Smith event venue (Item 17)

Lifelong Buttes resident said roads are dangerous, noise from similar venues is already unbearable, and 850 people in a fragile ecosystem contradicts decades of protecting the Buttes.

Lives directly opposite the site; raised noise, traffic, trash, parking with one way in and out, and drinking-and-fire danger concerns for up to 850 guests.

Smith's neighbor on Pass Road; worried about traffic control, trash, litter in her driveway, trespassers, rattlesnakes, property values, and slow emergency response.

Argued the venue is a commercial business that doesn't fit ag zoning, will set a precedent for copycat venues, and that the Planning Commission got it right.

With nonprofit Be Extra; said not every event will hit 850 people, events would typically be alcohol-free, and the venue keeps nonprofit fundraisers in Sutter County.

Wedding photographer for years; said upscale events are controlled with licensed alcohol service, security, and luxury facilities, and keep wedding dollars local.

Said a nationally recognized mountain range in the county's backyard is an opportunity that could bring conservation events and benefit everyone if done together.

The applicant's consultant argued the project meets every county policy, the applicant is a good walnut farmer and community steward, and the venue could bring about $1 million to local businesses.

The applicant said he cares deeply about the Buttes, lives there, and insisted noise (65 dB cap), traffic, trash, and fire concerns have all been addressed with county staff.