Questions on Malibu Ranch's plans remain as hearing approaches

By Anya Tikka
WESTFALL — The next hearing on the proposed new "wellness center" at Malibu Dude Ranch will be held Monday, Oct. 2, at Westfall Town Hall.
The facility would provide "therapy and treatment for various physical and mental health conditions."
The intention of owner Dr. ‘Doc’ Allan Detweiler is to bring to the ranch young people who have successfully completed a drug treatment program, and have been certified drug-free by professionals, to rehabilitate and recuperate, and learn new skills that will help them to regain entry to society and jobs.
Certified therapists would supervise the program, which has a strong equine component, including outdoor riding and other activities.
While the new use is residential, it doesn’t fit the definition of a treatment center or a halfway house. Nor is it for currently addicted people, for those with mental illness, or who exhibit threatening behavior.
The difference between a wellness center and a treatment center caused some debate at the Sept. 5 hearing. Residents raised concerns over the kinds of visitors the wellness center would attract.
Residents asked mostly about safety and security:
Are ex-addicts free to leave, with the only way out past the residences? Residents said they feared break-ins if drug cravings re-emerge.
Will drug sellers or users drive right up to the ranch gate to sell drugs?
Do the new residents have criminal backgrounds, or will they be sent to the ranch as part of criminal proceedings?
Will the wellness center be a kind of half-way house?
Will guests have access to guns, or be allowed to use the rifle range at the ranch?
How will PTSD sufferers react to hearing gun shots?
Will property values fall near the wellness center?
How and who would pay for the therapy treatment, insurance, and medical personnel on the premises — taxpayers, individuals, or private insurers?
What kinds of treatments will be offered?
Will the wellness center's treatments be available for county residents?
How many people will be using the facilities?
What route will all the proposed outdoor wilderness activities, since the ranch has limited space?
Will there be prescription medications on premises? Doctors? Therapists?
How much will traffic leading to the ranch increase because of daily staff transport, noise, and road repairs?
Will the new residents be mixing with other guests?
Some residents said other treatment centers they knew of were located in the woods or other isolated areas, and not so close to residential areas.