Save Our Uniquely Rural Com. Environment v. County of San Bernardino CA4/2

Plaintiff and appellant Save Our Uniquely Rural Community Environment (SOURCE) appeals from an award of attorney fees in a case arising under the California Environmental Quality Act (Pub. Resources Code, § 21000 et seq.), CEQA. It contends that the trial court abused its discretion when it awarded $19,176, despite SOURCE’S request for $231,098. We conclude that SOURCE has not met its burden of demonstrating an abuse of discretion, and we affirm the award.

BACKGROUND

Respondent and real party in interest Al-Nur Islamic Center is a nonprofit religious organization which intended to erect an Islamic community center and mosque in a residential neighborhood in an unincorporated area of San Bernardino County. The project was to include a 7,512-square-foot structure on 1.54 acres. The maximum occupancy of the structure was to be 262 people. SOURCE is an organization of individuals who opposed Al-Nur’s plans based on the negative environmental impact the opponents believed the project would have on the neighborhood. Following a study of the environmental impact of the proposed project, the San Bernardino County Planning Commission adopted a mitigated negative declaration…