According to the Murrieta Press Enterprise, the southern California equine enclave’s City Council voted 5-0 to purchase an equestrian center for $2.3 million.

The city and the owner, Pasha Investments, have been negotiating since May for the 22 acres. The city will use the ranch as a park and equestrian center that will attract regional events.

"The potential for this site is very special," Mayor Gary Thomasian told the newspaper. "It's like a fine diamond; if you cut it wrong, it is ruined forever but done right it will last a lifetime."

Meanwhile, the San Juan Capistrano City Council announced that $27.5 million of a voter approved open-space bond will be used to buy 132 acres for equestrian events, among other uses. 

San Juan Capistrano Mayor Mark Nielsen wrote in a statement, “The property would be forever restricted for equestrian uses, sports fields, habitat and agricultural uses that are in use today, including the continuation of the Annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo. The agreement also provides for the potential for a permanent equestrian facility. There would be no residential, commercial or industrial uses allowed on the property, except for the potential equestrian facility.”