Owner of historic ranch near Santa Paula faces lawsuit, bankruptcy
The Guzman family’s 1,800‑acre ranch near Santa Paula is sued for environmental violations and is also facing Chapter 11 bankruptcy.Summary
The Guzman family owns Hampton Canyon Ranch, 1,800 acres west of Santa Paula, and their company Santa Paula Hay & Grain and Ranches, which holds over 4,600 acres statewide. In May 2024 the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed a civil suit alleging that the family illegally altered streams, built unpermitted dams and ponds, and otherwise damaged the environment in Wheeler Canyon. The allegations include grading, removing vegetation, and placing fill in waterways without permits, actions that could increase flood, mudslide, and wildfire risks.
While the company is in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the lawsuit proceeds because it is a civil prosecution. The court may impose fines and require the Guzmans to undo the work. The bankruptcy filing lists assets worth $105 million against $39 million in debt, with significant property in Ventura County. The case highlights the tension between large agricultural operations and environmental regulations, and the potential for remediation and sale of the ranch as part of the bankruptcy plan.
(Source：Vc Star)