a rare tropical disease that could have only come from that experience - the CDC in Atlanta told him that the only other way he could have gotten is was to travel to the jungle. My father filed Workman's Comp in order to pay for the expensive and extensive medical bills to save his arm from amputation. Not only did Walmart fight the claim, they tried to fire him for absenteeism - it took an attorney to settle the matter. Oh...the reason why he had to have help paying the claim - Walmart kept him at just under the hours needed for him to be eligible for insurance. This happens to many people with families - making it impossible for them to cover their children with insurance. A woman he worked with had to take family leave when her husband was dying with cancer - she was a supervisor making a fairly good income. When he died, she came back and they demoted her to cashier at a hefty cut in pay - telling her that they just had to give her a job, and they didn't have to keep her at her rate of pay. Walmart was one thing when Sam Walton was alive - but it is completely another now. It used to be a family-oriented, employee first kind of business...now, it is a profit first company. I can't even tell you how they have used underhanded and strongarm tactics to keep their employees from unionizing. In a good company, like Costco, the employees are happy and don't want to unionize...at Walmart, they are threatened to keep them from doing so. I could tell many more stories about how they mistreat their employees. I am glad that Becca's friends and relatives had good experiences, but for a person who is trying to support a family - Walmart is NOT a good place to work. "

Lisa K. wrote on Jun 14, 2007 9:36 AM:

" I support a WalMart. I don't care if they destroy the local businesses, treat their employees terribly, discriminate against women, take advantage of their vendors, and rape the earth. The main thing is that I can save 7 cents on a plastic storage container. That's all that matters. "

Melissa wrote on Jun 14, 2007 12:50 PM:

" One place to get information about Walmart is at www.pbs.org. Just enter the word Walmart into the search bar. Personally, I don't want another Walmart, but that's just my personal view. "

An Orcutt reader wrote on Jun 14, 2007 1:50 PM:

" Lisa K., I worked at a large local call center a few years ago that treats its employees terribly. That doesn't mean that I think we should ban that company from our community or boycott their services. Regarding discrimination against women.....isn't the Santa Maria store manager a woman? I don't really understand your other statements so I won't give my opinion about them. "

Lynn wrote on Jun 14, 2007 5:28 PM:

" Ok, so I am so sick and tired of people complaining about Walmart and how their people can't get medical insurance cuz they don't work enough hours. Have any of you worked at Sears? Only management is full time and therefore only management gets benefits. And I know of several other companies who aren't any different (k-mart, JCPenney, etc.) The truth is, if Walmart was so bad, nobody would work there, nobody would shop there and they wouldn't be the # one retailer in the country. So why don't you all do your homework about other companies and their policies before you pick on Walmart. I have know many who work for Walmart and are treated well, paid decently and have no complaints about their jobs. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is "shut up" already! "

a santa maria resident wrote on Jun 14, 2007 7:15 PM:

" Okay, Lynn...so there are other businesses that treat their employees terribly - but that is not the only thing that Walmart does...They also use sweatshops in foreign countries to make their signature goods, they buy up land in small markets in order to keep competition away - with no intention of ever building anything...however, if it is so important to you and others to save 10 cents on a pack of toilet paper, then great. Geez...no wonder they call this generation the "me" generation - they don't care about anyone except themselves and what THEY can get out of it. "

Roger Hart wrote on Jun 14, 2007 7:48 PM:

" Orcutt Reader, Here we go. If you search the Internet there are tuns of articles concerning unfair labor practices and below cost pricing allegations. But that was not the subject of our conversation. I found a specific case in Wisconsin, where the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection filed against WalMart, concerning their stores in Beliot, Oshkosh, Racine, Tomah and West Bend. The specific allegations were fixing prices below costs, to drive out competition; and, to recoup losses by raising prices, once a monopoly was established. There were over 200 violations listed in this one complaint. So far as I can tell, this case is yet to be finally adjudicated. I can dig further into the legal process, if you would like. In this same article there were other cases pending but they did not spell out the specifics quite as clearly as the Wisconsin case. I hope this will suffice. If you want additional information, I'll try to provide it. Thanks for the question. You presented me with quite a challenge as I thought we were finally through with the WalMart issue; and, as such, I was not quite prepared to answer your question. "

Bill Brashier wrote on Jun 15, 2007 3:41 AM:

" Orcutt needs a Wal-Mart SuperCenter. "

homegrown wrote on Jun 15, 2007 10:23 AM:

" Thank you Lynn for adding "other" violators to the list who employ people just under the required hours to be eligible for benefits, and believe me, it does not end with retailers. More and more, the trend in hiring is to hire "two" part-time workers to replace a full time position and keep the part-time people just under the hours for benefits so the company, etc., can retain the money in their own pockets. One of the current "problems" is the numerous people without health coverage. Well, this practice by employers does nothing to help. We are taxed to death to provide "benefits" to such as the illegals with no provision for being able to earn the necessary amounts to have "decent" insurance coverage. I have a friend who is self-employed and had just changed their deductible on their insurance from $5000 to $10,000 to save on the premium and 6 months later ended up in the hospital with a major illness. Luckily, the extra deductible amount was picked up by the family along with the previous amount that the person had saved back. How many of us can afford $500 to $1,000 a month for an insurance policy premium and a standard deductible of over a couple thousand dollars which is what a "good" coverage policy seems to cost. Otherwise, you end up with "emergency" coverage but nothing for "everyday" type illnesses which you pay for out of pocket with no help. And don't go to the emergency thinking you will get the same treatment as a "segment" of our population gets. I have never seen a time in the emergency room when papers did not have to be filled out and proof of insurance proferred and or proof of ability to pay, unless, of course, you are illegal and then you just leave, never to be billed or contacted. "

An Orcutt reader wrote on Jun 15, 2007 2:48 PM:

" Okay Santa Maria resident, Roger, and anyone else who hates Walmart: You have our permission to boycott Walmart. No one is forcing you to shop there. You are free to choose to shop at other places. Just give us that same freedom! I dislike unions, but I would never suggest that Albertson's and Vons should not be allowed to build stores here. So please give the rest of us the same courtesy. We have just as much right to a "freedom of choice" as you have. Personally I believe that the unions are driving the anti-Walmart mentality, but that is just my opinion. "

Lynn wrote on Jun 15, 2007 4:45 PM:

" A Santa Maria resident....my point is that there are tons of business out there doing these things, not just Walmart...look at the gas companies for example! If you all think Walmart is the first and only company doing this kind of crap, I got a great island I can sell you real cheap. This is a way of the trade...and speaking of sweat shops, every buy a pair of Nike shoes??????? "

marjorie wrote on Jun 15, 2007 10:44 PM:

" It is about time we had some shopping choices in Orcutt area...maybe the existing stores will lower their prices so we can afford to support our families and save fuel by not having to drive 6-7 miles to santa maria "

Roger Hart wrote on Jun 15, 2007 11:49 PM:

" Lynn, how long are we going to allow them to keep putting it to us. I mean The WalMarts the Exxon/mobils and all the rest Don't you think it is time for all their predatory practices to end? Hoe long can we the consumer keep paying the price for corporate greed? Don't you wish all business transactions could be straight forward, honest and conducted on a fair playing field? These principles were the driving force behind all anti monopoly legislation. as such I refer to the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, which was designed to break up monopolies and level the playing field and establish opportunity for increased greater entrepeneurialship. As a former small business owner, I know how difficult it is to make a living on small profit margins. Just think about it. How can the small business owner win playing David to WalMart's Goliath? As I am now retired, WalMart can no longer effects me in the same way but I feel for those who are currently trying to survive the onslaught. "

Rose wrote on Jun 18, 2007 2:25 PM:

" I would welcome a Super Center. Our mortgage and county taxes are so high now that we need to stretch every dollar we can just to buy food. I am sorry about the mom and pop stores but we just cant afford to shop there. "

Roger Hart wrote on Jun 18, 2007 4:53 PM:

" Is there something in the water in the Orcutt area that causes people to choose to support issues that can only be harmful to themselves and the entire area. You think this store will only effect Orcutt, but the history of WalMart, and it's effects on communities, proves you wrong. There is so much evidence out there to support what I am saying. It never ceases to amaze me when people vote against their own self interest. Orcutt Reader says, "you shop where you choose and let me shop where I choose." That is all well and good, until the place where he shops begins to effect where I can shop by driving out the competition. I would like to keep silent but I just can't. "

Lynn wrote on Jun 18, 2007 6:13 PM:

" Roger, I believe it is unions that hurt the average employee. I know so many people who went on strike with the grocery stores a few years ago who have still not got caught up...and more then a few who have left their job after going back after the strike because the union was doing nothing to help them and didn't really change anything after the strike. Where was the union when they were trying to pay their rent? Where was the union when they had to lose their housing because of the strike. I have a relative who never wanted to go on strike, voted against it every time, yet did anybody care what he wanted? NO, yet he had to put up with all the crap that was left. Yes, I have shopped at Walmart for years and I will continue to do so. They have a right to build just like Kohl's did. Why do people think that Walmart does not have a right to build? What I'm saying is that other companies all around are playing the monopoly game, it will never end, it's just the way of competition. I have lived in other small town's when Walmart's have opened, and still don't know of any small business owner who has been hurt because of it. I agree with Orcutt reader, if you don't like it don't shop there, but don't deny us the right to do so. And I can tell you I save more then $2.00 on the brand of laundry soap I buy there instead of the same brand at the grocery store, so the saving 10 cent comments don't mean anything to me. I know exactly what I save, which is why I shop there. Maybe they are going the things the right way, if they can lower their prices and still make a profit, then why can't others? And let not forget all they give to charity. Did you even know that they gave millions to the state of Arkansas to improve the educations system? I wonder actually how much the people who complain actually know about the history of Walmart.. "

An Orcutt reader wrote on Jun 19, 2007 8:36 AM:

" Roger, with all due respect you have a history of telling people what they are allowed to do with their money. You tell us that we should pay more taxes, spend that tax money on people who are breaking the law (illegal aliens), and now you are telling us where we are allowed to shop. Does anyone else see the pattern here? You stated that my choices are good unless they affect your choices. That makes no sense. Everybody's decisions in aggregate affect decisions for other people. Don't you think that gas prices, commuting time, property values, or anything else are not principally driven by the decisions that others have made? It is called a market economy. What you are proposing is totalitarianism at worst and anti-capitalist at best. Most critiques I have heard about Wal-Mart were claims that "predatory pricing" was used to eliminate local competition and then Wal-Mart would jack up prices following closure of the competition. I also heard a claim where a Wal-Mart was built in a rural area and subsequently closed down after other "mom and pop" stores were closing in the area. All I can say is Target remains in business with much of the equivalent product lines as Wal-Mart so the predatory pricing claims appear unfounded. As for decimating a town and then leaving, that just makes no sense. Wal-Mart would profit little from opening a store so that it can wreck a town and then leave. A successful store would stay in business. I find it peculiar that openings of new stores and closures of unsuccesful stores are both offered up as proof of the diabolical machinations of Wal-Mart. One more note about Walmart: I don't see why so many people are upset that they only offer part time positions and no benefits to its entry level employees. Cashiers, greeters, and stock personnel in the retail business are indeed entry level positions; for example, they are suitable for students, those who desire a second job, and those who wish to have a part time job while their kids are in school. People should not expect a lucrative career in this field unless they are willing to work their way up to management. So many Walmart-haters have a sense of entitlement about what they think the company "owes" its employees, such as a high salary and benefits for part time employees. I'll say it like my grandfather always said to me: If you want a better job, learn new skills. The beauty of it is that Walmart gives its associates the skills they need to move up in the company. The employee just needs to have flexibility, the ability to learn, and a good work ethic. One final thought. How many mom and pop stores pay their employees high union wages and offer health insurance benefits? None that I am aware of. But don't worry Roger. There are plenty of mom and pop businesses here in town, and plenty of anti-Walmart and union folks who are willing to shop there. I am confident that Walmart will not drive out all of the competition. "

Roger Hart wrote on Jun 19, 2007 2:44 PM:

" I didnt want to go here but I will. Where do you think workers got the five day workweek, an eight hour work day, payed time off for holidays, payed sick leave, a payed annual vacation, additional pay for overtime and pension plans. American workers got these benefits through the trade union movement. Today businesses that pay well do so because it has become expected. These expectations came because of the trade unions and the wage and benefit packages they won for their members. I just know you understand that non union shops did not follow suit because they had a benevolent nature. Workers today, still reap benefits, though some have diminished, that were won years ago by their union brothers and sisters. "

An Orcutt reader wrote on Jun 19, 2007 4:08 PM:

" Roger, you are correct. In the past, unions were necessary to ensure fair and humane treatment of employees, as well as provide benefits for injured workers. Today we have comprehensive laws and government programs that perform those functions. Unions are now obsolete and they normally protect their own financial interests, not the interests of their members. I'm not trying to convince you of any of that, though - just asking you to stop trying to control what we do with our own money! Unfortunately our family lives paycheck to paycheck just like many others here on the Central Coast, and we can't afford to give our limited wages away to everyone who asks. "

Roger Hart wrote on Jun 19, 2007 5:23 PM:

" Orcutt Reader, to a certain extent I can agree with you and I think people should be free to spent their money as they see fit. I too have raised a family and know how difficult finances can be with a young family. Fortunately, for me, my wife was a whiz with a buck and could stretch it as far an anyone. "

Dave in SM wrote on Jun 20, 2007 10:36 AM:

" Orcutt Reader... One of the reasons so many of us live paycheck to paycheck is due to all the jobs being outsourced to countries that pay slave wages. This leads to downward pressure on the relatively "high" American wages that companies used to have to pay. As we enter a global economy, American workers will lose the standard of living that we are used to earning. For years now Wal-Mart has been dumping American suppliers in favor of suppliers in the "low-cost" countries. Wal-Mart has even suggested to American manufacturers that they close their American factories and set up shop in foreign countries in order to meet Wal-Mart's pricing requirements. So Orcutt Reader, next time you go to Wal-Mart to save a few dollars on a tee-shirt, remember how that contributes to your declining wages! "

An Orcutt reader wrote on Jun 20, 2007 2:36 PM:

" Dave....have you ever read the labels on your own clothing? I just peeked into our closet and looked at the labels of clothing that we did NOT buy at Walmart. Guess what....none of them were made in the USA. So do you plan to boycott Mervyn's, Costco, Macy's, Old Navy, Target, and JCPenney as well? "

Dave in SM wrote on Jun 21, 2007 12:22 PM:

" You are right Orcutt, There are many American companies selling out the American worker to save a few bucks. My point is that short-term savings at Wal-Mart or any other store that sells products made abroad contributes to the lower wages that ALL Americans are experiencing. Let's face facts... You wouldn't need to depend on a Wal-Mart or other discount stores if our jobs and wages hadn't been shipped to China!(Bush's best friend) Also, those stores you mention DO sell products made in America. I see you didn't mention Sears. They still sell a lot of products made in America by Americans(Craftsman Tools) I'm not telling anyone where they can shop, I just hope people realize the long-term consequences of short-term savings. Wouldn't you at least agree on that? "

Roger Hart wrote on Jun 22, 2007 5:18 PM:

" Yo Dave, there are two things made in America: Craftsman tools and war material. It is an oversimplification; but, of the two, we are able to export only war material. Perhaps that is why we are so involved in the affairs of others. It is off the subject but it is Just a thought. "

Stan wrote on Jun 23, 2007 11:08 AM:

" People come out in droves to protest projects that provide decent, affordable housing for people who live and work in our community. Remember that house for Alzheimer's patients that was denied a couple months ago? Yet there seems to be some support for a potential Wal Mart superstore which would waste a piece of land in Orcutt, and create zero benefit to the community (other than saving a few cents on toothpaste and cheaply made products from China.) Please, if you oppose Wal Mart, come out and protest it the way you do affordable housing projects. "

Dave in SM wrote on Jun 24, 2007 1:50 PM:

" Your Right Rog, it is off the subject. I just want Orcutt to address the wage problem in the US and how outsourcing jobs to other countries contributes to low wages in the US. Wal-Mart is not some villain I want to boycott, I just hope people will see how Wal-Mart type operations force jobs to be exported overseas so stores can import cheap goods. "

anonymous wrote on Jun 25, 2007 1:35 AM:

" theyre not going to build a walmart in orcutt ... people there are too picky about wat stores they want and which ones they dont "

Concerned wrote on Jun 25, 2007 9:58 AM:

" The small businesses have to beware when the big guy comes into town. Say good by to your business and thank the big guy for it. Also, thank the money saving guy who would rather spend his money at the big guy instead of supporting the small businesses in the community. "

Olivia wrote on Jun 26, 2007 10:56 AM:

" I keep hearing about Walmart and the wag problem in America....do you think the other stores (K-Mart, Target, etc.) are any different? Come on guys, lets stop picking on just one company when most companies in the country are doing the same thing. I this country it is all about money, saving a big buck here and there and we have to blame the politicians for this for letting the outsourcing happen in the first place. The politicians are all about money and we all know that. "

Eva wrote on Jun 27, 2007 2:37 PM:

" I personally believe that this a very bad idea. I live in Texas now, but lived in Santa Maria for some time prior to moving here. I absolutly loved the central coast!! If I could afford housing in that area, my family and I would still be there. Anywho, Orcutt is one of the very few towns that still has a small town feel to it and adding a store like Wal-Mart devalues that. Selling out precious land for a Wal-Mart, a store that not only is in every single other town (including Santa Maria which is just up the road), will be an eye sore to the residents that have been there for all or most of their lives. "

Vickie wrote on Jun 27, 2007 3:29 PM:

" Let's end the debate over WalMart and turn to a very REAL issue for Orcutt residents. A few years ago the head of the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce stated (in an interview in the Santa Maris Times) that one of the most important business developments in the next 10 years or so would be the extension of Union Valley Parkway to accomodate truck traffic so it wouldn't have to travel on Main Street. How absurd! We are not talking about a WalMart here - we are talking about the possibility of a huge distibution center/warehouse with trucks coming and going at all hours of the night. Santa Maria is trying it's best to negatively impact Orcutt as much as possible without realizing that much of the money flowing into Santa Maria comes from the middle and upper middle class residents in Orcutt. It has been interesting to watch the greedy alienation of Orcutt by Santa Maria as they salivate over the possibility of increased tax revenue generation. It's sad to see that an area that used to appear seamless has now been so divided. Let's hope our Supervisors keep looking out for Orcutt. "

Karie wrote on Jun 29, 2007 2:38 PM:

" Walmart is a great idea. The groceries are so much cheaper at a Supercenter. I think the benefits outweigh the cons. "

Fled the Sprawl wrote on Jul 2, 2007 9:40 AM:

" It's so unfortunate to see my old town consistently lend itself to a sprawl mentality, greenbacks traded for quality of life. It was a heartbreaking decision for our family to leave the area and invest our future and our property dollars somewhere else. It became clear years ago that lack of vision and corporate greed would have a snowball effect on the community in which we grew up. And where does that leave small business? They're crushed by a big box (read "big bucks") mentality. No kid who grew up here would try to float their business within a sea of beige stucco. Regrettably, this city is now the shudder-inducing cautionary tale, the joke of other developing cities. Sadly, the implosion and selling out of the Santa Maria Valley continues. "

stuck wrote on Jul 5, 2007 9:53 AM:

" I have lived in the orcutt area all my life, I shop at wal-mart, the only reason I shop at wal-mart is because I can buy feeder fish for my horse and cow trouffs, dog, cat, chicken, horse feed, buy a new shirt get a gal of milk and potting soil, ect. All at a reasonable price,at the same store,and hop back on the highway! If I could do that in orcutt I would'nt shop at wally world!And is'nt this 55 acers they just purchased zoned Ag?I remember for the last about 20 years or more seeing cow's grazing that ground, thats all most a thing of the past thanks to Our great Santa Barbra county officals! Santa Barbra and Santa Maria county officals will twist something around to fit their needs just like the land fill their going to put in los flores land over solomon grade for Santa Barbra trash! Oh upps I think I let the cat out of the bag.,Park my suirrel, as always their watching their bank accounts grow!and grow.With all you people of this areas best interest at heart of course. "

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Wal-Mart buys 52-acre Orcutt property

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