Terry McConnell: Chance to tell Trinitas your thoughts on almonds, wells, profits

On June 25, at the Knights Ferry Community Club, Ryon Paton and his entourage (including former Modesto Mayor Carol Whiteside) will get what he asked for in his letter to the editor, a chance to “talk with others” about Trinitas, LLC and its “commitment to responsible use of resources and the environment.”

Trinitas is a private equity investment group whose newest venture produced Trinitas Farming, with its “member farms” Trinitas Grohl and Trinitas Ardis, as described in the Annexation Agreement signed with OID. In reading that agreement, you might discover that OID general manager Steve Knell received from LAFCO a “negative declaration” saying there would be no negative impacts on the environment (air, traffic, water, etc.) as a result of the annexation.

Paton told The Associated Press that almonds represent a “multi-billion-dollar bonanza for agriculture investors.” He called the newly planted almond orchards in Stanislaus County “the classic Silicon Valley start-up,” except with nothing to do with technology. So, real estate, almond orchards, oodles of money, and, oh yes, a responsible use of resources are contributing to our community. Drive around and see the new orchards. Read about Trinitas. Talk over the impacts on groundwater, wells, noise, pesticides, etc., all during a devastating drought. Come on the 25th. They need to hear your voice.

This story was originally published May 12, 2015 at 5:41 PM with the headline "Terry McConnell: Chance to tell Trinitas your thoughts on almonds, wells, profits."