How The Plan to Lock the Greater Equestrian Community Out of the Rohr Park Horse Arena Was Hatched
- Susan Heavilin
- 11 hours ago
- 4 min read
Let's start at the very beginning of this story.
Transfer of Land
Vera L. Lyle, County Recorder at that time, recorded Quitclaim Deed 84-400979 on October 24, 1984. In consideration for the Covenant of Operation and Maintenance, the County of San Diego "hereby remise, release and forever quitclaim"—ed Assessor's Parcel 593-240-20, 22, 23 & 25 to the City of Chula Vista. The recorded document was mailed to the City Clerk of the City of Chula Vista, the new owner.
That's the history of the land transfer from the County of San Diego to the City of Chula Vista.
That said land is the very land that the current Rohr Park Horse Arena sits on. Once under the guardianship of the County, now the redheaded stepchild of the City.
"To be treated like a "redheaded stepchild" means to feel like an outcast or the "black sheep" of a family or group. The phrase implies a deep level of resentment and unfair treatment, suggesting the individual is not a legitimate part of the group and is undeserving of fair treatment or affection.—AI
Covenant of Operation & Maintenance
Done deal. Or is it? Shall we take a closer look at the Covenant of Operation and Maintenance?
The Covenant has two and only two requirements: Operation and Maintenance.
Operation
Operation (1): The property shall FOREVER be operated .... for RECREATIONAL PURPOSES for the BENEFIT AND USE of ALL RESIDENTS OF THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO.
This forever item outlines the operation of the property. The horse arena was already affixed to the land, therefore it is intended to be part of the land. Horse riding is considered an Equestrian Sport and also has a Recreational Use. All equestrians involved in this matter currently live in the County of San Diego. Removing the only available public-use horse arena in the area, and replacing it with a sport field of which there are already many in existence, is not to the benefit of County residents. It could be construed as a possible benefit to Chula Vista residents only but this Covenant explicitly refers to ALL residents living in the County of San Diego. This breaches the intended use of the land and the benefit to all residents, including equestrians. Therefore, the operational use with this latest proposed Master Plan change is a VIOLATION.
Maintenance
Maintenance (2): The said property shall FOREVER be maintained at a level of maintenance EQUAL TO OR ABOVE that of other improved parks of the City of Chula Vista but in NO EVENT shall the annual maintenance expenditures ... be LESS THAN SIXTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($60,000. at 1984 value)
I have heard it said many times by staff that the arena has never been maintained by the park employees. I can vouch that the maintenance has always been done by the horse folk. That $60K + could be used for landscaping, footing repairs before a horse show, viewing bleachers for horse or dog events, or even timer lights so that the equestrians could ride after sunset until the park closes at 10PM. A minimal $60,000 x 41 years calculates to Chula Vista owing the equestrians a fair share of that cool $2,460,000. According to the internet, inflation has TRIPLED that amount to $190K a year, or currently $7,790,000. As far as the maintenance clause goes, the City of Chula Vista is massively in VIOLATION.
Violation
Violation of this Covenant shall entitle the County of San Diego to REENTER AND REPOSSESS the property.
The final Deed Agreement of the Covenant discusses VIOLATION of which there is not one, but two. The City of Chula Vista was a poor custodian and failed miserably on its promises. The greater equestrian community never received any maintenance on their arena and surrounding property or monies to improve the facility.
A Plan is Hatched
So while the horse folk were blissfuly enjoying their arena, a backroom plan was in the works to lock them out of their playground. This information is Public Record so I thought it may be of public interest.
Unbeknownst to them, Sunnyside Saddle Club President, Richelle Farley, was emailing City of Chula Vista Park Supervisor, Daniel Schreck.
In her "Urgent" email, she had inquired of Mr. Schreck how she could protect the footing of the arena until the next horse show. Other equestrians—who used the arena more frequently than the Saddle Club's six or so yearly shows—were referred to as "the public." If the arena truly belonged to the Saddle Club 100% as their associates always state, why was Mrs. Farley writing "during the season when it is open"?
Mr. Schreck responded that she could leave it closed and he would notify her of any complaints. Would this be considered a special favor? I believe this date is when Mrs. Farley started locking the arena, before she could secure a license. There were no signs posted to alert "the public" who to call. Later on, camera's would be installed so police could be called on anyone in or near the arena.
So this was the starting point in May 2023, followed by the Saddle Club working behind the scenes with the City of Chula Vista to transfer use of the arena from public to private control. Community Board Members kept the activity concealed until it had been done. The deciding Council Meeting vote was done as a consent item (instant pass) with no discussion from the equestrian community because they hadn't a clue what had been stolen from them.
Thanks for getting the facts out!