Sarah Owsowitz

Background

About Sarah Owsowitz

I am of counsel in Best Best & Krieger LLP’s Environmental Law and Natural Resources practice group. My practice focuses on California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) advice and litigation, with a particular concentration on urban decay, climate change, water supply, and cultural resource issues. I represent both public and private clients in administrative proceedings and litigation involving CEQA, as well as state and local planning and zoning laws. In particular, I have substantial experience in obtaining entitlements and preparing and defending environmental impact reports for large-scale development projects, hospital retrofits and renewable energy projects. Prior to joining Best Best & Krieger, I was with Cox Castle & Nicholson and Morrison & Foerster and, before that, for nearly seven years, served as a Deputy City Attorney for the City and County of San Francisco. Accomplishments Successfully defended against challenges to the adequacy of environmental impact reports and site plans for large-scale grocery stores in Venturans for Responsible Growth v. City of Ventura (2013)[upublished decision]; Erickson et. al. v. City of Clovis (2012)[unpublished decision]; Citizens for Responsible Growth v. City of Bakersfield (2010)[unpublished decision] and Tracy First v. City of Tracy (2009) 177 Cal.App.4th 912. Successfully defended against an attempt to file a challenge to a water supply assessment in California Water Impact Network v. Newhall County Water District et al.(2008) 161 Cal.App.4th 1464. Activities Past member of the executive committee of the State Bar of California Real Property Section Practice Areas Environmental Law & Natural Resources, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Local CEQA Guidelines, Air Quality, Litigation, Appellate Practice Litigation, Municipal Law Specialties: CEQA and Land Use Litigation, Appellate Law, Historic Preservation, Water Supply Planning Law, Retail Land Use