Court Opinion

ID: 9926024
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2024-01-23 18:03:10.813257+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:21:58.651614
License: Public Domain

Filed 1/23/24 Save Jacumba v. San Diego County Bd. of Supervisors CA4/1

                    NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN OFFICIAL REPORTS

California Rules of Court, rule 8.1115(a), prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for
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                COURT OF APPEAL, FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT

                                                 DIVISION ONE

                                         STATE OF CALIFORNIA

 SAVE JACUMBA et al.,                                                 D081148

           Plaintiffs and Appellants,
                                                                      (Super. Ct. No. 37-2021-00040109-
           v.                                                         CU-TT-CTL)

 SAN DIEGO COUNTY BOARD OF
 SUPERVISORS,

           Defendant and Respondent;

 JVR ENERGY PARK, LLC,

            Real Party in Interest and
            Respondent.

         APPEAL from a judgment of the Superior Court of San Diego County,
Ronald F. Frazier, Judge. Affirmed.
         Law Offices of Stephan C. Volker, Stephan C. Volker, Stephanie L.
Clarke and Jamey M.B. Volker for Plaintiffs and Appellants.
         Claudia G. Silva, County Counsel, and Joshua M. Heinlein for
Defendant and Respondent.
      Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, Ryan R. Waterman, Christopher R.
Guillen, Matthew L. Hofer and Mackenzie W. Carlson for Real Party in
Interest and Respondent.

                              INTRODUCTION
      This appeal involves the County of San Diego’s approval of a solar
project (Project) next to the community of Jacumba and the certification of an
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Project under the California

Environmental Quality Act (CEQA; Pub. Resources Code, § 21000 et seq.).1
Save Jacumba, We Are Human Kind, LLC, and Jeffrey Osborne (together,
Appellants) filed a petition for writ of mandate against the San Diego County
Board Of Supervisors (County or Board) and the developer, JVR Energy
Park, LLC (JVR) (together, Respondents). The superior court entered a
judgment denying the petition.
      On appeal, Appellants argue the County’s land use determinations
were inconsistent with, or in violation of, its planning documents; the EIR did
not provide a stable project description or adequately consider a reduced
project alternative; and the EIR did not adequately analyze and/or mitigate
various environmental impacts. We conclude their contentions lack merit,
and we affirm the judgment.
              FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
A.    Jacumba, Parties, and Project Site
      Jacumba is an unincorporated community near the Mexico border. It
was a tourist attraction in the early 20th century, including due to its natural

1     Further section references are to the Public Resources Code unless
noted. Rule references are to the California Rules of Court.

                                       2
hot springs and hotel, and its population exceeded 5,000 by the 1930’s. It
later faced competition from Palm Springs and Murietta, and went into
economic decline after I-8 bypassed the community. By 2010, the population
was around 560.
      Save Jacumba is a citizens’ association. We Are Human Kind, LLC
(Human Kind) owns the Jacumba Hot Springs Resort. Osborne is a resident
of Jacumba, and a partner and manager of Human Kind. A company called
Dudek prepared the EIR for developer JVR, and BayWa r.e. Solar Projects

LLC (BayWa) supplied additional technical memoranda.2
      The approved Project would cover 604 acres on a 1,356 acre site.
Jacumba is located southwest of the Project site, and Jacumba Community
Park borders it. Old Highway 80 crosses Jacumba, and bisects the site. The
Sunrise Powerlink, Southwest Powerlink 500 kV, and San Diego Gas &
Electric (SDG&E) 138kV transmission lines also cross the site. As for the
rest of the site’s surrounding area, I-8 is to the north. The Jacumba Solar
Facility and East County Substation are located around two miles east, and
Jacumba Airport is to the southeast. The international border fence is to the
south. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park sits to the west.
B.    JVR Application, EIR, and County Approval
      In November 2017, JVR applied for a solar project on the site, which
included the “photovoltaic units” (“PV” modules or solar panels), a “battery
energy storage system, a substation, a switchyard, overhead transmission
lines, and supporting electrical components.” The “Switchyard Facilities”
would cover 8.1 acres, and consist of the switchyard, which “controls the

2    Respondents note JVR is wholly owned by BayWa r.e. Development,
LLC, but do not otherwise explain the entity relationships. We refer to
BayWa separately only in the context of the technical memoranda.

                                       3
output of energy to the grid,” and an “overhead connection to the existing
SDG&E transmission infrastructure.” The planned operational life of the
Project was 35 years, after which all components besides the Switchyard
Facilities would be decommissioned.
      In March 2019, the County issued a Notice of Preparation, which
initially indicated the Project “would require a General Plan Amendment, a
Rezone, and a Major Use Permit.”
      A Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) was circulated from
October to December 2020. The DEIR stated the General Plan Amendment
and Rezone applications had been withdrawn, and (as we elaborate below) a
Major Use Permit (MUP) could be granted subject to a bonded agreement
sufficient to ensure component removal. Project alternatives included a
Community Buffer Alternative and Reduced Project Alternative, which had
smaller footprints, and mitigation measures included an on-site, 435-acre
biological open space easement (biological easement). The County received
over 150 comments.
      The Final EIR (FEIR or EIR unless specified), dated June 2021, reflects
the Project was revised to increase setbacks from Jacumba Community Park
and Old Highway 80, and would now use bifacial solar panels, with higher
wattage, to maintain the same energy capacity.
      The Planning Commission hearing was in July 2021. County staff
recommended the Community Buffer Alternative. Two Planning
Commissioners commented that residential development was unlikely,
because of “vehicle miles traveled . . . .” By a five to two vote, the Planning
Commission recommended the Board approve the Project, including adoption
of the Community Buffer Alternative.

                                        4
      The Board hearing was in August 2021, and many members of the
public spoke and raised concerns. The Board unanimously approved the
Project. It approved a MUP, certified the EIR, adopted the Community
Buffer Alternative, and expanded the setback, while directing JVR to
“provide $4,000,000 toward community benefits” in Jacumba. It also adopted
a Statement of Overriding Considerations for impacts to certain visual and
mineral resources, and found they were outweighed by the Project’s
“considerable benefits.”
C.    Appellants’ Petition for Writ of Mandate
      In September 2021, Appellants filed a petition for writ of mandate
against the Board and JVR. They cited multiple jurisdictional grounds,
including Code of Civil Procedure sections 1085 (traditional mandamus) and
1094.5 (administrative mandamus). Their first cause of action alleged the
EIR certification and Project approvals were contrary to CEQA. Their second
cause of action alleged the Project approvals were contrary to the General
Plan and Zoning Ordinance, citing Code of Civil Procedure section 1094.5.
      In May 2022, Respondents both moved for judgment on Appellants’
petition. Appellants responded with a motion for peremptory writ of
mandate. Respondents filed a joint reply brief. The trial court heard the
matter in June 2022. In August 2022, it granted Respondents’ motions and
entered a judgment denying Appellants’ petition with prejudice. Appellants
timely appealed.
                                DISCUSSION
                   I.   Respondents’ Arguments for Forfeiture
      Respondents argue Appellants forfeit issues based on appellate briefing
standards (which we find persuasive), and for not exhausting administrative
remedies or properly pleading their land use claim (which we do not).

                                       5
A.    Appellate Briefing Standards
      Briefs must “[s]tate each point under a separate heading or subheading
summarizing the point, and support each point by argument and, if possible,
by citation of authority.” (Rule 8.204(a)(1)(B); see South of Market
Community Action Network v. City and County of San Francisco (2019)
33 Cal.App.5th 321, 339, fn. 10 (SOMA) [a “record citation, standing alone,
does not suffice to raise a legal or factual issue”].) “When an appellant fails
to raise a point, or asserts it but fails to support it with reasoned argument
and citations to authority, we treat the point as waived.” (Badie v. Bank of
America (1998) 67 Cal.App.4th 779, 784-785 (Badie).)
      An appellant also must “fairly set forth all the significant facts, not just
those beneficial to the appellant.” (In re S.C. (2006) 138 Cal.App.4th 396,
402; rule 8.204(a)(2)(C) [brief must “[p]rovide a summary of the significant
facts”].) We “may decide that the appellant has forfeited a point . . . when it
is not supported by accurate citations to the record.” (WFG National Title
Ins. Co. v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (2020) 51 Cal.App.5th 881, 894.) Further,
an appellant who challenges the sufficiency of the evidence “must lay out the
evidence favorable to the other side and show why it is lacking. Failure to do
so is fatal.” (Defend the Bay v. City of Irvine (2004) 119 Cal.App.4th 1261,
1266 (Defend the Bay).)
      Points raised for the first time on reply also may be deemed forfeited.
(Raceway Ford Cases (2016) 2 Cal.5th 161, 178 (Raceway) [“We generally do
not consider arguments raised for the first time in a reply brief”]; In re
Groundwater Cases (2007) 154 Cal.App.4th 659, 693 (Groundwater Cases)
[“Basic notions of fairness dictate that we decline to entertain arguments that
a party has chosen to withhold until the filing of its reply brief, because this
deprives the respondent of the opportunity to address them on appeal.”].)

                                        6
      Here, Appellants’ opening brief contains one-sided descriptions of the
record; many points lack reasoned argument, authority, or explanation of the
evidence; and they raise new arguments on reply. Respondents filed an
opposed motion to strike or disregard certain of those newly raised reply
arguments. We grant Respondents’ motion to strike in part, insofar as we
agree Appellants improperly raised new points and will disregard them in
our discussion as warranted. We will also apply other forfeiture principles as
applicable.
B.    Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies
      Next, Respondents argue Appellants did not exhaust administrative
remedies on several issues. They do not address the trial court’s rejection of
their exhaustion arguments below, or why no cross-appeal was needed to
preserve the issue in whole or part here. (Cf. Preserve Poway v. City of Poway
(2016) 245 Cal.App.4th 560, 587.) Assuming it were properly before us, we
would conclude there is no lack of exhaustion.
      Administrative exhaustion is required under CEQA and to challenge
land use decisions. (§ 21177, subds. (a), (b); Gov. Code, § 65009, subd. (b)(1).)
An “ ‘issue must first have been raised during the administrative process to
be preserved for judicial review,” but “may be argued in court by a different
person.’ ” (Save the Hill Group v. City of Livermore (2022) 76 Cal.App.5th
1092, 1104 (Save the Hill) [addressing CEQA]; § 65009, subd. (b)(1) [“issues
raised shall be limited to those raised in the public hearing”].) The
“ ‘ “objections must be sufficiently specific” ’ ” so the agency can “ ‘respond to
articulated factual issues and legal theories before its actions are subjected to
judicial review.’ ” (Save the Hill, at pp. 1104-1105; id. at p. 1105 [although
exact issue must be raised, and general references are not enough, objections
need only “ ‘ “fairly apprise[ ]” ’ the agency of the EIR’s purported defect”].)

                                         7
The burden is on the petitioner, and we apply de novo review. (Save Agoura
Cornell Knoll v. City of Agoura Hills (2020) 46 Cal.App.5th 665, 677 (Save
Agoura).)
      The pertinent issues identified by Respondents are: (i) the Switchyard
Facilities “do not ‘provide essential services’ because [they] will provide no
electricity locally, and are not ‘necessary to provide essential services’
because the ECO Substation is three miles away”; (ii) the EIR has an
“unstable Project description because it fails to identify the particular
number of solar panels”; (iii) the County “improperly rejected the Reduced
Project Alternative”; (iv) the biological easement “cannot be used to mitigate
impacts to tricolored blackbird habitat and vegetation”; and (v) the County
“improperly assigned the site a low ‘land use consistency’ rating in analyzing

agricultural impacts due to parcel sizes in Jacumba.”3
      The parties’ own briefs and record citations establish the matters at
issue were raised below, through objections and concerns from commenters
including Appellants and wildlife agencies. (See Save the Hill, supra,
76 Cal.App.5th at p. 1104.) Although some issues were not raised with the
precise language used by Appellants in court (e.g., solar panel number;
adequacy of the biological easement), the objections fairly apprised the
County of the concerns at issue. (See Save Agoura, supra, 46 Cal.App.5th at
p. 677; Save the Hill, supra, at pp. 1104-1105.)

3      Respondents argue Appellants failed to exhaust other issues too. As we
will explain, Appellants forfeit most by not supplying adequate argument
(flooding and electrocution; emissions; and groundwater), and state on reply
they presented them for “context[ ].” The remaining issue (inconsistency of
the Zoning Ordinance with the General Plan) was deemed untimely by the
trial court and Appellants again indicate on reply they are not raising the
issue.

                                        8
C.    Sufficiency of Pleading
      Finally, Respondents contend Appellants’ Second Cause of Action as to
land use consistency should be dismissed because they pled that claim under
Code of Civil Procedure section 1094.5 (administrative mandamus), rather
than Code of Civil Procedure section 1085 (ordinary mandamus). The trial
court rejected this argument, stating “the allegations pertaining to the
applicable standard of review are simply legal argument” and Appellants did
“allege the court has jurisdiction of this matter pursuant to section 1085.”
Respondents do not explain why this ruling was erroneous. (Cf.
Sacramentans for Fair Planning v. City of Sacramento (2019) 37 Cal.App.5th
698, 707 [“standard of review . . . is not materially different”; citing cases
applying administrative and ordinary mandamus to consistency findings].)
      Further, the case cited by Respondents here, Stop Syar Expansion v.
County of Napa (2021) 63 Cal.App.5th 444 (Stop Syar), did not even involve a
separate cause of action for the consistency issue, and the reviewing court
still elected to address it. (Id. at pp. 450, 460-463 [petitioner that filed writ
petition challenging EIR certification under Public Resources Code section
21168 could not challenge consistency of EIR with General Plan, because it
did not amend petition to “add a cause of action for ordinary mandamus”; still
reaching and rejecting argument].)
                        II.     Land Use Determinations
      Appellants contend the County’s Project approvals violate the Planning
and Zoning Law (Gov. Code, § 65000 et seq.) because they are inconsistent
with the General Plan, Mountain Empire Subregional Plan, and Jacumba’s
Vision Statement. They also contend the Project violates the Zoning
Ordinance. We reject these contentions.

                                         9
A.    Applicable Law and Standard of Review
       “To ensure that localities pursue ‘an effective planning process’
[citation], each city and county must ‘adopt a comprehensive, long-term
general plan’ . . . .” (Orange Citizens for Parks & Recreation v. Superior Court
(2016) 2 Cal.5th 141, 152 (Orange Citizens), citing Gov. Code, § 65300.)
      “Any local land use or development decision . . . must be consistent with
the applicable general plan . . . .” (Clews Land & Livestock, LLC v. City of
San Diego (2017) 19 Cal.App.5th 161, 201 (Clews).) General plans
“ ‘ordinarily do not state specific mandates or prohibitions,’ ” but rather
“ ‘state “policies,” and set forth “goals.” ’ ” (Holden v. City of San Diego (2019)
43 Cal.App.5th 404, 411-412 (Holden).) “Perfect conformity is not required,
but a project must be compatible with the objectives and policies of the
general plan. [Citation.] A project is inconsistent if it conflicts with a general
plan policy that is fundamental, mandatory, and clear.” (Endangered
Habitats League, Inc. v. County of Orange (2005) 131 Cal.App.4th 777, 782.)
“By contrast, a local agency has ‘ “some discretion” ’ when it comes to a
relatively ‘amorphous’ policy.” (Joshua Tree Downtown Business Alliance v.
County of San Bernardino (2016) 1 Cal.App.5th 677, 697 (Joshua Tree).)
      We review a public agency’s “determination whether a project is
consistent with its general plan for abuse of discretion.” (Olen Properties
Corp. v. City of Newport Beach (2023) 93 Cal.App.5th 270, 277, citing Orange
Citizens, supra, 2 Cal.5th at p. 154.) This determination is “fundamentally
adjudicatory,” and “entitled to deference as an extension of a planning
agency’s ‘ “unique competence to interpret [its] policies when applying them
in its adjudicatory capacity.” ’ ” (Orange Citizens, at p. 155.) The party
challenging the determination “has the burden to show why that
determination is unreasonable.” (Holden, supra, 43 Cal.App.5th at p. 413.)

                                        10
Similar principles apply for zoning determinations. (See Anderson First
Coalition v. City of Anderson (2005) 130 Cal.App.4th 1173, 1193 (Anderson)
[agency’s “ ‘view of the meaning and scope of its own [zoning] ordinance is
entitled to great weight unless it is clearly erroneous or unauthorized.’ ”];
cf. Smith v. County of Los Angeles (1989) 211 Cal.App.3d 188, 197-198
[conditional use permit “is, by definition, discretionary”].)
      “Reviewing courts must defer to a procedurally proper consistency
finding unless no reasonable person could have reached the same conclusion.”
(Orange Citizens, supra, 2 Cal.5th at p. 155; Sequoyah Hills Homeowners
Assn. v. City of Oakland (1993) 23 Cal.App.4th 704, 719-720 (Sequoyah) [“It
is, emphatically, not the role of the courts to micromanage these development
decisions”; reviewing court’s function is to decide if officials considered
“extent to which the proposed project conforms” with applicable policies and
made “appropriate findings” supported by the evidence]; see id. at p. 720
[declining to reweigh conflicting evidence].)
B.    General Plan, Subregional Plan, and Vision Statement
      Appellants argue the Project was inconsistent with various portions of
the General Plan and its Mountain Empire Subregional Plan, as well as
Jacumba’s Vision Statement. These arguments are not persuasive.
      1.    Additional Facts
            a.     Planning Documents
      In 1986, the Board amended the General Plan to designate around
1,300 acres next to Jacumba as a Specific Plan Area (SPA), and most of the
Project site is within it. A “Specific Plan envisions a multi-use land use
concept that may contain residential, commercial, industrial, public

                                        11
institutional, and open space uses.”4 In 1991, a developer submitted a
proposed Jacumba Valley Ranch Specific Plan with over 1,000 residences, a
school site, commercial and recreational uses, and open space. The plan was
denied in 2002. In 2006, another applicant proposed the Ketchum Ranch
Specific Plan, also with over 1,000 residences, as well as commercial and
recreational uses. This plan was withdrawn in 2011.
       The Mountain Empire Subregional Plan (Subregional Plan) is a
supplement to the General Plan, which establishes “goals and policies to
guide development” in the subregion. It is divided into chapters, and sets
forth goals, findings, and policies and recommendations. We discuss the
specific portions cited by Appellants, post.
       The Project site is within the Jacumba Subregional Group Area of the
subregion. According to the Subregional Plan, Jacumba “adopted a vision
statement,” and has “the option in the future to develop specific goals and
policies.” A “Jacumba portion” of the Subregional Plan sets forth the Vision
Statement, and has a “Background Information” section. The background
section summarizes Jacumba’s history, and states in part that County
planning documents have “long incorporated plans” for its “revitalization and
growth . . . .”
              b.   Consistency Findings
       The EIR found the Project was consistent with the General Plan,
Subregional Plan, and Vision Statement. The Planning Commission Hearing
Report found the Community Buffer Alternative would be consistent with the
land use plans and “compatible with the surrounding community.”

4     Both parties rely on the Planning Commission Hearing Report for this
description; because they concur, and it is unclear if the relevant General
Plan portion is in the record, we utilize it as well.

                                       12
      The County adopted the Community Buffer Alternative, and, in the
MUP, found the Project was “consistent with policies of the [General Plan]
and the [Subregional Plan], as well as the vision statement” for Jacumba. It
stated that although Jacumba was “predominantly rural,” the area was
“becoming increasingly developed with private facilities, civic uses, and
energy infrastructure,” and elsewhere noted “[r]enewable energy projects
have resulted in a change to the physical setting . . . and surrounding
neighborhood character.” It further stated the Project was “designed to
minimize impacts on the natural and developed environment,” including
cultural resources, sensitive habitats, and impacts to grading, and features
like “landscape screening” would “lessen the visual contrast . . . .” The
County concluded the Project “will not have a harmful effect upon desirable
neighborhood character,” and noted the Project would be decommissioned at
its conclusion.
      2.    Analysis
            a.    Whether Policies Are Fundamental, Mandatory, and Clear
      Before we turn to specific parts of the planning documents, we address
Appellants’ contention that they rely on fundamental, mandatory, and clear
policies. Respondents disagree, and argue the polices are amorphous. We

agree with Respondents.5
      Amorphous policies encourage or support development or preservation,
without requiring particular approaches or outcomes, thus leaving their
application to agency discretion. (See, e.g., Sequoyah, supra, 23 Cal.App.4th
at pp. 709, 719-720 [general plan policies that “encourag[ed] development . . .

5     Appellants also characterize Zoning Ordinance section 2888 as a
fundamental policy violated by the Project approvals. We address the
Project’s consistency with the Zoning Ordinance below.

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sensitive to natural land forms, and the natural and built environment” were
not mandatory]; Save the Hill, supra, 76 Cal.App.5th at p. 1116 [general plan
provision requiring city to “ ‘preserve . . . the [area] as [an] important wildlife
and plant habitat[ ] through preservation of open space” was “merely
aspirational”]; Joshua Tree, supra, 1 Cal.App.5th at pp. 696-697 [community
plan had “policy of encouraging and supporting small independent
businesses”; “ ‘Encourage’ and ‘support’ are precisely the sort of amorphous
policy terms that give a local agency some discretion”]; Old East Davis
Neighborhood Assn. v. City of Davis (2021) 73 Cal.App.5th 895, 908-909
[mixed-use building project; planning document policies requiring
“ ‘sensitiv[ity] to the area’s traditional scale and character’ ” and “ ‘scale
transition’ ” were “largely amorphous”].)
      These are the kind of policies identified by Appellants. They contend,
in substance, that the Project conflicts with Jacumba’s desired revitalization
as a rural community, which includes preserving the natural environment,
and cite policy language that aligns with these aims. That does not make the
policies fundamental, mandatory, and clear.
      The cases cited by Appellants are distinguishable, including because
they involve more concrete policies, such as a contiguous development
restriction, or agency staff disagreement as to consistency. (See, e.g.,
Families Unafraid to Uphold Rural etc. County v. Board of Supervisors (1998)
62 Cal.App.4th 1332, 1339-1340 [subdivision project using “ ‘low density
residential’ ” designation was inconsistent with general plan policy that
designation was “ ‘restricted to . . . lands contiguous” to certain specified
areas]; California Native Plant Society v. City of Rancho Cordova (2009)
172 Cal.App.4th 603, 607-608, 640-642 (Plant Society) [general plan policy
required mitigation to special-species impacts be “ ‘designed . . . “in

                                         14
coordination with” ’ ” identified wildlife agencies; city failed to comply with
“mere solicitation and rejection of input”]; San Bernardino Valley Audubon
Society, Inc. v. County of San Bernardino (1984) 155 Cal.App.3d 738, 753 [no
substantial evidence for finding that cemetery was consistent with general
plan; policy required protection of “ ‘beneficial, rare or endangered animals
and plants with limited or specialized habitats’ ” and county staff
recommended denial due to inconsistency].)
      We now turn to the policies and provisions cited by Appellants;
elaborate on why they are amorphous, as applicable; and explain why
Appellants do not show the County erred in finding consistency, regardless.
            b.     Specific Plan Area Designation and Vision Plan
      Appellants contend the Project violates the site’s SPA designation,
because its “monolithic industrial use prevents Jacumba from fulfilling its
Vision Statement to be a multi-use rural village promoting its natural scenic
and hot springs resources.”
      First, as noted, the SPA description states a “Specific Plan envisions a
multi-use land use concept that may contain residential, commercial,
industrial, public institutional, and open space uses.” This description
contains discretionary language (“may contain”), and does not require any
particular use or combination of uses—nor refer to the Vision Statement. At
any rate, the County found the Project was consistent with the General Plan,
and could impliedly conclude that consistency extended to the SPA
designation. In addition to providing a desirable industrial use (i.e.,
sustainable energy), the Project would retain open space through the
biological easement and supply commercial activity with its construction,
operation, and decommissioning.

                                       15
      Second, Jacumba’s Vision Statement states the “community supports
new development” that is “compatible with, and preserves the natural and
historical environment” and “manages growth to reinforce the rural small
town character of the area, which includes agriculture, open space, and trails
as important elements of the community.” This language is aspirational and
vague (e.g., “supports new development”; “rural small town character”),
reflecting its amorphous nature. (See Save the Hill, supra, 76 Cal.App.5th at
p. 1116; Joshua Tree, supra, 1 Cal.App.5th at pp. 696-697.) Although some
language in the Vision Statement has more specificity (e.g., “We want schools
for the young”), it likewise addresses desired aims, not mandates. Moreover,
the Subregional Plan states Jacumba has the “option . . . to develop specific
goals and policies,” implying the Vision Statement does not serve that role.
      The County still found the Project was consistent with the Vision
Statement, and could reasonably do so. With respect to having development
be consistent with natural and historical resources, the FEIR analyzed and
mitigated impacts to these resources (see CEQA discussion, post). As for the
community’s rural character, the County determined in its MUP findings
that Jacumba had remained rural, notwithstanding increased energy
infrastructure, and could fairly find the Project would not impede community
character, either.
      Appellants suggest the Project would still be inconsistent with the
Vision Statement because it “blocks Jacumba’s only geographically possible
area of growth on its east side.” They elsewhere assert it precludes
Jacumba’s “planned restoration as a tourist destination.” These points lack
merit. As noted, two Planning Commissioners observed residential growth
was unlikely, given commuting distances. Even if growth were feasible,

                                      16
Appellants do not show the current community footprint is insufficient (and
the Project site would be available as well, after decommissioning).
      As for restoring tourism, the Vision Statement does not expressly
discuss it. The conservation chapter of the Subregional Plan does have a
policy that the “Jacumba Hotel should be restored, if at all possible,” but this
conditional “if at all possible” language reflects it is not fundamental,
mandatory, and specific. (See Sierra Club v. County of Napa (2004)
121 Cal.App.4th 1490, 1510-1511 [winery project was not inconsistent with
specific plan policy that wetlands “ ‘be protected in their natural state, unless
this is proved to be infeasible’ ”; plan “used the term ‘feasible’ to allow the
County’s agencies a measure of flexibility in their decisionmaking”].) More
generally, Appellants do not establish the Project would even have any
impact on tourism (particularly given the existence of other energy
infrastructure nearby, and issues like I-8 bypassing the community).
            c.     Land Use Provisions
      Appellants also argue the Project “[v]iolates the Subregional Plan’s
Land Use Controls,” based on various portions of the land use chapter.
      Appellants cite a general land use policy, which states in part that
“[h]illside grading shall be minimized,” and an industrial goal to “provide a
land use pattern which will permit those kinds of industrial uses that will not
detract from the rural charm and lifestyle of the subregion.” They also cite
the residential land use goal, findings, and policies. The residential goal is to
“accommodate the forecast population increase, while retaining the rural
charm of the present living environment.” The findings note the subregion is
“generally undeveloped,” and the “ability to experience large open spaces and
views to distant hills is essential” to quality of life. The policies include:
“Apply a Rural Village Boundary” to the “historically significant

                                        17
settlement[ ]” of Jacumba; “Maintain the existing rural life style by
continuing the existing pattern of . . . large lots outside of the Rural Villages”;
“Preserve open space areas”; and “Avoid all extensive . . . grading.”
      Appellants quote these policies without explanation in their opening
brief, other than to suggest the County’s determination that the Project was
temporary (i.e., for zoning purposes) was contrary to them. This was
insufficient to establish the Subregional Plan consistency finding was
erroneous. (Badie, supra, 67 Cal.App.4th at pp. 784-785.)
      Even if we reached their belated points on reply, we would not be
persuaded. They argue these policies are fundamental because they “provide
comprehensive, unified and long-term direction” on “permissible use of the
lands,” and mandatory because they are “expressed as affirmative
commands.” They also argue the policies “form an interlocking and cohesive
set of land use prescriptions that as a whole forbid preemption of Jacumba’s
ability to achieve its Vision . . . .”
      Given that all land use documents provide direction on land use, that
cannot be enough to render policies fundamental. As for supposed commands
and prescriptions, the policies do not mention the Vision Statement, but do
encompass the same amorphous aims (e.g., “rural charm”)—so, regardless of
any imperative language, they are not substantively mandatory or specific.
Further, even if some of this policy language did require consistency, the
County found the Project was consistent with the Subregional Plan and
Appellants do not establish that finding was unreasonable. (See Orange
Citizens, supra, 2 Cal.5th at p. 155.)
             d.     Old Highway 80
      Next, Appellants argue the Project violates the Subregional Plan’s
“designation of Old Highway 80 as a Scenic Highway by destroying and

                                         18
degrading the historic and scenic resources . . . for nearly one mile.” The goal
of the scenic highways chapter is to “establish a network of scenic highway
corridors within which scenic, historical and recreational resources are
protected and enhanced.” The findings state there “are five scenic corridors,”
including “Old Highway 80 through Boulevard and Jacumba.” No specific
policies are listed.
      First, Appellants contend the scenic highway designation is
fundamental, mandatory, and specific, because the protected resources are
“fundamental to . . . quality of life”; it states the resources “are protected” (not
“may” be); and it identifies specific road sections. We disagree. This plan
language describes both the resources (“scenic, historical and recreational”)
and treatment (“protected and enhanced”) in general terms, and imposes no
particular limits on the use of these highways or their surroundings.
      Second, Appellants also do not establish any inconsistency. The
County’s MUP finding that the Project was consistent with the Subregional
Plan could impliedly encompass the Old Highway 80 designation. Indeed,
the County acknowledged Old Highway 80 was designated a scenic highway,
noted there would be a setback and landscape screen, and said the Project
would “not alter [its] physical character . . . .” It also noted, and the record
reflects, that views were already impacted by other infrastructure (e.g.,
transmission lines crossing the site).
      Appellants argue the FEIR admits the Project “would substantially
reduce the quality of existing views” from Old Highway 80, and the “sole
excuse” is that “there are no current local regulations” for development next
to it. The FEIR said that although visual impacts from Old Highway 80 were
“significant and unavoidable,” mitigation measures like “landscaping and . . .
screened fencing” would “substantially reduce” the visibility of Project

                                         19
components. As for the regulations, the FEIR explained the lack of current
regulation had led to energy infrastructure already existing in the
viewshed—and noted the Project would not prevent the County from
“establishing regulations” to “protect[ ] and enhance[ ]” scenic highways.
None of this undermines the County’s consistency finding.
            e.    Conservation and Use Policy 18.3
      Finally, Appellants contend the Project violates Policy 18.3 of the
General Plan’s Conservation and Open Space (COS) Element.
      Policy 18.3 is under Goal COS-18, which is titled “Sustainable Energy”
and calls for “Energy systems that reduce consumption of non-renewable
resources . . . while minimizing impacts to natural resources and
communities.” Policy 18.3 itself states: “Require alternative energy system
operators to properly design and maintain these systems to minimize adverse
impacts to the environment.” The FEIR found the Project was consistent
with Policy 18.3, and stated “[a]ll impacts to the environment,” besides visual
and mineral impacts would be “less than significant” with mitigation. The
County noted the FEIR’s consistency analysis in the MUP, and found in the
Statement of Overriding Considerations that both types of impacts were
outweighed by the Project’s benefits.
      Appellants’ arguments lack force. They first summarily assert Policy
18.3 is fundamental, mandatory, and specific. Setting aside that the policy
contains general, nonspecific language (e.g., “impacts to the environment”),
there is no real dispute the Project had to minimize environment impacts
under CEQA, if not the General Plan. Appellants simply disagree with the
County that it did so.
      They then list a series of alleged impacts, which overlap with their
CEQA arguments. They contend the Project eliminates more habitat than

                                        20
needed to meet energy goals, seemingly referencing their CEQA argument
about the rejection of a smaller project alternative. They also identify other
purported failures, including that the Project: “shortcut[s]” research
requested by wildlife agencies; fails to mitigate impacts on specialized
habitats; “omit[s] . . . cultural consultation” requested by tribes; fails to
mitigate farmland losses; uses “fire-prone and toxic lithium ion batteries”;
and places structures near an airport used by gliders with unstable flight
paths. We address these contentions in addressing Appellants’ CEQA
arguments, and, as we will explain, they lack merit. Accordingly, Appellants
establish no inconsistency with Policy 18.3, either.
C.    Zoning Ordinance
      Appellants make several arguments regarding the Zoning Ordinance,
which turn on their view that the Project was both functionally permanent
and oversized. They are not persuasive.
      1.      Additional Background and Facts
              a.    Zoning Ordinance
      The Zoning Ordinance includes the “S88 Specific Planning Area Use
Regulations” (S88 Use Regulations) which “are intended to accommodate
Specific Plan areas” and “lands for which a Specific Plan” was adopted.

Section 2888(a)6 provides:
           “Prior to adoption of a Specific Plan, a Major Use Permit
           may be granted pursuant to the S88 Use Regulations to
           authorize, for a specified period of time, any use not
           involving a significant investment in buildings, structures,
           or other improvements. Alternatively, a Major Use Permit
           may be granted for any use pursuant to a bonded
           agreement in an amount sufficient to ensure the removal of

6     Section references in this discussion are to the Zoning Ordinance,
unless otherwise specified.

                                        21
           all buildings, structures, and other improvements within a
           specified time and/or under specified conditions when the
           decision-making body finds that such agreement will carry
           out the intent of this Ordinance and is enforceable by the
           County.”

Subdivision (b) allows “any use set forth in the Specific Plan” following its
adoption, and subdivision (c) states such uses “shall be subject to all of the
conditions and restrictions . . . in the Specific Plan,” and such conditions
“prevail over [t]he Zoning Ordinance regulations” if in conflict.
      Section 2884 states that “[u]ntil a Specific Plan . . . is adopted,” certain
“use types are allowed . . . upon issuance of a Minor Use Permit,” including
“Minor Impact Utilities.” Section 1355 states: “The Minor Impact Utilities
use type refers to public utilities which have a local impact on surrounding
properties and are necessary to provide essential services. Typical uses are
electrical and gas distribution substations.” Under section 7352, subdivision
(b), “[a]ny use allowed by a Minor Use Permit may be allowed by a Major Use
Permit.”
             b.    Zoning-Related Findings
      The FEIR explained that since the Project would be decommissioned,
except for the Switchyard Facilities, it was “considered to be an interim use,”
and a Major Use Permit could be issued under section 2888 subject to a
bonded agreement to ensure removal. It further explained the Switchyard
Facilities were “considered a Minor Impact Utility” under section 2884, and,
after construction, would be “transferred to SDG&E and . . . only subject to
California Public Utilities Commission jurisdiction.” It stated the Major Use
Permit would govern both uses. An FEIR subsection addressing
decommissioning also stated, in part: “The use of the land would have to
return to a use that is consistent with the [Zoning Ordinance] at the time of

                                        22
dismantling. If a new use is not proposed, the decommissioning would
include removal of all ground-level components and preparing the site with a
compatible hydroseed mix.” The FEIR then set forth dismantling, recycling,
and other obligations.
      The Planning Commission Hearing Report summarized these zoning
matters, and noted the Project site “could be used for other land uses in the
future.” It also stated that “[p]rior to the expiration of the MUP . . . , the
applicant will be required to apply for and receive approval of a MUP
Modification to authorize further use of the site as a solar facility or return to
a use consistent with the Zoning Ordinance” and indicated that, if a “new use
is not proposed,” similar requirements as in the FEIR would be imposed.
      The County’s MUP decision stated: “This permit is an interim use and
is subject to a decommissioning or a Major Use Permit Modification approval
by August 18, 2058 . . . .” It also stated that after transfer of the Switchyard
Facilities, “the County acknowledges that it will lack land use permitting
jurisdiction over the switchyard’s operation and maintenance as carried out
by SDG&E.” The County then set forth conditions. One provided that
“[p]rior to issuance of any building permits,” a “decommissioning plan shall
be provided . . . that ensures removal of the solar energy system” and
includes a “secured agreement . . . .” Subsequent findings reiterated the bond
requirement, and noted removal does not apply to the switchyard.
      2.    Analysis
      Appellants do not establish the County’s interpretation of the Zoning
Ordinance was unreasonable or otherwise erroneous. (Anderson, supra,
130 Cal.App.4th at p. 1193.)
      The County could reasonably determine it could issue a MUP for the
Project under section 2888(a), without a General Plan Amendment or

                                        23
rezoning. The developer, JVR, had to provide a bond before receiving a
building permit, which would require it to remove all components besides the
Switchyard Facilities after 35 years. These and related obligations are set
forth in the MUP, as well as the FEIR and Planning Commission Hearing
Report. The County could further impliedly determine the Switchyard
Facilities were a local, necessary Minor Impact Utility under section 1355,
and thus allowed under section 2884 without removal conditions (while still
governed by the Major Use Permit under section 7352(b)). The Switchyard
Facilities were limited in size (8.1 acres); the County could find they supplied
a necessary contribution to the regional energy infrastructure; and it could
find they were analogous to a substation (a listed example in Section 1355).
      Appellants’ arguments do not compel a different result.
      First, Appellants suggest the Project is functionally permanent, in
conflict with section 2888(a). They advance multiple theories here.
      Appellants argue the Project “can be reapproved indefinitely,” asserting
developer JVR “is directed to resubmit a proposal for continued operation”
when the MUP expires and “decommissioning is required only ‘if a new use is
not proposed’ ” (italics omitted). But JVR has no unilateral right to continue
the Project, or to avoid decommissioning. Rather, it must “apply for and
receive approval of a MUP modification” if it seeks to continue the solar
facility. Otherwise, decommissioning is required. Appellants’ concerns
regarding indefinite reapprovals are thus speculative. (Cf. Center for
Biological Diversity v. County of San Bernardino (2016) 247 Cal.App.4th 326,
345-346, 349 [“possibility of an extension” for 50-year groundwater project
was “far too speculative to require environmental analysis at this point”].)
      Appellants then contend the “permanence” of the Switchyard Facilities
would “trigger land use changes” that would persist after decommissioning—

                                       24
but describe purported Project impacts on agriculture, wildlife and other
resources. As our CEQA discussion will show, they also simply assume
certain outcomes (e.g., that farming could not resume after decommissioning),

despite FEIR findings to the contrary.7
      Appellants relatedly contend the switchyard is “oversized” and “may
induce other energy projects to foreseeably blanket the area.” Although they
cite many record pages, they do not explain how those pages support their
point. (Rule 8.204(a)(1)(B); cf. Stop Syar, supra, 63 Cal.App.5th at p. 459
[“list of string cites to the administrative record without explanation” was
insufficient to establish exhaustion].) Even if we consider their citation to the
August 17, 2021 memorandum from ZGlobal Power Engineering & Energy
Solutions (ZGlobal), it just opines the Project was larger than needed (which,
as we will explain, the County was not required to accept). City of Antioch v.
City Council (1986) 187 Cal.App.3d 1325, also cited by Appellants here, is
distinguishable. (Id. at p. 1336 [city improperly failed to obtain EIR for
roadway project whose purpose was to spur development; construction could
not “be considered in isolation from the development it presages”].)
      Additionally, Appellants argue the Project’s “35-year duration would
outlast most of the aging residents of Jacumba – so for them it is effectively
‘permanent.’ ” If Appellants are suggesting application of section 2888(a)
turns on local demographics, they provide no reasoned argument or authority
for this interpretation, and the County could still reject it.

7     Appellants also state here that the Project would remove “remaining
dairy and ranch” structures. Respondents contend the point is moot because
they were demolished in 2021, but cite no evidence for this. That said, the
FEIR indicated the structures had “potentially hazardous levels of asbestos
and/or lead-based paint”—suggesting demolition was a distinct possibility,
regardless of the Project.

                                        25
      Second, Appellants argue the County cannot enforce removal under
section 2888(a), because it will no longer control the Switchyard Facilities.
As noted, the County could impliedly find they were a Minor Impact Utility
subject to section 2884, which does not require removal. Appellants’ reliance
on a case concerning contracts under an unrelated law is misplaced. (See
Honey Springs Homeowners Assn. v. Board of Supervisors (1984)
157 Cal.App.3d 1122, 1130, 1146 [contract under the Williamson Act,
designed to “preserve open space and agricultural land” must “enforceably
restrict” land (italics omitted)].)
      Third, Appellants then acknowledge the County viewed the Switchyard
Facilities as a Minor Impact Utility subject to section 2884, and dispute this
treatment. As noted, section 1355 indicates Minor Impact Utilities have “a
local impact on surrounding properties and are necessary to provide essential
services.”
      On local impact, Appellants contend the Project entails a “600-acre
industrial use” with a “major, regional” impact—but only the Switchyard
Facilities are at issue. Appellants’ conclusory assertion on reply that they are
“imbedded” in the Project does not establish otherwise.
      On necessity for essential services, Appellants argue the Switchyard
Facilities do not provide electricity locally. Section 1355 does not state the
services must be supplied locally; even if that were a reasonable
interpretation, the County would not have to adopt it; and there was evidence
for local benefit. An August 16, 2021, BayWa technical memorandum to the
Board regarding energy issues noted the Project would “create additional
reliability” for Jacumba. Appellants also argue the Switchyard Facilities
“duplicate[ ] the ECO Substation three miles away,” citing that project’s 2011
EIR (stating a goal of providing a regional substation); the ZGlobal

                                       26
memorandum (which opined the Project could use that substation); and a
document showing other projects seeking connections to it. However, the EIR
for this Project assessed an ECO Substation Connection Alternative, and
found it was “potentially infeasible,” including because it was unknown if
SDG&E would allow use of its transmission line easement. We will not
reweigh the evidence. (See Sequoyah, supra, 23 Cal.App.4th at p. 720.)
      Appellants further argue that allowing “this enormous industrial use”
under section 2884 would conflict with various other provisions (i.e., the
General Plan’s SPA designation; section 2888(c), which applies when a
specific plan is in effect; and, on reply, section 2888(a), when used with
section 7352(b).) These arguments amount to a reiteration of Appellants’
belief that the Project was too large and would last too long. That does not
establish the County’s zoning determinations were unreasonable. The
authority cited by Appellants is also inapposite. (See Neighborhood Action
Group v. County of Calaveras (1984) 156 Cal.App.3d 1176, 1184 [conditional
use permit may be ultra vires if general plan does not conform to pertinent
statutory criteria]; compare Elysian Heights Residents Assn., Inc. v. City of
Los Angeles (1986) 182 Cal.App.3d 21, 31 [rejecting reliance on Calaveras to
have building permits declared void; permits were obtained “consistent with
then existing zoning laws”].)
      Finally, we address a remaining point by Appellants. They argue the
FEIR “admits the Project is not consistent with the Zoning Ordinance,” citing
the statement that the Project site must “ ‘return to a use that is consistent
with the . . . Zoning Ordinance at the time of dismantling’ ” and similar
language in the Planning Commission Hearing Report. The FEIR was
explaining the zoning determinations, and the Planning Commission was
recommending the Project for adoption; their comments cannot reasonably be

                                       27
construed as an implicit admission of zoning inconsistency. Viewed in
context, including the specific dismantling and recycling requirements in the
FEIR, the statements reasonably mean the post-dismantling use also must be
consistent with the Zoning Ordinance.
                                 III.   CEQA
      Appellants argue there was no stable project description due to late
solar panel changes, and, for this and other reasons, the FEIR failed to
adequately consider a reduced project alternative. They also argue the FEIR
did not adequately analyze and/or mitigate various environmental impacts.
They do not establish any error under CEQA.
A.    Applicable Law
      1.    CEQA and the EIR
      “ ‘ “The basic purposes of CEQA are to: [¶] (1) Inform governmental
decision makers and the public about the potential, significant environmental
effects of proposed activities. [¶] (2) Identify ways that environmental
damage can be avoided or significantly reduced. [¶] (3) Prevent significant,
avoidable damage to the environment by requiring changes in projects
through the use of alternatives or mitigation measures when the
governmental agency finds the changes to be feasible. [¶] (4) Disclose to the
public the reasons why a governmental agency approved the project in the
manner the agency chose if significant environmental effects are involved.” ’ ”
(Save Our Access v. City of San Diego (2023) 92 Cal.App.5th 819, 842.)
      The “purpose of an EIR is to ‘provide public agencies and the public in
general with detailed information about the effect [that] a proposed project is
likely to have on the environment; to list ways in which the significant effects
of such a project might be minimized; and to indicate alternatives to such a
project.’ ” (Sierra Club v. County of Fresno (2018) 6 Cal.5th 502, 511-512

                                        28
(Sierra Club).) “An adequate description of adverse environmental effects is
necessary to inform the critical discussion of mitigation measures and project
alternatives at the core of the EIR.” (Id. at p. 514; ibid., citing Guidelines,

§ 151518.) An EIR also must contain an “ ‘accurate, stable and finite’ ”
project description. (SOMA, supra, 33 Cal.App.5th at p. 332.)
      2.    Standard of Review
      “ ‘In reviewing an agency’s decision to certify an EIR, we presume the
correctness of the decision.’ ” (State Water Resources Control Bd. Cases
(2006) 136 Cal.App.4th 674, 723 (SWRCB Cases).) The “burden is on the
party challenging the EIR to show it is inadequate.” (Plant Society, supra,
172 Cal.App.4th at p. 626.)
      “The standard of review in a CEQA case. . . is abuse of discretion.”
(Sierra Club, supra, 6 Cal.5th at p. 512.) An “ ‘agency may abuse its
discretion under CEQA either by failing to proceed in the manner CEQA
provides,’ ” which is reviewed de novo, or “ ‘by reaching factual conclusions
unsupported by substantial evidence.’ ” (Ibid. [on substantial evidence
review, we “ ‘ “may not set aside an agency’s approval of an EIR on the
ground that an opposite conclusion would have been equally or more
reasonable,” for . . . our task “is not to weigh conflicting evidence and
determine who has the better argument.” ’ ”].)
      The issue of “whether an EIR’s discussion of environmental impacts is
adequate” does “not fit neatly within the procedural/factual paradigm.”
(Sierra Club, supra, 6 Cal.5th at p. 513.) The “ultimate inquiry. . . is whether
the EIR includes enough detail ‘to enable those who did not participate in its

8      References to Guidelines are to the CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs.,
tit. 14, § 15000 et seq.), unless noted.

                                        29
preparation to understand and to consider meaningfully the issues raised by
the proposed project.’ ” (Id. at p. 516.) “The inquiry presents a mixed
question of law and fact. As such, it is generally subject to independent
review. However, underlying factual determinations—including, for
example, an agency’s decision as to which methodologies to employ for
analyzing an environmental effect—may warrant deference.” (Ibid.)
“[T]echnical perfection or scientific certainty” are not required. (Id. at
p. 515.) Further, “ ‘[i]nsubstantial or merely technical omissions are not
grounds for relief. [Citation.] “A prejudicial abuse of discretion occurs if the
failure to include relevant information precludes informed decisionmaking
and informed public participation, thereby thwarting the statutory goals of
the EIR process.” ’ ” (Banning Ranch Conservancy v. City of Newport Beach
(2017) 2 Cal.5th 918, 942 (Banning Ranch).)
      “[I]n a factual dispute over ‘whether adverse effects have been
mitigated or could be better mitigated’ (citation),” the agency’s conclusion is
“reviewed . . . for substantial evidence.” (Vineyard Area Citizens for
Responsible Growth, Inc. v. City of Rancho Cordova (2007) 40 Cal.4th 412,
435 (Vineyard).)
B.    Project Description and Alternatives
      1.    Additional Facts
      The DEIR described the Project as a “solar energy generation and
storage facility” with a “capacity of up to 90 MW [megawatts] of AC
[alternating current] generating capacity.” The proposed footprint was 643
acres, with “[a]pproximately 300,000 photovoltaic (PV) modules” (i.e., solar
panels). The DEIR stated “final PV module selection would be determined
during the . . . Project’s final engineering process.”

                                        30
      The following objectives were identified: to develop a solar energy and
storage project with a 90 MW AC capacity; maximize an applicable federal
tax credit; support the state’s renewable energy generation and storage goals;
develop a “utility-scale solar energy project” that “improves electrical
reliability for the San Diego region” and “supports the economy by investing
in the region and creat[ing] construction jobs”; and situate the Project in an
area with “excellent solar attributes.”
      The DEIR analyzed the Community Buffer Alternative, Reduced
Project Alternative, and a No Project Alternative. It also addressed and
rejected six alternatives because “they did not accomplish most . . . objectives”

or would cause greater impacts.9
      The FEIR continued to describe the Project as a solar generation and
storage facility, and listed the same objectives as the DEIR. It indicated the
footprint was reduced due to the increased setbacks, with the Community
Buffer Alternative now at 604 acres. The FEIR also addressed the solar
panels, stating the DEIR was based on using monofacial panels, explaining
the Project would now use modules that were bifacial and had increased
wattage (385 watts to 540 watts), and describing the bifacial panel
dimensions. But it also still said the proposed Project would use
“[a]pproximately 300,000” solar panels, which Respondents contend here was
“accidental[ ]” and a “scrivener’s error.”

9     These were: the ECO Substation Connection Alternative (No
Switchyard) (noted above); Energy Efficiency Ordinance; Distributed
Generation and Storage Policy (Rooftop Solar Panels); Wind Energy;
Alternative Locations; and Community Buffer with Southwest Corner
Expansion.

                                          31
      The FEIR summary and sections on energy impacts, emissions, and
project alternatives all noted the use of bifacial panels and increased wattage.
Each cited Appendix V to the FEIR, titled “Energy Generation Technical
Memorandum” (Appendix V). Prepared by BayWa, it stated the “amount of
electricity that a facility will produce” (i.e., direct current or DC) differs from
the “power capacity (nameplate capacity)” (i.e., AC), and standard DC/AC
ratios range from 1.2 to 1.4. It noted both power generation and the DC/AC
ratio “depend[ ] [on] site conditions” and other issues. It explained the
Community Buffer Alternative could still supply 90 MW AC on its reduced
footprint of 604 acres, because there was “sufficient acreage” for a ratio of 1.2
to 1.4 (indicating the ratio was 1.23, based on 110.57 MW DC). Addressing
whether a “more significant [acreage] reduction” could still yield 90 MW AC,
it stated the Community Buffer Alternative was “very close to the minimum”
ratio and a “20% reduction in acreage could be expected to reduce AC
nameplate capacity by approximately 20%.”
      In analyzing the project alternatives, the FEIR determined the
Community Buffer Alternative would “generally meet all project objectives,”
and reiterated “[t]echnological improvements (bifacial modules and increased
module wattage)” would allow it to maintain 90 MW AC capacity. It found
the Reduced Project Alternative would have a 23 percent reduction to the
footprint, with a “corresponding reduction” in AC capacity to 70 MW. It
further found battery storage capacity “would also likely be reduced,” and
although this alternative would generally meet project objectives, it would

not achieve most objectives “to the extent” of the proposed Project.10

10    It also rejected the six additional alternatives, and three more
alternatives in responses to comments (“Reduced Project – Northern Focus
                                        32
      The Planning Commission Hearing Report noted the change to bifacial
panels, and said the Community Buffer Alternative would use 291,000 solar
panels.
      The Board hearing was set for August 18, 2021. On August 16,
appellant Osborne sent an e-mail to a County supervisor and staff. He
asserted the “math is off,” citing Appendix V and two other solar projects
(Viking Energy in Imperial Valley and Aramis Solar in Livermore Valley),
and stated the Project “only really needs to be about 360-375 acres to get
90MW.” The following day, counsel for Human Kind sent the Board a letter
raising similar concerns, and also citing Appendix V.
      Also on August 16, BayWa provided a further energy memorandum
(noted in our zoning discussion) that addressed the solar panel number and
other solar projects. It said the 300,000 figure was “based upon the initial
design,” with 385-watt panels; 540-watt panels are larger; and the “site
cannot fit 300,000 540 W modules.” It stated the Community Buffer
Alternative “would install approximately 200,000 to 220,000 modules . . . .”
As for the other solar projects, it provided a comparison chart with several
projects including Viking, Amaris, and Jacumba Solar, showing a range of 9.6
to 4.1 acres-per-MW AC ratio (with the Project at 6.71). But it also explained
the Project’s “acres-to-MW ratio cannot be extrapolated” from other projects,
because output depends on the “technology” and “environmental constraints.”
It noted a “major constraint on the Project’s acres-to-MW ratio” is the site’s
“irregular shape,” which renders the periphery unusable, and that it is
“broken into 4 distinct areas” causing “more peripheral requirements such as
fence, setbacks, and roads.”

Alternative”; “Jacumba Community Alternative”; and “Reduced PV Panel
Height Alternative”).

                                       33
      On August 17, ZGlobal submitted a letter regarding energy and other
issues (also noted in our zoning discussion), which addressed the solar panel

information in the FEIR and Appendix V.11 It cited the 300,000 solar panel
number (and 291,000 Community Buffer number) to assert the Project will be
“overbuilt for 90 MW AC” delivery. It stated that with 540 watt panels and a
DC/AC ratio of 1.28, a total of 213,864 panels will be needed (or 208,600
panels, at a 1.25 ratio). It also asserted only 487 or 475 acres would be needed,
based on panel dimensions and a “20% security factor.”
      At the Board hearing on August 18, an attorney for developer JVR
addressed ZGlobal’s view that the Project would be overbuilt, stating that
was based on 300,000 panels and confirming they would use “between
200,000 and 220,000” panels.
      The County adopted the Community Buffer Alternative. In its CEQA
Findings, it found this alternative “lessens significant impacts . . . while still
achieving the objectives of the Project.” It found the Reduced Project
Alternative was infeasible for multiple, independent reasons, including that
it would “generate less energy”; “reduce the number of jobs that would be
created”; “lessen . . . energy storage capabilities,” and reduce the Project’s
ability to assist the state in this regard; and “fail to fully utilize an area of the
County with high Direct Normal Irradiation” (thus also failing to maximize
clean energy generation).

11    Respondents contend “ZGlobal does not attest to any expertise
designing utility scale solar projects.” The ZGlobal letter’s author, Brian
Rahman, listed his title as Executive Director of Engineering and stated he
has “been directly involved with renewable project developments over the
past 15 years.”

                                         34
         In the MUP, the County described the Project as a 604-acre solar
facility with a capacity of 90 MW AC, but still indicated there would be
291,000 solar panels.
         2.    EIR Project Description
         Appellants contend the Project did not have a stable description,
because “at the last minute JVR altered the number and type of PV panels.”
This argument does not fairly describe the record, and we are not persuaded
by it.
         “ ‘[A]n accurate, stable and finite project description is the sine qua non
of an informative and legally sufficient EIR.’ ” (SOMA, supra, 33 Cal.App.5th
at p. 332, italics omitted.) “The description must include the project’s precise
location and boundaries; a statement of the project’s objectives and
underlying purpose; a general description of the project’s technical, economic,
and environmental characteristics; and a statement describing the EIR’s
intended use. (Guidelines, § 15124, subds. (a)-(d).) “Whether the EIR
contains an accurate and stable project description is a question of law
subject to de novo review.” (Save Our Capitol! v. Dept. of Gen. Services (2023)
87 Cal.App.5th 655, 673 (SOC).) The “governing principal is whether the
project description may have thwarted the public’s ability to participate in
the process and comment meaningfully on the EIR.” (Id. at p. 674.)
         We conclude the EIR provided an accurate, stable, and finite project
description, notwithstanding the solar panel changes and the lack of an
updated panel number in the FEIR and MUP.
         The Project was consistently described as a solar energy generation and
storage facility with a capacity of 90 MW AC, and there were no changes to
its location or objectives. (See, e.g., Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters
v. City of Los Angeles (2022) 76 Cal.App.5th 1154, 1179 (Carpenters) [project

                                          35
“from inception through approval, was a mixed-use commercial/residential
project”; only changes were “composition and ratio of the residential to
commercial footprint,” but “overall size . . . remained consistent, and the site
remained the same”]; SOMA, supra, 33 Cal.App.5th at pp. 333-334 [EIR
“described one project—a mixed-use development . . . with two options for
different allocations of residential and office units”].)
      Although the Project size was reduced, the FEIR explained why:
increased setbacks were incorporated, and comparable energy capacity was
possible by using bifacial solar panels with increased wattage (540 watts,
rather than 385). (Cf. Carpenters, supra, 76 Cal.App.5th at pp. 1184–1185
[final EIR “by necessity will contain new information”].) Appendix V to
FEIR, cited repeatedly within it, supplied further information on energy
capacity, including explaining why less acreage would be insufficient. (See
California Oak Foundation v. City of Santa Clarita (2005) 133 Cal.App.4th
1219, 1239 [EIR text “should refer to the appendices that contain the relevant
discussion”].) The FEIR also noted the bifacial, higher-wattage solar panels
in its analysis of project alternatives, reflecting it considered the correct
panels in this regard.
      After public comments indicated the FEIR still said there were 300,000
panels, BayWa clarified this was not possible given the size of the 540-watt
panels and there would only be 200,000 to 220,000 panels. This was
consistent with ZGlobal’s estimate that using 540-watt panels to achieve
90 MW AC should require 208,600 to 213,864 panels. Respondents’
position—that the lack of an updated panel number in the FEIR was a
scrivener’s error—is thus supported by this record. (Cf. Tiburon Open Space
Committee v. County of Marin (2022) 78 Cal.App.5th 700, 758 [agreeing
omission was “ ‘at most, a scrivener’s error’ ”].) Appellants do not establish

                                        36
this typographical error, or BayWa’s subsequent clarification, impaired the
“public’s ability to participate in the process and comment meaningfully on
the EIR.” (SOC, supra, 87 Cal.App.5th at p. 674; see East Sacramento
Partnerships for a Livable City v. City of Sacramento (2016) 5 Cal.App.5th
281, 292 (East Sacramento) [petitioner “failed to show . . . slight increase in
housing units precluded meaningful decisionmaking or public comment”];
City of Irvine v. County of Orange (2015) 238 Cal.App.4th 526, 542-543 [lack
of updated traffic analysis did not render jail expansion project description
unstable].)
      For similar reasons, Appellants also do not establish the related
typographical error in the MUP (i.e., stating there would be 291,000 panels)
reflected any impediment to the County’s decisionmaking. (See East
Sacramento, supra, 5 Cal.App.5th at p. 292; cf. Mount Shasta Bioregional
Ecology Center v. County of Siskiyou (2012) 210 Cal.App.4th 184, 226 [that
“overall water usage on the [p]roject may have been understated in the DEIR
would not appear to preclude informed decisionmaking”].)
      Appellants’ remaining arguments do not persuade us to reach a
different result.
      First, Appellants contend the “public objected repeatedly to the
County’s confusing and conflicting descriptions of the Project’s parameters.”
They rely on a string of record citations without explanation (Rule
8.204(a)(1)(B)), and the citations do not support the point anyway. Two are
DEIR comments; in one, a community group inquired about the solar panel
selection, and in the other, Human Kind’s counsel objected to the proposed
Project scope. One citation is to the Planning Commission Hearing Report,
which noted the change to bifacial panels, but did not state there was public
concern. The remaining documents are the August 2021 letters from

                                       37
Appellant Osborne and ZGlobal. If anything, these letters confirm the public
was able to comment on the use of the bifacial, higher-wattage panels, and
their implications for the Project. (See SOC, supra, 87 Cal.App.5th at
pp. 673-674.)
      Second, citing the August 2021 BayWa memorandum, Appellants
contend JVR only belatedly admitted other projects used less acreage; the
County had a “duty to ascertain” if JVR could “reduce its acreage and . . .
achieve its 90 MW target”; and these issues contributed to the County’s
alleged failure to consider if the Reduced Project Alternative could attain the
Project objectives. We disagree. The BayWa memorandum made clear that
acreage-to-MW ratios from other projects could not be extrapolated to this
Project. Further, BayWa and ZGlobal agreed on the approximate number of
540-watt panels needed; they disagreed on the acreage required, and only
BayWa addressed issues like the site’s irregular shape. (Cf. Chico Advocates
for a Responsible Economy v. City of Chico (2019) 40 Cal.App.5th 839, 851
[criticism of study in EIR “amount[ed] to nothing more than a disagreement
among experts”].) More generally, the record reflects the County had
adequate information about the solar panels and Project space requirements,
including in the FEIR, to assess the Reduced Project Alternative.
      Finally, the cases cited by Appellants involve significant shifts in
project descriptions and are thus distinguishable. (See County of Inyo v. City
of Los Angeles (1977) 71 Cal.App.3d 185, 197, 199 [description of “small-scale
groundwater” extraction was “dwarfed” by broader proposals elsewhere in
EIR; “incessant shifts among different project descriptions . . . vitiate[d]
the . . . process as a vehicle for intelligent public participation”]; North Coast
Rivers Alliance v. Kawamura (2015) 243 Cal.App.4th 647, 652-654, 665-666
(Kawamura) [state agency certified EIR to eradicate an invasive pest, but

                                        38
“ ‘at the last minute’ ” approved a program to control it, and EIR had declined
to evaluate the control alternative]; SOC, supra, 87 Cal.App.5th at pp. 670,
678 [description for State Capitol Annex replacement “satisfied . . . CEQA
except with its description of the new Annex’s exterior design,” which was not
disclosed to be glass until final EIR; this impeded public input on “project’s
most controversial aspect—its impact on historical resources”].)
      3.    Analysis of Alternatives
      Appellants contend the County lacked a reasonable explanation for
rejecting the Reduced Project Alternative. We disagree.
      An “EIR must ‘describe a range of reasonable alternatives to the
project . . . which would feasibly attain most of the basic objectives of the
project but would avoid or substantially lessen any of the significant effects of
the project . . . .’ ” (In re Bay-Delta etc. (2008) 43 Cal.4th 1143, 1162-1163.)
The “ ‘range of feasible alternatives shall be selected and discussed in a
manner to foster meaningful public participation and informed decision
making.’ ” (Kawamura, supra, 243 Cal.App.4th at pp. 666-667.) “Courts will
defer to an agency’s selection of alternatives unless the petitioners
(1) demonstrate that the chosen alternatives are ‘ “ ‘manifestly unreasonable
and . . . do not contribute to a reasonable range of alternatives,’ ” ’ and
(2) submit evidence showing the rejected alternative was both ‘feasible’ and
‘adequate,’ because it was capable of attaining most of the basic objectives of
the project . . . .” (SOMA, supra, 33 Cal.App.5th at p. 345.)
      First, Appellants argue the County rejected the Reduced Project
Alternative “without a reasoned explanation supported by the record as to
why [its 481 acres] was too small,” and “erroneously assumed” it would yield
only 70 MW AC capacity and greater acreage was needed for 90 MW. As
noted above, they also contended the County failed to address if this

                                        39
alternative could feasibly attain most Project objectives. These contentions
lack merit. The BayWa memoranda (Appendix V to the FEIR, and in August
2021) supplied evidence, not just assumptions, to support these energy
capacity findings. But capacity was not the only focus of the alternatives
analysis. Rather, the FEIR fully analyzed the Reduced Project Alternative,
and found it would not achieve most objectives to the same extent as the
proposed Project. The County then found the Reduced Project Alternative
was infeasible for multiple reasons, including reduced job creation and energy
storage.
      Appellants have not shown the County’s adoption of the Community
Buffer Alternative was unreasonable, or that there is evidence the Reduced
Project Alternative could “attain[ ] most of the basic objectives of the project.”
(SOMA, supra, 33 Cal.App.5th at p. 345.) We therefore defer to the County’s
selection. (Ibid.) Further, the cases Appellants cite involve failures to
discuss alternatives, which did not occur here. (See Kawamura, supra,
243 Cal.App.4th at pp. 666, 669-670 [EIR failure to assess “control” as
alternative to pest eradication project “infected the entire EIR”]; Habitat &
Watershed Caretakers v. City of Santa Cruz (2013) 213 Cal.App.4th 1277,
1305 [EIR “failed to discuss any feasible alternative . . . that could avoid or
lessen the significant environmental impact of the project on the City’s water
supply”].)
      Second, Appellants also state in the factual summary of their opening
brief that “roof-top PV panels coupled with batteries” are a feasible
alternative to a solar project. This assertion does not meet appellate briefing
standards and the reply brief section on rooftop solar is too late (Rule
8.204(a)(1)(B); Badie, supra, 67 Cal.App.4th at pp. 784-785; Raceway, supra,
2 Cal.5th at p. 178.) Moreover, Appellants do not address the FEIR’s

                                        40
rejection of the “Distributed Generation and Storage Policy (Rooftop Solar
Panels)” alternative (i.e., for being outside County control and insufficient to
meet most objectives), nor show that this rejection was erroneous.
C.    Biological Resources
      Appellants contend the County did not sufficiently consider the input of
wildlife agencies, and did not adequately analyze and/or mitigate multiple
biological resource impacts (i.e., tricolored blackbird; vegetation communities;

“pseudo-lake” effect; “heat island” effect; and wildlife connectivity).12 They
do not establish any lack of analysis or sufficient mitigation.
      1.    Additional Facts
      The County, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW),
and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) were parties to a
“Planning Agreement for the North and East County Multiple Species
Conservation Program (MSCP) [P]lans” (MSCP Planning Agreement). It
incorporated an Interim Review Process to ensure development projects did
not compromise future MSCP Plans. That process stated, in part, that within
30 days after a project review meeting, the agencies “shall provide input to
the [County] as to whether either agency believes the project may potentially
conflict with the conservation objectives of the [MSCP] Planning Agreement.”
      As later described in the FEIR, the County met with the wildlife
agencies on April 18, 2019 and March 19, 2020 to discuss the Project, and the
agencies “did not provide a list of follow up comments or questions within
30 days” after either meeting.

12    Appellants’ arguments regarding the biological impacts and easement
overlap somewhat. We address each properly-raised point once, and do so in
the place that seems most logical for our discussion.

                                       41
      In December 2020, CDFW and USFWS provided comment letters on
the DEIR. CDFW’s letter was lengthy, and we address certain portions in
later sections. Pertinent here, it identified impacts to “Species of Special
Concern” (SSCs or special-concern species) including the tricolored blackbird,
burrowing owl, and others. It recommended the County “include SSC-specific
mitigation measures” in the FEIR, including surveys, and that the County
require a “tricolored blackbird mitigation plan” be submitted to CDFW for
review. USFWS provided a brief letter addressing avian mortalities at solar
facilities, and attached a 2016 federal report on the issue. It recommended a
“Bird and Bat Conservation Strategy,” including “post-construction mortality
monitoring.”
      The FEIR addressed biological impacts and mitigation in detail, and
included an appendix with a biological resources technical report. The FEIR
stated information was obtained through a literature review that included
CDFW and USFWS databases, as well as field surveys by Dudek biologists.
The surveys included “habitat assessment and focused surveys for burrowing
owl” and other species. The FEIR found the Project was “planned in
accordance with the [MSCP] planning principles” and in “consideration of . . .
a future MSCP East County Plan,” and included a table showing areas of
MSCP consistency. It also found, as noted, that the agencies did not follow
up with the County within 30 days of their meetings, as contemplated by the
Interim Review Process.
      On mitigation, the FEIR described eleven measures, including
biological monitoring (M-BI-1); habitat preservation through the biological
easement (M-BI-3); a Resource Management Plan for “long-term
management” of the easement (M-BI-4); a measure to avoid impacts to

                                       42
nesting and burrowing birds, and certain other animals, which included pre-
construction surveys (M-BI-5); and bat surveys and avoidance (M-BI-6).
      The FEIR also provided detailed responses to the agencies. Among
other things, it acknowledged CDFW’s concern about special-concern species
surveying and that it recommended CDFW review of a tricolored blackbird
mitigation plan. For the special-concern species, it noted mitigation
measures already incorporated surveys, and said M-BI-5 was revised to
provide additional surveying and relocation. For tricolored blackbird
mitigation, it cited M-BI-3 and M-BI-4, and said clarifying text was added to
the FEIR regarding impacts to their foraging habitat. Regarding USFWS’s
input on avian mortalities, the FEIR explained that risk was low here (as we
discuss post in addressing the “pseudo-lake” effect). As for USFWS’s
recommended “Bird and Bat Conservation Strategy,” the FEIR found it was
not required, citing existing mitigation measures that would reduce bird and
bat impacts below significance.
      At the August 18, 2021, Board hearing, a County staff member stated
the Board received a letter from CDFW “late yesterday evening.” The record
contains what appears to be this letter (although it is dated August 18, not
August 17). CDFW “apologiz[ed] for the lateness,” and sought to identify
“shortcomings” with the Project and “disagree with some responses” to its
December 2020 letter. For example, it noted the Project had not done small
mammal trapping, but rather proposed preconstruction surveys, and it was
thus “unknown if the proposed habitat conservation” would be sufficient. It
also noted it recommended the County “require a tricolored blackbird
mitigation plan be submitted to CDFW,” and there had been no such
outreach. Additionally, CDFW said it “would appreciate additional time” to
meet with the County and USFWS before Board approval, regarding impacts

                                      43
to species potentially covered under “forthcoming East County [MSCP],” and
stated this would “be consistent” with the MSCP Planning Agreement. The
County staff member described and responded to the letter at the hearing.
      2.    Wildlife Agency Input
      Appellants contend in their opening brief that CDFW and USFWS
“took issue with [the] adequacy” of the EIR analysis, citing their DEIR
comments. They then cite CDFW’s August 18, 2021 letter to contend it
“timely advised” the County of Project shortcomings, including the County’s
purported “failure to abide” by the MSCP Planning Agreement or “conduct[ ]
the surveys, [or] provide[ ] the mitigation measures required under that
agreement . . . .” Appellants do not establish the FEIR’s analysis of wildlife
impacts is deficient based on the agency input.
      As a preliminary matter, Appellants did not meet their burden in
briefing this issue, and we deem it forfeited. Their opening brief does not
fairly address the substance of these agency DEIR comments or FEIR
responses, the FEIR discussion of the MSCP Planning Agreement, or CDFW’s
August 18 letter, and their newly raised contentions on reply, including as to
small mammal trapping, are too late. (Cf. Plant Society, supra,
172 Cal.App.4th at p. 626 [“burden is on the party challenging the EIR to
show it is inadequate”]; cf. SWRCB Cases, supra, 136 Cal.App.4th at p. 790
[“To successfully challenge the EIR, the . . . parties need to show that the EIR
does not adequately address specific mitigation measures . . . . They cannot
make that showing if they ignore the EIR, as they have here.” (Italics
omitted.)]; Raceway, supra, 2 Cal.5th at p. 178.)
      Even if the issue were not forfeited, the arguments lack merit.
      First, the fact that wildlife agencies raised concerns about the DEIR
does not mean the FEIR’s wildlife analysis or mitigation was inadequate.

                                       44
(Cf. North Coast Rivers Alliance v. Marin Municipal Water Dist. Bd. of
Directors (2013) 216 Cal.App.4th 614, 643 (North Coast) [“ ‘evidence of a
disagreement with other agencies is not enough’ ” to show lack of support for
CEQA findings]; Plant Society, supra, 172 Cal.App.4th at p. 626 [accord,
reduction of impacts from mitigation].)
      Here, the FEIR explained how the biological information was collected,
set forth a number of mitigation measures, and provided thorough responses
to the DEIR comment letters. The County was entitled to rely on this
showing, notwithstanding agency concerns. (See California Oak Foundation
v. Regents of University of California (2010) 188 Cal.App.4th 227, 267, fn. 22
(California Oak) [CEQA “ ‘does not require a lead agency to . . . perform all
recommended research”; “ ‘that additional studies might be helpful does not
mean that they are required’ ”]; North Coast, supra, 216 Cal.App.4th at
p. 643 [reversing EIR inadequacy finding based on district’s failure to follow
water sampling recommendation]; Banning Ranch, supra, 211 Cal.App.4th at
p. 1233 [city did need not “acquiesce to different mitigation measures”
proposed by federal agency or “anyone else”].)
      Second, Appellants’ contentions regarding CDFW’s August 18 letter are
unpersuasive as well. On timing, we disagree the letter was timely for
purposes of agency input, just because it was filed during the administrative
proceeding (as Appellants suggest). Indeed, CDFW acknowledged its
“lateness.”
      On the substance, CDFW did not state the County “fail[ed] to abide” by
the MSCP Planning Agreement. It said that allowing additional time to meet
with the agencies before final approval would “be consistent” with the
agreement. The County could reasonably disagree. It met with the agencies
in 2019 and 2020; they did not timely follow up under the Interim Review

                                      45
Process; and it could find CDFW’s request for extra time on the day before
final approval was too late. CDFW also did not state its recommended
surveys and mitigation measures were based on the MSCP Planning
Agreement (as Appellants imply), and Appellants do not establish any failure
to consider this input regardless. CDFW did raise surveys and mitigation in
its DEIR comment, but the FEIR responded, and when the CDFW pursued
the issues in its August 18, 2021, letter, county staff addressed them at the
hearing.
      3.    Tricolored Blackbird Habitat
      Appellants contend the FEIR “glosses over the Project’s destruction of
at least 593 acres of tricolored blackbird foraging habitat,” “dismisses this
impact as insignificant because other habitat would remain,” and “ignores . . .
that this species became imperiled due to habitat loss . . . .” They also
contend the biological easement is inadequate to mitigate these and
vegetation impacts. Appellants do not establish either the analysis or
easement mitigation measure was inadequate.
      We begin with the FEIR analysis. CDFW’s comment letter on the
DEIR noted the loss of foraging habitat, and asked for clarification. The
FEIR acknowledged the “loss of foraging habitat is identified as one of the
reasons for the decline in tricolored blackbird,” and the Project “would impact
593.5 acres of potential foraging habitat for tricolored blackbird . . . within
the Project site.” It explained potential foraging habitat did remain, citing
studies regarding their habitats (and habits), and stating there were
hundreds of acres on-site and thousands of acres within miles of the Jacumba
pond (where the tricolored blackbirds were previously seen nesting).
      But the FEIR further acknowledged the impact on tricolored blackbirds
would be “potentially significant,” and, as noted, identified the biological

                                        46
easement and Resource Management Plan as mitigation measures. The
FEIR stated the easement had over 420 acres of “suitable foraging habitat”
(including “[n]atural insect populations” in its vegetation communities), and
the final Resource Management Plan required tricolored blackbird
monitoring. It elsewhere noted the “tricolored blackbird was observed in the
[biological] easement,” and the vegetation types being used for mitigation in
the easement were “expected to provide foraging habitat” for species
including them. It was through mitigation that the FEIR found the “impacts
would be reduced to less than significant.”
      We conclude this analysis was sufficient. (Sierra Club, supra, 6 Cal.5th
at pp. 514, 516.) The portion of Vineyard cited here by Appellants involved
an insignificance finding, not mitigation below significance, and does not offer
guidance here. (Vineyard, supra, 40 Cal.4th at pp. 448-449 [no substantial
evidence that river habitat impacts were insignificant].)
      Appellants also do not show the biological easement was insufficient to
mitigate impacts to tricolored blackbirds or vegetation communities. The
FEIR stated the easement would encompass 435 acres “of sensitive
vegetation communities, special-status plant species, and habitat for special-
status species,” and “preserv[e] compensatory habitat that provides equal or
greater benefit to plant and wildlife species.” As noted, the Resource
Management Plan for the easement included tricolored blackbird monitoring;
it also included special status plant mitigation. In the MUP, the County
found “[b]iological impacts will be mitigated by an on-site open space
easement area which will preserve 435 acres of existing vegetation in
perpetuity.” Its CEQA Findings similarly stated “[i]mpacts to biological
resources . . . would be reduced to less than significant with suitable
mitigation.”

                                       47
      First, Appellants argue that mitigation that “prevents additional
habitat loss” does not “undo” net habitat loss, citing a CEQA policy to
“ ‘[p]revent the elimination of . . . wildlife species’ ” due to human activity.
(§ 21001, subd. (c).) They analogize to an apartment building, contending
that “removing one block of apartments . . . is not reduced to insignificance”
by promising not to remove another block. To the extent Appellants are
disputing habitat easements are suitable for biological mitigation, we
disagree.
      “CEQA does not require mitigation measures that completely eliminate
the environmental impacts of a project. Rather, CEQA permits mitigation
measures that would substantially lessen the significant environmental
effects of the project. [Citation]. The Guidelines, in turn, provide that
mitigation may include ‘[c]ompensating for the impact by replacing or
providing substitute resources or environments . . . .’ ” (Save the Hill, supra,
76 Cal.App.5th at p. 1117.)
      Habitat preservation has been used to mitigate impacts for wildlife and
vegetation. (See Friends of Kings River v. County of Fresno (2014)
232 Cal.App.4th 105, 125 (Kings River) [case law has “recognized offsite
preservation of habitats for endangered species as an accepted means of
mitigating impacts on biological resources”]; Mira Mar Mobile Community v.
City of Oceanside (2004) 119 Cal.App.4th 477, 495-496 [coastal sage scrub
was adequately mitigated through on-site habitat preservation and other
measures, notwithstanding net loss of 0.23 acres].) Further, “ ‘mitigation
need not account for every square foot of impacted habitat to be adequate.’ ”
(Save Panoche Valley v. San Benito County (2013) 217 Cal.App.4th 503, 527-
528 [disagreeing that preserving wildlife habitat at a particular ratio was
inadequate; substantial evidence supported “determination that . . .

                                        48
mitigation lands appropriately reduced” impacts to species]; see Banning
Ranch, supra, 211 Cal.App.4th at pp. 1232-1233 [coastal sage scrub mitigated
at 2:1 ratio].)
      Appellants’ reliance on King & Gardiner Farms, LLC v. County of Kern
(2020) 45 Cal.App.5th 814 is misplaced. The case involved an agricultural
conservation easement, and held it was inadequate to mitigate extensive
farmland impacts (but, rather, merely “prevents the future conversion” of
land). (Id. at p. 875.) Save the Hill rejected the plaintiff’s reliance on King &
Gardner to challenge a habitat easement, not just due to the greater acreage
loss (as Appellants suggest)—but, “[m]ore importantly,” based on the CEQA
mitigation principles discussed above. (Save the Hill, supra, 76 Cal.App.5th
at pp. 1114, 1117; id. at p. 1116 [offsite easement was adequate compensatory

mitigation for permanent habitat loss].)13
      Second, Appellants argue agencies must assure mitigation “provides a
‘substitute’ for habitat loss,” and summarily assert the EIR “never
demonstrated that the wildlife whose known habitat will be destroyed will
ever use the different habitat . . . .” They further assert an “actually

13     Appellants’ other arguments regarding Save the Hill fare no better.
They claim it recognized a habitat easement is “functionally similar” to an
agricultural one and subject to similar scrutiny, but just cite its parenthetical
description of Kings River (which mentioned only similar function, not
scrutiny). (Save the Hill, supra, 76 Cal.App.5th at p. 1117.) Appellants also
suggest the easement discussion was dicta because the plaintiff abandoned
its claim, but the abandoned habitat claim appeared to be a different issue
and, either way, the court still elected to address it. (Compare id. at p. 1113
[adequacy of mitigation analysis for shrimp habitat], with p. 1117 [adequacy
of offsite mitigation]; cf. Masry v. Masry (2008) 166 Cal.App.4th 738, 741
[dicta “can be persuasive”].)

                                       49
‘comparable’ ” habitat “will already be fully occupied, because nature abhors a
vacuum.” (Italics omitted.)
      The adequacy of a mitigation measure is a factual issue, subject to
substantial evidence review, and these unsupported assertions are not
enough to place the issue before us (nor are Appellants’ newly raised points
on reply). (Vineyard, supra, 40 Cal.4th at p. 435; Defend the Bay, supra,
119 Cal.App.4th at p. 1266 [appellant “challenging an EIR for insufficient
evidence must lay out the evidence favorable to the other side and show why
it is lacking,” and “[f]ailure to do so is fatal”]; Raceway, supra, 2 Cal.5th at
p. 178.)
      Nonetheless, we note the FEIR did discuss evidence supporting
tricolored blackbird use of the biological easement, including studies
regarding their foraging habitats, findings that the vegetation and its insect
populations would provide such habitat, and a finding that tricolored
blackbird was observed in the easement area. (See Association of Irritated
Residents v. County of Madera (2003) 107 Cal.App.4th 1383, 1397 [“The
biological report (which discusses the field survey, the [agency database]
query and the conclusions [the biologist] reached from this data) constitutes
substantial evidence supporting the determination reached in the FEIR and
the finding adopted by the board that, as mitigated, the dairy will not
significantly affect the kit fox.”].)
      Third, Appellants argue the biological easement is “merely the site
acreage that is too steep, rocky, uneven or isolated” to be utilized for the solar
panels, citing a map of the Project site. Respondents argue this claim is
“misleading,” and state the easement has a number of vegetation
communities, waters to provide hydrologic connections, and adjacent

                                        50
parkland. Appellants do not establish the selection of the easement land
undermines its adequacy for mitigation purposes.
      Finally, we address a point raised by Respondents. They contend the
tricolored blackbird issue is moot because their nesting habitat at Jacumba
Pond was destroyed, citing a June 2021 Dudek memorandum. The
memorandum stated the pond was their “only known nesting location” in this
part of the county; it was converted for human recreation, with vegetation
changes; and if it was not restored, the Project “would not result in any
impacts to tricolored blackbird.” Although we already concluded Appellants
have not established error as to the tricolored blackbird, the memorandum
provides further support for affirmance. (Cf. Hixon v. County of Los Angeles
(1974) 38 Cal.App.3d 370, 377–378 [preparation of EIR for tree removal
project was moot, where removal and replacement was complete].)
      4.    Vegetation Communities
      Appellants also contend the FEIR erroneously found the biological
easement mitigated impacts to desert saltbush scrub, tamarisk scrub, and
fallow agricultural land, based on unmet mitigation ratios. However, as
Appellants acknowledge on reply, the FEIR used “ ‘out-of-kind’ ” mitigation to
meet these ratios. Although we deem forfeited their belated attempt to show
out-of-kind mitigation was inadequate (Raceway, supra, 2 Cal.5th at p. 178),
we elect to explain why it is unpersuasive.
      The FEIR identified several vegetation communities on the Project site,
including the three at issue (desert saltbush scrub, tamarisk scrub, and
fallow agriculture), desert sink scrub, mesquite bosque, and more. In
describing the biological easement mitigation measure (M-BI-3), the FEIR
included a table with vegetation mitigation ratios, impacted acres, required
mitigation acres, and easement acres. The desert saltbush scrub ratio was

                                      51
2:1 (i.e., two mitigation acres per one impacted acre), tamarisk was 3:1, and
fallow agriculture was 0.5:1. For each, the easement acres met only part of

the mitigation acres, if at all.14 But the FEIR explained mitigation would be
“out-of-kind,” and described how other vegetation communities would “be
conserved as mitigation for impacts to desert saltbush scrub, tamarisk scrub

and fallow agriculture.”15
      Responding to a CDFW comment on the DEIR regarding out-of-kind
mitigation, the FEIR indicated use of the “out-of-kind vegetation
communities” is “in accordance with the County’s Guidelines for Determining
Significant Biological Resources” (Biological Guidelines). It explained the
County’s Biological Guidelines “state[ ] that ‘out of kind’ habitat may be
appropriate where the biological function and value of the habitat used for
mitigation is similar” to the impacted habitat. The FEIR concluded impacts
to sensitive vegetation communities would be reduced to less than significant
with mitigation. CDFW’s August 18, 2021 letter noted the out-of-kind
mitigation, but stated only that impacts on special-concern species were
unknown “absent a more complete biological inventory.”

14    The full table data was as follows: For desert saltbush scrub, the ratio
was 2:1; the impact was 50.39 acres; required mitigation was 100.78 acres;
and easement acreage was 4.69 acres. For tamarisk, the ratio was 3:1; the
impact was 1.11 acres; required mitigation was 3.33 acres; and there was no
easement acreage. For fallow agriculture, the ratio was 0.5:1; the impact was
467.63 acres; required mitigation was 233.82 acres; and easement acreage
was 9.35 acres.

15    For example, the desert saltbush scrub deficit “is mitigated through . . .
desert sink scrub (12.43 acres), mesquite bosque (24.46 acres), and Sonoran
mixed woody and succulent scrub (59.20 acres).”

                                       52
      As noted, the County found biological impacts would be reduced below
significance with mitigation, including the biological easement. Its MUP
findings included the FEIR table showing the vegetation mitigation ratios
and related information, but did not describe the out-of-kind mitigation.
      Even if we considered Appellants’ belated arguments on reply, they do
not show out-of-kind mitigation was inadequate here.
      First, citing the vegetation mitigation table in the MUP findings, they
argue the County’s “specific habitat mitigation standards” cannot be
“disregarded through . . . ‘out-of-kind habitat,’ ” and “require a particular
ratio of replacement habitat of the same kind . . . .” (Italics omitted.) But the
County found the easement reduced biological impacts below significance,
and adopted the EIR, so we can infer it found the out-of-kind mitigation
utilized in the EIR adequate. Further, as the FEIR explained, the County’s
Biological Guidelines contemplate use of out-of-kind mitigation when
appropriate.
      Second, Appellants argue the “County’s failure to adhere to its own
requirements . . . prompted CDFW to object that . . . out-of-kind habitat” does
not assure adequate mitigation for special-concern species, citing the August
18, 2021, CDFW letter. CDFW did not address the County’s “own
requirements,” which, again, permit out-of-kind mitigation. Although CDFW
did indicate impacts on special-concern species would be unknown without a
further biological inventory, the County was not required to conduct one.
(California Oak, supra, 188 Cal.App.4th at p. 267, fn. 22.)
      5.    “Pseudo-Lake” Effect
      Appellants next argue the FEIR improperly dismisses as speculative
USFWS’s concern that the “ ‘pseudo-lake effect’ ” of solar energy projects

                                       53
could impact avian mortality. Appellants do not establish the FEIR’s
analysis was inadequate or its conclusion unfounded.
      First, the record reflects ample analysis of the pseudo-lake effect.
USFWS’s DEIR comment letter stated “[s]everal utility-scale solar projects in
the Mojave Desert . . . reported significant avian mortalities,” and attached a
2016 federal agency report. The report said researchers “hypothesized” birds
try to land on solar panels “as though they were a body of water,” and either
perish from the collision or are unable to take off again. The report
acknowledged recent studies mostly focused on wind energy; “no published
studies . . . directly addressed” solar facilities; and use of “ad hoc
methodologies” could lead to mortality estimates that are “insufficiently
accurate” to inform conversations about impacts.
      The FEIR addressed the pseudo-lake effect, including in response to
USFWS and in the biological resources technical report. It found there was
“little scientific information” on the effect, and a “detailed discussion of the
impacts would be speculative.” It also identified factors that would minimize
collision risk: the Project site was not located near water, it was not a major
part of the Pacific Flyway migratory path, and the solar panels would be
“dark in color, coated to be non-reflective, and designed to be highly
absorptive of all light” (so “may not appear like water”). In response to
USFWS, the FEIR acknowledged the 2016 report, but reiterated there is a
“low risk of a pseudo-lake effect.” The biological technical resources report
addressed the effect too, and noted the “lack of data” on avian impacts from
solar facilities.
      On August 16, 2021, Dudek provided a further memorandum on avian
fatalities. It addressed a comment to the Planning Commission on the issue,
which cited research studies and documents from another solar project, and

                                         54
explained this information did not contradict the EIR findings. It also
described a recent study that did address avian fatalities at solar projects and
found there was a lack of insight into their causes. Dudek concluded “the
EIR’s conclusion remains accurate—a detailed discussion of avian collision
risk with the Project’s solar panels is speculative.”
      Accordingly, Appellants do not establish the EIR analysis was
inadequate. (Plant Society, supra, 172 Cal.App.4th at p. 626.)
      Second, Appellants also contend the FEIR lacked support to conclude
the pseudo-lake effect was speculative, citing the 2016 report attached to the
USFWS comment. But the FEIR acknowledged the 2016 report and still
found the risk was low, and the Dudek memorandum addressed a later study
that was consistent with the FEIR’s conclusions. (See North Coast, supra,
216 Cal.App.4th at p. 643 [agency disagreement insufficient to show lack of
substantial evidence under CEQA].) Appellants relatedly contend developer
“JVR’s claim that its experimental and unproven ‘anti-reflective’ panel
coating would kill fewer birds, by contrast, lacks supporting agency review.”
The EIR did not state there would be avian fatalities that the coating would
reduce; it found the coating was one reason fatality risk would be low in the
first place. Appellants cite no authority that another agency had to review
that finding, and identify no other grounds to call it into question.
      6.      “Heat Island” Effect
      Appellants argue the FEIR mentions the “heat island” effect “only . . .
in passing” and “ignor[es] the specific impacts on vulnerable birds and insects
on which they feed.” Appellants do not establish the FEIR analysis is
inadequate.
      First, the FEIR did address the heat island effect, and reasonably
determined it would not cause harm to the environment.

                                       55
      During the DEIR comment period, a number of commenters, including
the California State Parks’ Colorado Desert District and Anza-Borrego Desert
State Park (State Parks), CDFW, and multiple individuals, raised concerns
about the heat island effect. The State Parks stated “[l]arger solar power
plants increase local temperatures” up to 4 degrees Celsius (i.e., around
40 degrees Fahrenheit), citing a 2016 journal article. CDFW stated “[l]arge
solar panel arrays are known to emit levels of heat that can harm birds,”
citing a different study.
      The FEIR addressed the heat island effect in global responses and
responses to the commenters. Pertinent here, in a global response on the
heat island effect, it acknowledged the solar panels would peak at 158
degrees in summer, but said they “are designed to absorb light energy” and
cited a 2013 study finding panels cool at night, temperatures dissipate with
height and distance, and a heat island effect was unlikely. The response
addressed the 2016 journal article cited by the State Parks, noting it did not
address “temperatures at a distance” and did involve “solar panels . . . over
unvegetated ground” (whereas the Project site would be revegetated). The
response concluded there was “no evidence any possible increase in ambient
temperature . . . would significantly impact” the environment. In a separate
global response on biological impacts, the FEIR determined “there are no
known studies that show a minor increase in ambient temperatures would
affect wildlife.”
      Additionally, on August 16, 2021, JVR’s counsel submitted a letter to
the Board, with additional responses on issues including the heat island
effect. The letter attached a 2018 report from one of the authors of the 2016
article cited by the State Parks, which found the “spatial extent of the effect

                                       56
is constrained” and “[b]olstering . . . vegetation . . . will mitigate the [heat
island] effect.”
      Thus, Appellant do not establish any failure to address the heat island
effect or its impacts. (See Plant Society, supra, 172 Cal.App.4th at p. 626.)
      Second, Appellants assert the FEIR “ignor[es] the specific impacts on
vulnerable birds and the insects on which they feed,” but rely on multiple
record citations without elaboration. The FEIR did not ignore environmental
impacts generally, as discussed above, and Appellants forfeit their point
about “specific impacts” by not providing reasoned argument. (Badie, supra,
67 Cal.App.4th at pp. 784.) We would reject it regardless. Their citations
include the State Parks DEIR comment and USFWS-provided 2016 article on
the pseudo-lake effect, but neither specifically addressed heat island impacts
on birds or insects. Although the CDFW letter (not cited by Appellants here)
did raise a concern about heat harming birds, the FEIR addressed it, in part
by referring to the heat island global response.
      7.     Wildlife Connectivity
      Finally, Appellants claim the FEIR “dismisses [the State Parks’]
comment that the Project may interrupt wildlife migration between the
[p]eninsular ranges of the adjacent Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Wilderness to the north and the mountains in Mexico to the south,” and that
“[l]oss of this connectivity” has various negative impacts. Their FEIR
discussion in their opening brief is cursory at best, and their argument is
unpersuasive regardless.
      We start with the FEIR, which did analyze wildlife connectivity
impacts, including in response to the State Parks. The pertinent State Parks’
DEIR comments were brief. They stated “[d]evelopment such as this project
in the San Diego border region fragments habitat and threatens wildlife

                                         57
corridors,” and that “environmental review of this project must include the
wildlife connectivity through the Peninsular Ranges between Mexico and the
United States.”
      The FEIR’s biological resources technical report stated the Project will
“ensure the preservation of a north/south movement corridor for wildlife
traversing under the I-8 (M-BI-3) and provides an east/west movement
corridor along the SDG&E easement with a dedicated access point north of
the easement (M-BI-3).” The report and the FEIR elaborated on how the
movement corridors would work (e.g., north-south along a floodplain), and
how the biological easement fence was designed to permit wildlife entry in
and out. The FEIR further stated the Project was “designed to maintain
movement corridors” and the area would remain “predominantly rural with
significant undeveloped areas and wildlife movement opportunity.”
      Responding to the State Parks, the FEIR acknowledged their comment
that the Project’s environment review “must include the wildlife connectivity
through the Peninsular Ranges”; stated this did not raise an issue as to DEIR
adequacy or require a response; and, regardless of the accuracy of that
statement (which Appellants dispute), still provided a response. In addition
to summarizing the wildlife movement information referenced above, it noted
the easement fence opening “would allow wildlife . . . to find a break in the
fencing leading them into the larger wildlife corridor in the Peninsular
Ranges between Mexico and the United States.”
      The FEIR concluded there were potentially significant wildlife
connectivity impacts, but with mitigation, they would be less than significant.
Accordingly, Appellants do not establish the FEIR failed to adequately
analyze wildlife connectivity impacts. (Plant Society, supra, 172 Cal.App.4th
at p. 626.) Their specific points here also lack merit.

                                       58
         First, Appellants contend the FEIR’s response to the State Parks
falsely repeated a claim from the DEIR that “ ‘wildlife is not constrained to
travel through the area.’ ” They do not establish any inaccuracy. Both the
DEIR and FEIR response stated that “[g]iven the undeveloped land to the
north and east, the Project site does not currently serve as a local or regional
wildlife corridor since wildlife is not constrained to travel through the area.”
Viewed in context, they were discussing conditions before the Project, not
after.
         Second, Appellants dispute wildlife can “go elsewhere,” asserting
“[e]ach net loss matters.” But as the FEIR explained, the Project maintains
existing corridors (with modifications to the biological easement fence to
facilitate passage). Further, we already rejected their net loss argument in
the tricolored blackbird context, explaining CEQA does not require mitigation
to “completely eliminate” impacts. (Save the Hill, supra, 76 Cal.App.5th at
p. 1117.)
         Third, they cite the State Parks letter to argue that “[l]oss of this
connectivity prevents seasonal migration and impairs genetic diversity,
harming and potentially extirpating mammals such as the Peninsular
bighorn sheep whose survival depends on this migratory corridor.”
         However, the State Parks letter does not say the stated concerns exist
at the Project site, including for the Peninsular bighorn sheep. It mentions
sheep twice: to note a prior land acquisition was meant to buffer a water
source for them, and to state wildlife corridors through the Project footprint
“could be mitigation measures that benefit species . . . like the big horn
sheep”—suggesting it considered mitigation a feasible means to address
impacts that did occur. Meanwhile, the biological resources technical report
stated the Peninsular bighorn sheep “has not been identified in the area

                                          59
previously.” And, even if such concerns did exist, the FEIR concluded wildlife
connectivity impacts would be mitigated below significance.
D.    Cultural Resources
      Appellants contend the FEIR did not complete government-to-
government consultation with the Manzanita Band of the Kumeyaay Nation
(Manzanita Band or Tribe) or “respond in good faith” to their concerns, and,
due partly to these alleged failures, the Project’s analysis of cultural
resources was deficient. They do not establish any lack of required
consultation or analysis.
      1.     Additional Law and Facts
      Pursuant to the Assembly Bill No. 52 (Assembly Bill 52) process, CEQA
requires that a lead agency consult with a Native American tribe affiliated
with a project area before certifying the EIR, if the tribe requests
consultation within 30 days of notification of the project. (Ruegg & Ellsworth
v. City of Berkeley (2021) 63 Cal.App.5th 277, 305, fn. 17; § 21080.3.1,
subd. (b).) A separate Government Code process (Senate Bill 18) “requires a
city or county prior to amending a general plan to consult with affected . . .
tribes,” if they request consultation within 90 days. (Clover Valley
Foundation v. City of Rocklin (2011) 197 Cal.App.4th 200, 221; Gov. Code,
§ 65352.3, subd. (a)(1), (2).)
      According to the FEIR, a certified letter initiating government-to-
government consultation was mailed on February 5, 2019, and the Tribe
requested consultation on May 3, 2019 (thus meeting only the Senate Bill 18
deadline). The County sent e-mails to the Tribe’s historical preservation
officer, Lisa Haws, and its chairperson, Angela Elliott-Santos, “request[ing]
meeting dates . . . on January 7, 2020, February 25, 2020, and on April 27,

                                       60
2020.” The FEIR stated “[n]o responses were received by the County, and

consultation was concluded on May 27, 2020 due to a lack of response.”16
      On November 16, 2020, a Manzanita councilman, Johnny EagleSpirit
Elliott, sent an e-mail stating they were preparing comments and requesting
information. On December 7, 2020, Haws submitted a DEIR comment letter
on behalf of the Tribe. The letter raised various concerns, including about
the description of historical population movement, cumulative impacts, and
mitigation. It said the comments were “preliminary” and “additional
comments will be provided during government-to-government consultation,”
explaining Haws e-mailed a County staff member on December 2, 2020, about
Elliot’s request, was told the staff was preparing a response, and was not
given a target date. The letter did not address the communications in 2019
and early 2020.
      The FEIR contained sections on cultural and tribal resources, as well
as an appendix with a cultural resources report and responses to tribes that
submitted comments. It found no “tribal cultural resources” (TCRs) or
significant archaeological sites were identified, and the Project “would not
contribute to a significant cumulative impact to cultural resources.” It
acknowledged there was the “potential for inadvertent discovery of TCRs,”
but found mitigation would reduce the impact to less than significant.
Mitigation measures include M-TCR-2 (archaeological and tribal monitoring),
which incorporated construction monitoring by the Project archaeologist and
a Kumeyaay monitor who could halt operations.

16    The FEIR is unclear as to whether the meeting requests were sent on
the identified dates, or the meetings were requested for those dates, but is
clear no response was received by May 27, 2020, either way.

                                      61
      The FEIR provided a thorough response to the Manzanita Band.
Regarding government-to-government consultation, it described the
communication chronology and, as noted, stated consultation was concluded
on May 27, 2020 “due to lack of response.” It further indicated that because
the Project no longer sought to amend the general plan, Senate Bill 18 did
not apply. It then stated that “[a]lthough formal consultation is not
required,” the “County looks forward to working with Manzanita should
consultation be required as a result of an inadvertent discovery.” It repeated
similar language elsewhere in the response. The response also addressed the
Tribe’s concerns. For example, it stated the FEIR was revised to elaborate on
historical population movement and to include tribal consultation language
in the mitigation measures. For cumulative impacts, it referred them to the
FEIR analysis of potential impacts to tribal and cultural resources.
      On August 17, 2021, the day before the Board hearing, Haws provided
a further comment letter from the Manzanita Band. It stated the County
statement about government-to-government consultation being concluded on
May 27, 2020 due to a lack of response was “not valid,” citing the tribe’s
November and December 2020 input, subsequent communications, and a
general FEIR comment on tribal consultation under Assembly Bill 52. It did
not address the context for the FEIR’s explanation about consultation being
concluded (i.e., the Tribe’s failure to timely request Assembly Bill 52
consultation in 2019, or to respond to Senate Bill 18 meeting requests in
early 2020). The letter also continued to raise substantive concerns, and
asserted impacts to cultural and tribal resources were “minimized” and the
EIR analysis was “segmented to further reduce and negate any impacts.”

                                       62
      2.    Analysis
      First, Appellants contend the County did not complete government-to-
government consultation with the Manzanita Band. They acknowledge the
County claimed the Tribe missed a consultation deadline and failed to
respond to meeting requests, but contend the Tribe made a “renewed request
for consultation” and the County “refused to reopen” it. Their position lacks
merit.
      Appellants do not appear to dispute the County’s determination that
consultation concluded under the tribal consultation statutes on May 27,
2020 (or that Senate Bill 18 no longer applies). Rather, they suggest the
County should have reopened consultation at the Tribe’s request. But they
cite no authority mandating consideration of a renewed consultation request,
and for the Tribe’s part, it denied that consultation ever concluded—without
explaining the missed deadline in 2019 and unanswered meeting requests in
early 2020. Appellants’ belated justification for the unanswered requests in
its reply brief here (that COVID-19 interfered) amounts to speculation, which
is not evidence. (Cf. Pocket Protectors v. City of Sacramento (2004)
124 Cal.App.4th 903, 928.) We conclude the County properly determined the
formal consultation process ended in May 2020. (See § 21080.3.2, subd. (b)
[“consultation shall be considered concluded” when, inter alia, a “party,
acting in good faith and after reasonable effort, concludes that mutual
agreement cannot be reached”]; § 21082.3, subd. (d) [lead agency may certify
EIR if tribe “failed to request consultation within 30 days”].)
      Second, Appellants do not establish the FEIR failed to respond in good
faith to the Manzanita Band, or otherwise provided an inadequate analysis of
the cultural and tribal resources. (Plant Society, supra, 172 Cal.App.4th at

                                       63
p. 626.) As described above, the FEIR analyzed those resources in detail,
including by addressing the Tribe’s DEIR comments.
      Appellants’ specific points here also lack merit. After describing
concerns from the Manzanita Band’s August 17, 2021 letter, they cite the
FEIR response to its DEIR comments to contend the FEIR “essentially
dismissed” their concerns and yet stated the “County looks forward to
working with Manzanita should consultation be required.” They also claim
the FEIR omitted “cumulative cultural impacts.” This characterization of the
FEIR is confusing and inaccurate. The FEIR did respond to the concerns
timely raised in the Tribe’s DEIR comment letter, including cumulative
impacts. As for the “looks forward” comment in the FEIR response,
Appellants omit the concluding language: “should consultation be required
as a result of inadvertent discovery.” Such discoveries were an identified
concern in the FEIR, and mitigation measures incorporated tribal input.
      Appellants also argue generally that CEQA “requires EIRs to
specifically address impacts on ‘tribal cultural resources,’ which include ‘sites,
features, places, cultural landscapes, sacred places and objects with cultural
value,” but they do not provide reasoned argument on any specific deficiency
(other than cumulative impacts, which, again, the FEIR addressed). On
reply, they maintain it was sufficient for them to quote from the Tribe’s
August 17, 2021 letter, and attempt to address factual points not raised in
their opening brief. We disagree, and deem the points forfeited. (Badie,
supra, 67 Cal.App.4th at pp. 784-785; cf. Groundwater Cases, supra,
154 Cal.App.4th at p. 690, fn. 18 [it is “ ‘inappropriate for . . . appellate brief

                                         64
to incorporate by reference documents . . . from the proceedings below’ ”

(italics omitted)]; Raceway, supra, 2 Cal.5th at p. 178.)17
      Finally, Appellants cite Save Agoura, supra, 46 Cal.App.5th 665, but
the case is procedurally and factually distinguishable. There, the Court of
Appeal affirmed the set-aside of a negative declaration for a mixed-use
project that improperly deferred mitigation for a prehistoric archaeologic site,
and held an EIR was required. (Id. at pp. 686-690.) Here, there was an EIR
that analyzed cultural and tribal resources; no tribal cultural resources or
significant archaeological sites were identified; and the EIR still implemented
measures to mitigate impacts.
E.    Agricultural Resources
      Appellants argue the Project’s impacts on agricultural resources are
“significant and yet inadequately studied and mitigated.” The FEIR
determined agricultural impacts were not significant under the County’s
Local Agricultural Resources Assessment (LARA) model, and no mitigation
was required. Appellants do not establish this determination was
inadequate.
      The FEIR addressed the Project site’s historical farming operations and
available farmland, the LARA model, and how it applied here. Historically,
part of the site was used for agriculture from 1954 through 2012 or 2014,
with a 22-year fallow period from 1980 to 2002. The site has around “600
acres . . . available for agricultural use.” This includes around “34%
Department of Conservation Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program
(FMMP) Important Farmland” (including “35.3 acres of Farmland of Local

17    We have a comment on one reply point. Appellants note the Tribe’s
concern about a “segmented” analysis, but cite no authority that addressing
cultural and tribal resources separately is inadequate.

                                       65
Importance, 275 acres of Prime Farmland, 143.4 acres of Farmland of
Statewide Importance, and 4.3 acres of Unique Farmland”). Most of the site
is “ ‘Other Land,’ . . . defined as land that does not meet the criteria of any
other FMMP category.”
      As for the County’s LARA model, the FEIR explained it is meant to
“captur[e] the unique and varied character of San Diego agriculture.” It uses
“three Required Factors (water, climate, and soil quality) and three
Complementary Factors (surrounding land uses, land use consistency, and
slope),” and each factor “receives a rating of high, moderate, or low
importance” based on “site-specific” information. The final LARA result is
based on a “combination of . . . ratings,” in accordance with a table in the
County’s Guidelines for Determining Significance – Agricultural Resources
(Agricultural Guidelines). According to the table, one “low” rating means a
resource is not an important agricultural resource.
      The FEIR stated the Project is rated moderate on water, climate, and
soil quality, high on surrounding land uses and slope, and low on land use
consistency. It explained the land use consistency rating is due to the
median parcel size within the Project site exceeding the median parcel size in
the applicable surrounding zone by 10 acres or more. Thus, it concluded, the
“Project site does not have important agricultural resources, as defined by the
LARA Model”; agricultural impacts “would be less than significant”; and no
mitigation is necessary. It elsewhere noted the site could return to
agriculture after decommissioning.
      Appellants dispute the FEIR’s application of the LARA model “land use
consistency factor,” and contend multiple record portions “refute” land use
inconsistency. These arguments lack merit.

                                        66
      With respect to the LARA model, Appellants argue the FEIR
“acknowledges the site scores well on five of six factors,” but claims it is not
an important agricultural resource on the “sole grounds it scores ‘Low’ on the
sixth factor, ‘land use consistency’ ” because “nearby Jacumba’s poor
residents own small lots.” This argument disregards the FEIR’s explanation
that a single low rating causes a “not significant” LARA result, as well as its
description of how the low rating was determined here (i.e., 10-plus acre
parcel size difference).
      Appellants’ arguments that the record supports land use consistency
disregard the LARA model and are not persuasive regardless.
      First, they argue Jacumba’s “tiny lots pose no threat to this farmland;
they have peacefully coexisted for nearly a century next to this farm without
encroaching upon it.” The FEIR did acknowledge the historical farming
operations, but land use consistency under LARA turns on parcel size, not
coexistence. Further, the County’s Agricultural Guidelines elaborate on the
reasoning for using this factor; namely, urbanization impedes commercial
agriculture.
      Second, Appellants argue “large parcels predominate for miles in all
other directions, yielding a ‘[h]igh’ score on ‘surrounding land uses.’ ”
Surrounding land use is a distinct LARA model factor, and does not limit the
effect of the low rating for land use consistency.
      Third, they contend the Subregional Plan and Vision Statement
“designate farmland a consistent land use, and indeed, seek to ‘reinforce the
rural small town character of the area, which includes agriculture . . . as [an]
important element[ ] of the community.’ ” They also argue the FEIR “ignores
the Project’s own ‘land use inconsistency,’ admitting elsewhere the site must
eventually ‘return’ to a use consistent with the General Plan” (citing the

                                        67
FEIR statement that the land must “return to a use that is consistent with
the [Zoning Ordinance] at the time of dismantling”].) These arguments
appear to conflate the issue of consistency with planning documents (Clews,
supra, 19 Cal.App.5th at p. 201), with the issue of land use consistency based
on parcel size under the LARA model. Further, we already concluded the
Project was consistent with the Subregional Plan and Vision Statement, and
rejected Appellants’ argument that the FEIR language regarding dismantling
reflected an implicit admission of zoning inconsistency.
      Fourth, Appellants assert the low land use consistency rating
“trivializes the California Department of Conservation’s recognition of this
farmland as significant.” They cite no authority that the County must
consider the farmland categories, nor elaborate on what the categories mean
or how they relate to the LARA model, and their citation to a comment letter
without explanation does not suffice. (See Badie, supra, 67 Cal.App.4th at
pp. 784-785; Groundwater Cases, supra, 154 Cal.App.4th at p. 690, fn. 18.)
We note the FEIR and County’s Agricultural Guidelines do address these
matters. Both explained the farmland “categories are based on local soil
characteristics and irrigation status,” and the Guidelines further indicated
that soil types factor into the LARA soil quality rating—not land use
consistency.
      Finally, Appellants’ argument that the FEIR fails to mitigate
agricultural impacts rests on their assumption that the impacts are
significant. Because they have not shown that, they establish no failure to
mitigate, either, and we need not address their authorities in this regard.
(See North Coast, supra, 216 Cal.App.4th at pp. 649–650 [where energy
impacts would be insignificant, the EIR did not need to discuss particular
alternative mitigation measure].)

                                      68
F.    Additional Issues in Appellants’ Statement of Facts
      Appellants’ Statement of Facts contains a section titled “The Project
Would Have Severe Environmental Impacts.” Although certain points relate
to impacts they raise in their argument section, they allege additional
impacts too: (i) wildfire risk, including due to lithium ion batteries; (ii) other
battery risks; (iii) impacts to Jacumba Airport; (iv) groundwater; (iv) flooding;
(v) electrocution; (vi) emissions; and (vii) aesthetic resources.
      Respondents contend Appellants forfeited these points by not raising
them in their argument section. On reply, Appellants characterize them as
“historic, background and contextual facts,” and state “[a]ll of the arguments
raised in this appeal are set forth in the ‘Argument’ section.” We conclude
Appellants have forfeited any arguments based on the above issues. (See
Rule 8.204(a)(1)(B); Badie, supra, 67 Cal.App.4th at pp. 784-785.) We note
Appellants mention certain of these issues in their General Plan Policy 18.3
argument (i.e., fire and other battery risks, airport impacts), and elect to
explain why their contentions regarding these issues lack merit.
      First, Appellants argue the Project “creates severe wildfire hazards in
an extreme high-fire hazard zone,” citing prior wildfires in the area. They
also argue the Project “would impede wildfire suppression,” because fire
fighters will have “to wait for fire[s] to burn out . . . .” Appellants do not
establish the FEIR failed to adequately consider or mitigate wildfire risk.
      The FEIR determined wildfire risk would be potentially significant, but
would be mitigated below significance with mitigation measures including an
attached Fire Protection Plan. Appellants criticize the plan for, among other
things, relying on “dated (2006),” “generic,” and ineffective California Public
Utilities Commission protocols. This appeal is not a proper vehicle to
criticize prior enactments by other agencies. The FEIR also explained why

                                        69
fires would be allowed to burn out: the Project’s batteries would be
“located . . . to avoid contact with other flammable sources,” so the “most
efficient way to control any fire would be to let it burn in place.” The FEIR
found elsewhere that the Project would not significantly impact emergency

response plans.18
      Second, Appellants argue the Project uses “needlessly fire-prone and
toxic lithium ion batteries,” citing risks like toxic fumes and “thermal
runaway,” even though a “less hazardous type of battery was already in use
in nearby Campo” (i.e., iron flow batteries). They rely in part on public
comments, including one that cites an article about a battery fire at a Tesla
factory in Australia. This showing does not establish the FEIR discussion of
battery safety was inadequate, or call into question the developer’s decision
to use lithium ion batteries.
      The FEIR described how the Project’s battery storage system was
“designed to minimize the risks of starting a fire.” It noted, in part, they
would be using “[l]ithium-ion nanophosphate batteries” that had proven “less
vulnerable to fire . . . than typical [l]ithium-ion batteries” and whose
“chemistry . . . substantially reduces the possibility of thermal runaway” (i.e.,
batteries heating faster than they can cool). Lay concerns about lithium ion
batteries do not undermine these findings. (See Newtown Preservation
Society v. County of El Dorado (2021) 65 Cal.App.5th 771, 791 [“lay opinion

18     Appellants make an opposed request for judicial notice of a journal
article regarding wildfire impacts on greenhouse gas reductions. We decline
to take notice, as the article is not relevant to disposition of this appeal.
(Superior Court v. County of Mendocino (1996) 13 Cal.4th 45, 59, fn. 7
[denying judicial notice of irrelevant material].)

                                       70
based on technical information that requires expertise does not constitute
substantial evidence”].)
      As for the battery selection, the August 2021 BayWa memorandum
noted a commenter asked about iron flow batteries at Campo, and stated
“lithium-ion batteries are the leading technology for utility-scale battery
energy storage systems”; they are “already safely operating” elsewhere in the
County; and iron-flow batteries are “still a nascent technology . . . .”
Developer JVR could reasonably conclude lithium ion batteries were a safe
and preferable option.
      Third, Appellants argue the FEIR “fails to disclose that placing
collision hazards around the end of [the Jacumba Airport] runway” is
dangerous because its main use is by glider planes with unstable flight paths
(while also stating the FEIR “claims planes in distress could land in the
narrow strips between the solar arrays”). They cite comments from the glider
airport director, Alasdar Mullarney, who expressed concerns about limited
space for emergency landings, the need to jettison cables in emergency
situations, and other issues.
      The FEIR did acknowledge the airport was “mainly used as a glider
facility,” addressed potential hazards, and found the Project was consistent
with the Jacumba Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP). It
explained the ALUCP addressed emergency landings for light aircraft via
open land requirements, and the Project site had nearly 24 acres available
(four times the amount required under the applicable criteria). The FEIR
also contained a global response on airport impacts, which noted Mr.
Mullarney’s input. Appellants establish no lack of disclosure or analysis
here, either.

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                             DISPOSITION
     The judgment is affirmed. Respondents will recover their costs on
appeal.

                                                   HUFFMAN, Acting P. J.

WE CONCUR:

DATO, J.

KELETY, J.

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