Developed Agricultural Land May Become 'The Next L.A.'

Farmland in Central California's San Joaquin County is replaced with development more than any other county in the state -- a wasteful pattern that could create the "next L.A.", according to a new report.

1 minute read

March 11, 2008, 11:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg

"San Joaquin paves over more high-quality farmland than any other California county, says a new report - 14,888 acres from 1990 to 2004, an area half Stockton's size."

"'The fears of those who worry that the San Joaquin could become the next L.A. appear to be justified,' warns 'Paving Paradise' by the American Farmland Trust."

"'Unless,' the report adds, 'the state's premier agricultural region grows 'smarter' than in the recent past.'"

"We can dispense with the 'next L.A.' idea. This region won't have the beaches, Hollywood, the glitz, the defense industry, Philip Marlowe, even the porn industry."

"It'll just be an unbroken, low-density metroplex stretching up Highway 99, a sort of infinite Fresno."

FULL STORY: Paradise soon to be lost in San Joaquin County

Friday, March 7, 2008 in The Stockton Record

Environment Land Use California Farmland Sprawl Agriculture San Joaquin County View More

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