Today’s post is a status update, in plain English.
A recent court decision split the four Native Directions projects into two categories based on the funding source. Two are funded under CCE (Adult Residential Facilities-ARF, one in Rescue, one in Shingle Springs); two under BHCIP (Perinatal SUD in Rescue and a Wellness Center in Shingle Springs). Details are on our Grant Details page, and the ruling summary is here.
What the ruling means
• CCE projects: The court said the County must process these “ministerially.” In practice, that strips out judgment calls like zoning discretion or CEQA, but objective safety/building rules still apply.
• BHCIP projects: These are not on the same ministerial fast-track and face additional conditions. They’re more likely to be delayed or blocked by zoning/environmental review.
Our read right now
• CCE: The two CCE permits (3480 Deer Valley Ct, N Shingle Rd) may move soon. For 3480, Rescue Fire has already signed off on this permit and while we disagree with that call, the County can keep processing. Only one approval shows “pending.” The Shingle Springs N Shingle Road ARF CCE file still shows “governmental delay.”
• BHCIP: These two are likely delayed (Rescue Perinatal Facility and Shingle Springs “Wellness Center”). If Native Directions can’t meet zoning/CEQA, they may walk away—but they have millions at stake, so we’ll keep watching.
What we’re doing on the CCE permits
• Pressing the County on objective safety gates (bridge load posting, encroachment/traffic control, stormwater permits) that still apply even under “ministerial.”
• A few RDV members are retaining land-use counsel to test legal options on the CCE permits.
• Investigating other possible actions
A word about process
We don’t get proactive alerts from the County. Counsel cannot discuss specifics with us; Planning must treat all parties equally. Supervisor Parlin, County Counsel Livingston, and Director Garner know we’re engaged, and we’ll keep sharing factual input.
How We Got Here
RDV started in Oct 2023 after misleading statements by HomeCA’s founder about future use of these parcels. Since then, we’ve documented facts, built a public record, and, importantly, delayed construction for more than two years. We may be able to stop the BHCIP projects. The CCE projects are tougher; we’re not quitting, but options are narrowing.
The bigger picture
State-level “ministerial” tools can override local judgment on land use. Changing that likely takes either a courtroom win or legislative reform. Use your voice! When you talk with elected officials, tell them Rescue is not the place for high-density commercial treatment centers on a single-access rural road. Use our example to push for legislative reform in order to prevent unscrupulous developers from driving commercial projects into unacceptable locations.
We’ll keep watching all four projects and report any change quickly. Thanks for sticking with us. Stay tuned.
Rescue Deer Valley! 