About Gary Alan
Gary Alan Patton is an attorney based in Santa Cruz, California. He was admitted to the State Bar of California on January 15, 1971, and his license status remains active. His office is located at PO Box 1038, Santa Cruz, CA 95061-1038, and he can be reached by phone at 831-332-8546. With a strong educational background, Mr. Patton earned his Bachelor of Arts in United States History from Stanford University in 1966, graduating with honors in Social Thought and Institutions. He furthered his studies at Stanford Law School, where he received his Juris Doctor in 1969. Throughout his career, Mr.
Patton has been deeply involved in environmental law and land use policy. His commitment to these areas became evident during the 1972 Proposition 20 campaign, which led to the establishment of the California Coastal Commission. This initiative marked a significant step in coastal protection and regulation. In 1975, he became the attorney for the Save Lighthouse Point campaign in Santa Cruz, a pivotal case that tested the boundaries of coastal regulation within the city. This campaign was among the first to address local environmental concerns, setting a precedent for future land use policies. From 1975 to 1995, Mr. Patton served as a Santa Cruz County Supervisor — His tenure was marked by a dedication to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
His work in coastal regulation and land use policy earned him recognition as one of the most influential figures in Santa Cruz during the twentieth century. His efforts contributed to shaping the region's approach to environmental issues, influencing both policy and public perception. In addition to his public service, Mr. Patton has been active in various environmental organizations. He served as the Executive Director and General Counsel of the Planning and Conservation League (PCL), a statewide environmental group founded in 1965. His leadership in the PCL allowed him to coordinate a statewide consortium of environmental litigators, further amplifying his impact on environmental advocacy in California. Mr.
Patton has also shared his expertise through education. He taught an introductory course in environmental law at De Anza College in Cupertino, California. His role as an educator complements his speaking engagements on environmental issues, where he has made presentations at numerous gatherings throughout California. Additionally, he provides a "Land Use Report" each weekday during NPR’s "Morning Edition" on Central Coast radio station KUSP. His written contributions include numerous articles on government and environmental protection, reflecting his ongoing commitment to these critical issues.
