Manteca’s elected leaders are meeting behind closed doors today at 5 p.m. to discuss Delicato Vineyards’ lawsuit against the city,
The world’s fifth winery has filed paperwork with San Joaquin County Superior Court to challenge the City Council’s approval of the general plan update and certification of the final environmental impact report for the document designed to guide municipal growth.

The lawsuit is in addition to submitted signatures to place referendum on the March 5, 2024 ballot in  a bid to have voters reject the general plan update the council adopted in Juily.

The San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters has until Sept. 21 to verify whether they are enough valid signatures — 4,733 are needed — to trigger a citywide vote.

The Sept. 21 date is also the last time Delicato could theoretically withdraw the petitions if somehow the city and the winery are able to work out a solution.

Once signatures are verified and a petition meets the legal threshold, it is locked into going in the ballot.

The general plan update is being held in abeyance pending the outcome of the referendum process.

Delicato believes the general plan — that allows housing  within a half mile of their winery as well as  orchards, vineyards, and open land they have set aside for land disposal of winery wastewater — creates an unacceptable clash of conflicting uses.

Land disposal of agricultural  processing waste water — legal under state laws — can generate smells that urban residents often find objectional.

Winery representatives had indicated they believe the 24-hour operation that involves lights and noise will create issues if homes are built too close to the winery.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulltin.com