Public Comments

Scroll down, there are many comments from many people. Click here to add your comments.

First, a quote from Woody Smeck, Superintendent Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (quote reference from 2003)

"The historic Mulholland Scenic Corridor is another attraction. As most area residents know, Mulholland Highway offers a 55-mile scenic drive through the Santa Monica Mountains from Griffith Park to Leo Carrillo State Park."

Please email Woody Woody_Smeck@nps.gov and ask why he attended the fund raiser to build an RV Park (officially known as the Reagan Equestrian Campground) in the Mulholland Scenic Corridor on historic grounds. (No disrespect intended, we love Woody, but he doesn't return emails on this issue).Update: Woody responds, read it by clicking here.

Please urge Woody to build this facility outside the scenic corridor of world famous Mulholland Highway (a state designated scenic drive). You can also contact Woody via his facebook account: http://www.hs.facebook.com/wsmeck

********************************************************************************************************************************

"Ruth Gerson did say she was pleased the state finally agreed to an equestrian campground across from Paramount Ranch, but noted she's been pushing the idea for the last 25 years and had to personally commit to raising the money to develop it to get it included in the plan."  source : Malibu Times

Ruth is owner of the Malibu Conference Center at Calimigos Ranch (definitely not a nonprofit organization)

********************************************************************************************************************************

"It has always been Mrs. Reagan’s policy that the will of the people should prevail in the matter of a public project such as this, so she will not attempt to influence the outcome one way or the other."

Source of this quote has requested confidentiality

*********************************************************************************************************************************

"I CAN WELL IMAGINE RONALD REAGAN'S DEEP DISAPPOINTMENT TO KNOW THAT AN RV PARK IS PLANNED FOR HIS BELOVED RANCH . HE LOVED IT SO MUCH. IT WAS HIS TRUE "GREAT ESCAPE."

I TOO FEEL STRONGLY THAT THE RANCH SHOULD BE PRESERVED INTACT AND I WILL SEND YOU A MODEST CHECK TOWARD THAT EFFORT. [This offer was declined]

THE RV PARK SOUNDS UGLY. REAGAN WOULD BE MOST UNHAPPY TO HEAR SUCH NEWS.

I WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK IN THIS WORTHY PROJECT."

NANCY CLARK REYNOLDS

[Nancy was a long term aide, confidante and friend to President Ronald and Nancy Reagan. She was the first woman to host the evening news of KPIX in San Francisco and conducted an interview with Reagan on the ranch in 1966. She joined the Reagan staff shortly thereafter and continued to help the Reagans throughout their White House years and is close personal friends with Mrs Reagan to this day. Click here for coverage of her 80th birthday.]

(Source of this quote was two emails sent to Ted Fulton, author of this website. Some personal details were edited but this public quote was approved by Nancy after reviewing official state park plans for Reagan's ranch)

**********************************************************************************************************************************

Hi Mr. Fulton,

I discussed this with Michael Reagan and he is supportive.
He has fond memories of this area.
Please keep us informed.

Kindly,
Larry Greenfield
Executive Director
Reagan Legacy Foundation

**********************************************************************************************************************************

Nan: Thanks for your e-mail regarding the Reagan ranch. While I have expressed support for the concept of horse camping, I have not endorsed any particular proposal since no proposal has been finalized. Any final plan will be the product of conversations with community and environmental stakeholders. In fact, the process is only beginning. I have asked State Parks to work with the communities of the area---residents and environmentalists---to insure that what is done is done with the concerns of ALL stakeholders in mind. My mind is completely open to comments and criticisms of the State proposal. I would recommend that you make your views known to Ron Schafer of the State Department of Parks and Recreation. [ rscha@parks.ca.gov ] They are the lead on this project.

Zev Yaroslavsky Los Angeles County Supervisor Third District

Zev has a great new blog Click here and vote for best picture on Zev's blog to show your support for preserving the historic Reagan Ranch and protecting the scenic Mulholland view.

**********************************************************************************************************************************

" The protection of open space has become an environmental imperative in reducing the impact of air pollution and global warming. The Santa Monica Mountains have been called "the lungs of LA," consuming carbon dioxide and cleaning the air. In fact, one of California's strategies in meeting global warming mandates is to preserve natural land.......no matter what development awaits the region, the Santa Monica Mountains will be unscathed and unscarred. "

Zev Yaroslavsky (extracted from larger quote in the Huffington Post 2 Dec 09)

**********************************************************************************************************************************

Fire Season 2010.....Memorial Day at Malibu Creek State Park

I was at MCSP on Memorial Day this past Monday. I have a photo of people cooking right by the "not permitted to cook or light fires in this area" - how do they manage to get away with this ? Is there no supervision that the rules are obeyed because the sign by the entrance of the trail says that one can get arrested for this.

Skellytm Rucky

Update June 8 2010: Ron Schafer [District Superintendent, California State Parks, Angeles District]
conscientiously investigated the above picture and found the sign had been placed in the wrong area. The problem has been corrected. The sign was intended to inform park patrons that BBQ's are prohibited from backcountry areas of Malibu Creek State park. BBQ's in picnic areas are permitted.

**********************************************************************************************************************************

I am an expat living in Dubai. I have hiked the Santa Monica Mountains and driven the scenic Mulholland Highway many times. If there is any area on the planet that should be preserved in it's natural state it is here.

Chris Timberlake

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

**********************************************************************************************************************************

Please don't build an unsightly RV campground here, this land is one of the few unsullied spots we have left. There's a thousand reasons not to build the RV camp but I'll not go into that. All I can say is "Save the Meadow!"

Kounrada Sharkey (Comment added June 2, 2010)

**********************************************************************************************************************************

Dear Mr. Fulton:

Thank you for contacting me with your concerns .....

Protecting our environment, both around the world and here in the San Fernando Valley, is one of my top legislative priorities. I have consistently earned a 100 percent vote rating from the Sierra Club for my work in Congress. I will continue to work closely with them and other important environmental groups to pass meaningful laws to preserve and protect the environment.

The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is a national treasure right in our backyard, and it is the world's largest urban national park. Over the years, I have secured more than $20 million to enhance and maintain this scenic area.

I'd also like you to follow me on Twitter by visiting Twitter.com/BradSherman, or become my fan on Facebook. My official government Facebook page is registered as "Congressman Brad Sherman."

Sincerely,

Brad Sherman
Member of Congress (Click here for Brad Sherman's website)

**********************************************************************************************************************************

I have lived in Los Angeles for 13 years and didn't even know Reagan once owned a ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains, but after seeing the pictures and history of the proposed location....surely we can find a better spot to build something like this. I plan to take a drive out there next Sunday to see it before it's ruined.

Dave Woods

**********************************************************************************************************************************

I admire your dedication on the Reagan Ranch effort. I wish you the best. As an "ole country boy" myself, I appreciate the open spaces. It would be treading on a national treasure to build anything such as this on that land!

Good luck!

Mike Doran

[Mike helped rebuild the M*A*S*H site a Malibu Creek State Park]

**********************************************************************************************************************************

Joe Dallacqua said...

Hey Ted,

I saw your letter to the editor of the Acorn and then I looked around and found out more info about the project. I also found your blog. In concept it looks like a decent proposal on the surface. But as you look into the concept or the idea it has major flaws. The eco system in the entire park can’t support the equestrian activity. Currently a horse owner could park their trailer and ride in the area, do you ever see any trailers parked there? No almost never, so support from other than just a few is small. Also last time I looked the state of California was 24 BILLION in the red and the state parks were taking a major hit as well. Something around 14 million from their budget this year and 21 million in 2010. Ca Park Budgets

So basically there is no money what so ever to build or support the project. The Malibu creek watershed is way too fragile to have a” Camp Ground”. On the Malibu canyon side of the park there is a camp ground that is historically not at capacity, recently there has been an increase of transient campers due to the poor economy. That camp ground also allows campers, trailers and horse trailers, yet it isn’t utilized. So the “we need the capacity” argument is almost a non factor.

So basically, the need, environmental impact of the park, and any money what so ever to even pursue the project, makes it little more than a pipe dream of a select few. Ruth Gerson is spearheading the idea, but in all honesty, without sounding crass, she will never see any portion of the project ever initiated. The state is not going to be in the black anytime soon and the parks will be the very last place Sacramento send’s any new funds too. It could reasonably be decades before the parks get “new money”. Gerson states she wants to raise 2.5 million to fund the project. That little camp ground would cost 3 or 4 times that amount. The state needs 30 million to take down a dam, if the state parks had new cash for projects they have a long list of others that would far ahead of this one. An environmental impact study starts at close to a million dollars and without any trouble they would need two. There goes the budget.

Its good that you are aware and fighting the good fight, but in my honest opinion this project, in a different time, say 30 years ago could have been a real possibility, but now, NO WAY. No need, no money, and the impact to that fragile watershed doesn’t allow the project go past the spit ball stage. It would also be interesting to see what the turn out was at the 60 buck a person fundraiser.

It’s good to see you’re around and hope all is well.

Joe Dallacqua

*******************************************************************************************************************

Joe,
Great Comment! Stop by sometime. I've misplaced your email. You're right about fragile. I assume you heard about the fish kill. I can't believe they are holding fundraisers for this when parks are threatened with closures.

*******************************************************************************************************************

As a horse person, I think a well designed horse campground located in Gillette Ranch would be a far better idea. There are ways to mitigate the problem of horse waste, but an ugly RV park does not belong on a scenic highway and the danger of fire is obvious to any one living in this area. Gillette Ranch offers better geography and more acreage and trees to camoulage the operation. Also the Gillette Ranch location is much more accesible.

Monica Betor

**********************************************************************************************************************************

Malibu Creek is one of my favorite parks to hike in. Are they seriously planning on decimating the Ronald Reagan Ranch for an RV Park? I don't care if it is for horses - which I have one of myself - they can put an RV park in somewhere else. What about partnering with the SMMC and LA County and putting in something at King Gillete Ranch - the 600 acres that LA Co just purchased basically across the street? Rather than doing major damage to a historic site? Hello?

The way to park enlightenment.

GP Wayist

http://GriffithParkWayist.blogspot.com
GriffithParkWayist@gmail.com

**********************************************************************************************************************************

“I was by King Gillette yesterday morning and thought it looked pretty unusual for that area. I am now aware of three things in that region that, cumulatively, are beginning to be of concern. 1. The potential for an RV park at the intersection of Cornell and Mulholland 2. The potential hazardous waste collection site at the southern tip of Calabasas on Malibu Canyon on Las Virgenes/Triunfo property 3. The “Halloween” whateveritis at Mulholland and Malibu Canyon. As I become more intimately familiar with the Santa Monicas (I hike extensively), I am realizing the jewel they are. But these little bits and pieces will add up and change the pristine feel of the region if we aren’t vigilant.”

text by Drew Fountaine

extracted from the Conejo Post

**********************************************************************************************************************************

Ted,

I'll check it out.

Thanks so much for doing this!

http://www.edbegley.com

*********************************************************************************************************************************

I did go back and read more about using the Gillette Ranch and it does look like it could be a good alternative. My hackles rise quickly now days when it comes to access. My life style is horses and I ride many places, from the Series to the desert and I continually see access be restricted in the name of preservation. I will be following issue this and will comment to Ron Schafer about Gillette Ranch. Again thanks for responding.

Cliff

**********************************************************************************************************************************

Malibu Creek State Park is notorious for destroying the history of its property......

Robin G. Mitchell
Calabasas (quote from The Acorn March 18, 2010)

**********************************************************************************************************************************

Burned Out Homeowners Sue State Over Fire Losses

This summer the Superior Court handed down a ruling in the case of Avedon v State of
California that should be of interest to homeowners in fire-prone areas of the Santa Monica
Mountains.

On the night of last November 24, with a strong Santa Ana wind blowing, two young couples
from Culver City started a small bonfire in a cave that was a popular party spot just over the
ridge south of Malibou Lake. Three men from Los Angeles came along and drove them out of
the cave and heaped more wood on the fire. The fire soon spread to the dry chaparral and burned
almost 5,000 acres of Corral and Solstice Canyons downwind in Malibu, destroying or damaging
55 homes in the process.

Because the cave was just inside Malibu Creek State Park, the owners of the homes filed suit
against the State for maintaining an alleged “dangerous condition” of public property and an
alleged “nuisance”. The homeowners did not win their suit. The Court held that the cave was a natural feature not created by the State and was not dangerous when used with normal care. The Court also noted that Government Code 831.2 protects the State Of California from any liability caused by a “natural condition of public property” — including the “natural condition” of seasonally dry chaparral. The State is also not liable if a “dangerous condition” on public property is caused by the action of a third party rather than by the State itself. In other words, the Court found that the existence of a paved public road into natural parkland and the normal use of that park by the public did not in and of itself create a “dangerous condition” under the law. Instead, the legal responsibility for starting the Corral Canyon Fire
and destroying the 55 homes, lay not with the State, or with the legitimate users of state
parkland, but, rather, with the partygoers who started the illegal fire in the first place.
Unfortunately for those who lost their homes to this monumental act of thoughtlessness, it’s
likely to be quite a spell before the young men who started the Corral Canyon Fire will be free to
earn any money to compensate the victims of their carelessness.

Click here for Corral Canyon fire videos

Reagan meadow used as fire break. Should we mass vegetation here as called for in the RREC plan?

An RV park with 31 fire pits is not a "natural condition". The State Park service could be liable for failure to adequately monitor the dangerous condition it will create at this facility. The liability could be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

CA State park service permits dangerous and illegal activities in Malibu Creek State Park

Click here for cliff jumping video in Malibu Creek State (one of many)

Largest Pot Farm in LA County History found in Malibu Creek State Park

Choppers in Malibou Lake fight fire started by people in poorly supervised Malibu Creek State Park

Los Angeles Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman stressed that an outbreak of wildfires is not a question of if, but when. He said LAFD continues to prepare, plan and educate members of the community with fire season now being year-round. source: Malibu Times 11 Nov 2009.

*********************************************************************************************************************************

See many more public comments at the bottom of this Malibu Times article: CLICK HERE

*********************************************************************************************************************************

Ted

This is a tough call. The equestrian community has been working on this
for years. The SMMNRA is for everyone after all. But 30 campsite and 60
corrals seems overly excessive. I share the concerns over horse trailer
congestion at Cornell and Mulholland, open fires, ugly corrals and
dangerous manure contamination and runoff.

If all these issues cannot be addressed to the satisfaction of those who
live in the area, permits should not be granted. And even if they are
addressed on paper, permits must be conditional, provide a failsafe
monitoring plan with a reserve fund for violations, with a condition to
revoke permits if violated.

The community needs to put pressure on State Parks to make sure the
equestrians don't bully their way, as they have done in the past on the
North Area Plan for instance.

Toby

*********************************************************************************************************************************

Malibu Creek State Park already causes dangerous traffic conditions on Mulholland Highway. This picture was taken on Mulholland along Malibu Creek State Park. People park along the sides of the road to avoid paying the park entrance fee. Note the horse crossing sign on the right of the picture. Park officials want to add RV's towing horse trailers on this road. Does it look like a good idea to you?

********************************************************************************************************************************

Comments? As in an email? Is there a place to vote?

I think the RV Park/Equestrian Campground is a horrible idea. MCSP is an incredible place where Southern Californians can get back to what is truly special about the west coast. God forbid such a development. Shame on those who support this kind of thoughtless "progress." From closing state parks to ruining them via commercial interests, we all need to pause and take a little cultural and personal inventory.

Here's to keeping Malibu Creek State Park protected from ANY such development!

Matt Copeland

*********************************************************************************************************************************

I read it myself and of course want to help.best.ben

The value of preserving the natural beauty that shaped the mind of one of the great leaders of this nation is incalculable.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless LGVX10000 device.

Ben Stein, Writer, Actor, TV personality and more

*********************************************************************************************************************************

The following was posted on: The Conejo Post

reference:

http://www.conejopost.com/?p=1112#more-1112

Some Questions about the Proposed RV/Equestrian area at Malibu Creek State Park
October 1st, 2009 · 1 Comment · California State Government
I just read the 10-03 Acorn’s article about the proposed 7-acre RV/Equestrian Campground at Malibu Creek State Park. It interests me that the article says the California Dept. of Parks and Recreation worked with the group, Equestrian Trails, Inc and raised approximately $3 million to construct the project.

Questions: Isn’t it premature to raise money for a project in a state park, that has not yet been brought before the public? Is this Reagan Meadow project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and is an Environmental Impact needed (EIR)? Would this campground attract a lot more horses and riders to the park and would that increase manure along the trails and possibly into Malibu Creek? What about fire danger with open fire pits planned? And, it was mentioned that it could be used as an evanuation site for horses during wildfires. Is that wise, with the whole area being so fire-prone itself?

I don’t know whether I am for or against this horse and RV campground at Malibu Creek State Park, but I do know that I would like to have more facts. To read The Acorn article by Stephanie Bertholdo, go to: http://www.theacorn.com/news/2009-10-01/Front_Page/Equestrian_center_in_for_a_ride.html

Posted by Janna Orkney editor of the Conejo Post

Janna Orkney is also Chairman of the Triunfo Sanitation District

*********************************************************************************************************************************

I agree with Janna. And then some. Santa Ana fire season now lasts from June through October. Year round camping in the driest areas of Southern California will give us year ’round fire potential. No one can seriously support that, can they? The pollution to the watershed is also critical. The rural environment in Southern California is far more vulnerable than some people acknowlege. I’m very surprised that the Parks system would announce this plan, move on with fundraising efforts without greater concern for the irreparable damage to our environment that this proposal can cause.
I hope you will contact
District Superintendent of the California State Parks Ron Schafer rscha@parks.ca.gov , Zev Yaroslavsky and Senator Fran Pavley to protest this development.

Nan Kane

Nan recently started her own blog, see it here.

Nan is a long term resident of the Santa Monica Mountains and was instrumental in organizing this campaign.

Nan, we salute you.

*********************************************************************************************************************************

Ted,

I would like to personally thank you for contacting us. We always feel honored whenever people take the time from their day to write us and many of your ideas turn into future shows.

In closing, I would liked to personally express my appreciation for the time you took to write us at the show... and remember...

The adventure continues,

Huell Howser

**********************************************************************************************************************************

From: Carrie

I agree that the property should be left alone.

**********************************************************************************************************************************

On the surface it looks like something that will be good for visitors, but it gnaws at me because the place is beautiful as it was created and it would be a terrible shame to alter it and destroy trees in any way. I posted it on FB and will look further to see if there is anything I can do.

Thanks again!!

Marian Fortunati

*********************************************************************************************************************************

There are more horses in Southern California than in Texas.

That's too many horses for our limited resources. Let them ride in Texas.

And please, no horse owner should plead poverty:

Danielson Ranch in Point Mugu State Park requires a $40 ranger escort fee for driving each time in and out of the campground, in addition to the campsite fee. Quote from Abui, Socaltrailriders.org

**********************************************************************************************************************************

I have lived in the Santa Monica Mountains for nearly thirty years and have been saddened that public officials have allowed crass development to occur in this beautiful area. I thought the park service was one of the few good stewards left of our historic scenic places. I fear this trust has been misplaced if a development such as this is allowed to proceed. I have witnessed the degradation of our environment in terms of air, land and water pollution. This project creates additional burdens on an already critically fragile environment, in additon to increased fire risks.

Sincerely

Evelyne Combes

*********************************************************************************************************************************

For the record, I am very much against this type of facility in this park. It monopolizes the park for a select few instead of keeping it open for everyone.

I will be happy to write a response to this proposal.

Can you imagine the lies and anger that would boil over if plans for a bike park were being kept on the down low and to be this far along for the same site? Quote from Socaltrailriders.org

******************************************************************************************************************

There is no such thing as "open space". There are a few miles of trails. Horses in MCSP are rarely seen even on weekdays. On the weekends the trails are filled with hikers. Adding even one horse to the mix is dangerous. 10,000 is absurd. Quote from Socaltrailriders.org

******************************************************************************************************************

Ted

Thank you for making me aware of this development near the Malibu Creek State Park. Often when I return to a spot to paint there has been a drastic change by man in the landscape but I usually don't find that to be true in the state parks. I would hate to find out about this after the damage was done.

Sharon Weaver (You can read Sharon's blog here)

*********************************************************************************************************************************

What we, and others possibly lose is access and future claims of use.

If allowed, it establishes a physical plant that supports one singular group over ALL others. Once they have that established, all other users could be considered 2nd class users.

Also, once a large setup of this type (for any type of activity) is established, it tends to give that entity more pull and control of the surrounding area in future deliberations of use - and tacit approval by the governing bodies for that grab of power as it has become an established acceptable use for the area in question.

It's not just what MTB's might lose here, it's about what all other groups might lose when a publicly designated and funded area is allowed to be developed for a special interest.

Would the MTB community be allowed to put up such a facility for our use and enjoyment in the same area? Permanent buildings, facilities and campsites for our exclusive use?

Or a religious group? Concert promoter? Sierra Club?

Puhleze...

Quote from Socaltrailriders.org [MTB stands for Mountain Bike]

*********************************************************************************************************************************

Ted - I don't know what exactly what you are looking for, but I support what you are doing and here are some talking points.

As an avid mountain biker and trail runner, I have watched the slow consumption of park land, like Malibu Creek State Park, at the hands of greedy developers. As smeone who grew up in the Malibu Canyon area, I have watched park land and open space disappear while office complexes and condo developments spring up. The thing is, you can always build another condo or building, but you cannot build another deer, oak tree or pristine trail. I grew up running and riding the trails of Malibu Creek and Chesebro Canyon; where will the next generation of kids play? Developed, pre-planned asphalt trails? It is disappointing and pointless to build another "campground" area when one has already been provided by nature.

Hope this helps, I can certainly write more if needed.

brian

*********************************************************************************************************************************

Amazing! Why is we can’t leave well enough alone? It’s such a beautiful and peaceful area. I can’t imagine what it would be like with an RV park. The campground there is just right.

Robert Mance

**********************************************************************************************************************************
Dear Ted,

Thanks for your interest. I am well aware of the Reagan Ranch situation. I walk my dogs there daily and hate the idea of an RV camp destroying the beautiful wilderness. Just yesterday as I was walking back to my car, a herd of 5 large deer ran across the meadow. It was something to see and feel.

I too believe the proposed campground would negatively impact Malibou Lake - a lake which is already polluted by all other surrounding lakes and neighborhoods. If anything actually occurs, then they should be taxed to deal with the constant problems we have here, i.e., cost of dredging, removal of trash.

The MLFSC is in the start up mode and you will hear more in the future. I will certainly let you know what you can do to help then.

Thanks

Julie Ringwood
RFC - Ringwood Fundraising Consultants
(818) 865-8211 voice/fax
www.RFCfundraising.com

**********************************************************************************************************************************

Dear Ron, [District Superintendent California State Parks]

Please choose a different site NOW for the equestrian RV campground. As you may know,
there is strong opposition to the Reagan Ranch site, for many reasons. The most important reason
in my mind being the Fire Danger and Evacuation Danger you are placing visitors
and surrounding neighbors in by choosing this site. As you know, the residents here
live in a Zone 4 Fire Hazard Danger Area. We have done our best to use brush clearance
efforts as well as pass a Community Standards District in the Malibou Lake area to limit
development because the realized danger is so severe.

The proposed development would undo all our efforts and hard work to keep
our neighborhood as safe as possible. Liability issues will be raised now
making the State liable for damages including life-threatening
injuries and mortalities in the event of thwarted evacuation not if but when the next wildfire strikes.
You face STRONG opposition in going further putting OUR TAX DOLLARS into developing this site.
I strongly urge you to ABANDON THIS SITE from consideration.

Thank you for your consideration,

Sincerely,
Mary Altmann (Read Mary's blog here)

Even excellent brush clearance didn't save this home. Smith Residence, Corral Canyon Malibu

Inside Malibu Creek State Park the Ronald Reagan Equestrian Campground and RV park (with 31 fire pits) is to be built in the middle of a state designated very high fire hazard severity zone just upwind from the above picture. Click here to see the official fire hazard zone map.

**********************************************************************************************************************************

“We are opposed to any new campgrounds, hike in camps, trail camps or large group gatherings in very high fire risk areas.”

P Michael Freeman, Los Angeles Fire Chief

Click here for source of quote. More details available at: www.safecanyons.com

**********************************************************************************************************************************

"Malibu Meadow"

Thanks for calling this issue to my attention. I was not aware of the impending change.
I don't have time to delve into all the politics and issues that may be surrounding this case, but I think that any intrusion upon wild areas should be made slowly and with great caution

May the beautiful open spaces treasured by California painters and their patrons remain in their natural state for years to come.

Karen Winters
Member, Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore

[Full quote occurs lower down (web editing issues) You can see Karen's Gallery by clicking here.]

**********************************************************************************************************************************

Thanks for the info!

Dina

**********************************************************************************************************************************

I drove by today and agree this view must remain intact adjacent to a historic property. Is the ranch on the federal register or have National Historic Landmark status? I haven't checked. If not get something going on that at the Park Service. The federal status should do something to preserve the immediate area but maybe that's part of the deal being cut? I wrote Ron Schafer about it. As a wildlife biologist and conservationist I know this is a critical corridor in one of the most overly developed regions in the country. Enough is enough when historic fabric is at stake. Parks are antithetical to development or should be. That's the idea.

Mark York

**********************************************************************************************************************************

When I learned that the park service was planning to desecrate a scenic area in the Santa Monica Mountains, an area I have called home for more than 10 years, I was appalled. When I discovered the history of this location I became determined to do something about it and began this campaign to save the Reagan Meadow. Some have asked why I didn’t speak out earlier and the reason is simple, I was unaware until now. When others were lobbying the park service to build facilities for their special interest group, I was busy in another endeavor. (See picture below). I wish to thank everyone who has supported this effort. If we are successful at preserving the Reagan Ranch I hope to convert the old barn on the ranch into a museum to honor the Reagan Legacy and local history. The public comment section of this website will be proudly displayed.

Ted Fulton

******************************************************************************************************************

I love the Malibu Creek park and also encourage its preservation.

SlapAyoda

*******************************************************************************************************************

Hi Ted,

Thanks for calling this issue to my attention. I was not aware of the impending change.
I don't have time to delve into all the politics and issues that may be surrounding this case, but I think that any intrusion upon wild areas should be made slowly and with great caution.

As a California plein air painter, I observe whenever I paint out that the landscape that we revere as a source of creative inspiration is constantly being modified by human demands. Vast meadows studded with aged oak trees disappear, never to return. I grew up in the San Fernando Valley when it was a refuge of horse ranches and orange groves. I roamed the hills of Porter Ranch before they were subdivided and paved. Perhaps these early experiences led to my passion to preserve the landscape in artistic form.

The area around Malibu Creek State Park remains pristine and should not be developed in a hasty way that causes a visual blight. Using fire pits in such a fragile area is fraught with opportunities for disaster. Today, I live in La Canada Flintridge, flash point of the Station Fire, and I know only too well how quickly a spark can turn into devastation, potentially scarring the landscape for decades. It would be horrifying to think of that happening to the area around Malibu Creek through human carelessness. And we know that no matter how well intentioned, mistakes do happen and people don't always heed guidelines for fire safety.

May the beautiful open spaces treasured by California painters and their patrons remain in their natural state for years to come.

Karen Winters
Member, Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore

*******************************************************************************************************************

Thanks Ted. Count me in. I will reply tomorrow when I have time to give it thought.

Brian
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

*******************************************************************************************************************

I am a Malibou Lake resident vacationing at the moment out of the country. I had the opportunity to check email from my hotel, and felt the need to write immediately to express my concerns over the proposed equestrian center at Reagan Ranch for the following reasons:

1 - We at Malibou Lake are continually vigilant about fire danger, and often need to evaluate whether to evacuate or stay and watch the helicopters refill their water tanks from our lake so that fires can be fought in our surrounds. More people in the area, especially non-residents, and especially young people who like to party and have fun, means more likelihood of carelessness vis-a-vis fire danger. We are already a high fire risk zone, and do not need additional visitors in the area engaging in high risk behavior right in our own backyards. One need only to look at the history of fires over the past few years to see that hikers and others who venture into the Malibu mountains have little respect for observing safety requirements and fire regulations.

2 - An equestrian center would create more pedestrian traffic...and thus make what is now a relatively quiet and undisturbed area much more exposed to public access. That translates into more of everything: more trash, more noise, more horseflies.

3 - We like to hike in that area because it is one of the few remaining natural places where we can go for complete solitude. That is why many of us moved to our beloved and secluded Malibou Lake area. We would lose that opportunity.

4 - Haphazard picnicking and drinking will create more trash for the area. We already have regular or quarterly clean-up days in which Malibou Lake residents volunteer to pick up trash created mostly by passers-by who have little appreciation for maintaining the beauty of our neighborhood. We have a passion for the health and beauty of our community that would not be shared with others who are visiting for just an hour or a weekend.

5 - Vehicular traffic will increase with the addition of an equestrian center and exacerbate the difficulties that homeowners already have in maintaining a relatively quiet and safe neighborhood for residents

For the above mentioned reasons, I respectfully request that this initiative be stopped at once.

KH

*******************************************************************************************************************

Excerpt from the The ACORN click here for full article

Mounting opposition

Colleen Holmes, president of Cornell Preservation Organization, said that while she supports the campground, she hopes it will be scaled back. She believes 75 campsites are too many and hopes the plan for individual fire pits is nixed in favor of one large one.

Holmes fears the campground might lead to more wildfires.

“God knows, we’re dry,” Holmes said.

And after the campground is built, opponents fear the increased animal waste will find its way into Malibu Creek

An Internet blog, www.savethemeadow .blogspot.com, features letters from people who are against the campground.

“This facility will mar the view for miles along a designated scenic highway,” one person wrote. “The fire pits of this facility are also a threat to public safety and will likely be the place the next Corral Canyon fire begins, wiping out hundreds of homes. The concentration of animal waste at this site will pollute an already polluted Malibu Creek watershed.”

********************************************************************************************************************

Ted,

I will do my part - and get my opposition contacts rolling. Loved the website.
Thanks for all that you are doing!

Dayle

*******************************************************************************************************************

Ted,

Thanks for heading this up. I dread the idea of this thing actually seeing the light of day.

I have to ask, as you seem to be the knowledgeable one on this, how is it that the state can't pay its bills, threatens to close parks and this is still on the priority list for them? I find this baffling. Between that and all the concern I hear about the Malibu Creek watershed, how the hell does this project even come to be at all?

Thanks again for all your effort. If I can help in some way, let me know. For now, I am emailing people trying to get the word out.

Be Well,

Doug Way(Bill and Marilyn Way's son)

********************************************************************************************************************

Thanks Ted, I am also emailing Zev, who from what I can see, seems to be supporting this thing?

Doug

********************************************************************************************************************

ted said...

Talked to Tom McGuirk today a member of the Corral Canyon Fire Safety Alliance who lives in Corral Canyon. He couldn't believe the Reagan campground was even being conisidered. Apparently, the park service recently announced adding even more campsites in Malibu Creek State Park near Corral Canyon over the strong objections of local residents and the LA County Fire Dept. He's forwarding our information to all his neighbors and Alliance members. He's pretty sure they (and LACFD) will strongly back our opposition.

********************************************************************************************************************

Mr. Fulton,

Thank you for your email. The Senator is aware of the proposed campground and fundraising efforts and will work with State Parks to ensure that the campground meets the requirements of California’s environmental laws and regulations.

Thank you,

Callie

*****************************************************************************************

Ted,

I'm also involved with the Campaign To Save Topanga State Park and we've got a Facebook cause page "Save Topanga State Park." Sometime in the next week or so I'd like to link your website.

Paul

*******************************************************************************************************************

So much for screening the viewshed of Scenic Mulholland Highway. For Fire saftey you have to clear the brush not add native vegetation as required to protect the view along Mulholland. They also killed the fires in the Corral Canyon camping plan....things are looking up for protecting the historic Reagan Meadow. It's going to be expensive to enforce all these rules and patrol all these campgrounds.

See excerpt below from the Malibu Surfside News

Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Conservancy to Outline Plans for Public Camping at Five Malibu Parkland Sites

BY SUZANNE GULDIMANN

The plan also states, “Development, use restrictions, and brush maintenance for all campsites shall be carried out in accordance with the Fire Protection and Emergency Evacuation Plan,” and that “the only cooking apparatus permitted shall consist of self-contained propane stoves. No kerosene or white gas lanterns shall be permitted.”
Campers would also be required “to utilize designated cook stations (hospitality stations) provided at each approved campsite, which shall be designed of nonflammable materials and capable of being fully enclosed,” while “cold-camping apparatus such as flameless cookstoves and lanterns are preferred.”
The plan goes on to state, “Prospective campers shall be informed of the no campfire/cold camp policy upon reserving and/or registering for use of camp facilities and shall be put on notice that unauthorized use of fire-related camping and cooking apparatus specifically prohibited by the no campfire/cold camp policy will be cause for confiscation of such devices and/or expulsion of visitors from camp facilities. Signs shall be posted and camp areas will be routinely patrolled to enforce the no campfire/cold camp policy.”

************************************************************************************************************

From the Acorn, Oct 1st:

Schafer, the state park superintendent, carries a different opinion.

“We will keep bad things from running into the creek,” he said.

The impact of horse waste will be minimized by installing landscape elements on the grounds designed to remove silt and pollutants from water runoff.

ted said...

What happened to brush clearance for fire saftey?
Now we are adding vegetation to protect the watershed?

**************************************************************************************************************

ted said...

The following is hearsay forwarded to me by some one I do not know and cannot verify: "why this game is really being played, Ruth Gerson backer of the Reagan Campground owns the Calimigos Ranch a multi million dollar facility. Business associates of hers wish to profit from the construction contracts and concession of operating the RV Park and the Reagan Equestrian Campground. So Ruth gets the park to give her the land for free, she aligns herself with a nonprofit corporation to collect donations to build it (since the park is broke, if the park was not broke you skip this step). Then the park awards a sweet heart deal of a contract to her business associates to construct and operate the facility for the next fifty years. Just like the Malibu Pier has concessionaires running restaurants. So this may well be about money and not trail access to the park. But I have no way to verify any of this (except that Ruth does in fact appear to own Calimigos) Why does the park support this? They will get a rent check from the facility and they need the money, their park attendance numbers go up because of the facility and they get a bigger slice of the state bugdet in future state budget requests because their attendance numbers are higher. Everybody wins except the stupid, poor people of Los Angeles who never saw this coming. Again this is all hearsay. No disrespect intended. Power of the internet though, tell your friends, if enough people are made aware of this it won't happen.

*******************************************************************************************************************

Nan: Thanks for your e-mail regarding the Reagan ranch. While I have expressed support for the concept of horse camping, I have not endorsed any particular proposal since no proposal has been finalized. Any final plan will be the product of conversations with community and environmental stakeholders. In fact, the process is only beginning. I have asked State Parks to work with the communities of the area---residents and environmentalists---to insure that what is done is done with the concerns of ALL stakeholders in mind. My mind is completely open to comments and criticisms of the State proposal. I would recommend that you make your views known to Ron Schaefer of the State Department of Parks and Recreation. They are the lead on this project.

Zev Yaroslavsky

*******************************************************************************************************************

Mike,

Thank you for contacting Santa Monica Baykeeper. The Reagan Equine Park is on our radar and we are looking into the issues it will cause to the watershed.

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Heather Burdick
Watershed Programs Assistant

We Moved!
Our new address is:
Santa Monica Baykeeper
120 Broadway, Suite 105
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: 310-305-9645 ext. 105 Fax: 310-305-7985

**************************************************************************************************

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Yes I spend lots of time in the open space and do my best to preserve it and educate people who go there.

With the state in such a financial crisis I suspect that public funds will not be adequate to support this. Any idea on how much has been raised to date? Will the State match private funds? I also noticed you have asked that any emails be cc'ed to Ruth Gerson. I know Ruth through the Santa Monica Mountain Trails council. What is her role related to this project?

Thanks,
Howard

*****************************************************************************************************************

Comparing relative impacts of various trail user groups

A summary of research and studies on factors that affect trails management strategy and determining uses for each trail.

By Woody Keen
www.traildynamics.com

I am a professional trail builder based in NC and as such I see the relative impacts of all user groups on a very regular basis. I recently researched and made comments on this issue for a local state forest recreational plan and you may use these comments and review of the research in your efforts there. You will find my comments below comparing the relative impacts of horses vs. bikes, I hope this is helpful. Please let me know if I can answer any other questions for you.
Poor design, such as this steep fall-line trail, causes erosion more than any particular use (Miwok Trail in Marin County, CA)

Comparing relative impacts of various trail user groups: The EA document introduces the concept that different user groups have varying levels of physical impacts on trails noting that hiking and biking have similar impacts while horse use has significantly higher impacts.

****************************************************************************************************************

Building mars scenic area (excerpt from the Acorn)
For 13 years I have lived along the Mulholland Scenic Corridor, a two-lane blacktop that travels through some of the grandest scenery in the Santa Monica Mountains.
One Mulholland vista is now blighted by a massive structure at the highway's junction with Sierra Creek Road, rumored to be a house of worship but being built along the lines of the Mall of America. Years have passed and it's still under construction. It has put a blot on the skyline as a dominant, incompatible monstrosity in place of what previously had been a tree-shaded knoll and view to an expanse of the innocent blue heavens. The scope of the project and its location in the middle of a bucolic burg defies reason.
And now in the opposite direction a houselike structure has been framed atop the ridge that forms the panoramic view of mountains from the scenic highway. Except for a few slender inconspicuous communications towers long entrenched atop Castro Peak, there is not a single building to mar the entire breadth of this ridgeline.
It is one of the last great works of nature's wild art to be viewed in our area: a rugged buttress against civilization comprised of sandstone outcroppings and chaparral-covered flanks, crowning a valley inhabited by varied wildlife.
There are sensible building plans and insensible ones.

Gloria Agoura Hills

**************************************************************************************************************

ted said...

WE ARE NOT ALONE

Excerpts from minutes from a Malibu CIty council meeting. There appears to be a concerted effort to make up for the park's budget deficit by turning the Santa Monica Mountains into Disneyland or Camping world....see excerpts below

Tue Oct 06, 10:13:00 AM

ted said...

ANYBODY NOTICE A PATTERN HERE?

Ron Schafer, Superintendent of California State Parks, discussed State Parks'successful management of campsites. He discussed the need for camping.

Woody Smeck, Superintendent of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, encouraged the Council's support for the 29 camping spots included in the amendment. He discussed the safety standards related to fire safety. He urged the Council to work with the Conservancy if it felt the standards were insufficient.

Rick Mullen addressed the Council regarding concerns with the proposal in Ramirez Canyon. He stated he was a firefighter and resident. He stated he was not speaking on behalf of the fire department. He discussed red flag conditions and dangers of fires. He expressed concerns regarding noise from large events in Ramirez Canyon.

In response to Councilmember Kearsley, Mr. Schafer stated Leo Carillo was notwithin the City of Malibu. He stated there were 33 supervised campsites. He discussed the fire use allowed at the campsite. Councilmember Kearsley asked if the campsite was closed on Red Flag days.

Mr. Schafer stated it was not closed and there had not been problems. He discussed the number of campsites and allowable fires at the campground. He stated excessive brush clearance was done at the campgrounds.

In response to Mayor Pro Tern Conley Ulich, Mr. Schafer stated no fires had been started by campfires as far as he was aware. Mayor Pro Tern Conley Ulich discussed the causes of fires. Mr. Schafer stated he was not aware of campfires inorganized campsite starting wildfires. He discussed the campsites around Malibu.

Mayor Pro Tern Conley Ulich stated only 60 overnight camp permits were allowed on Mt. Whitney. Mr. Smeck stated Mt. Whitney was a National Park andhe estimated there were 60 sites. He explained the requirement to pack in and pack out all waste.

Linda Joslynn, President of Charmlee Wilderness Park docents, addressed the Council in opposition to overnight camping in Charmlee Park. She discussed the Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area (ESHA) restrictions in Charmlee Wilderness Park.

Bill Sampson presented a photograph of his neighborhood. He indicated opposition to overnight camping in Charmlee Park.

Alesandra DeClario addressed the Council in opposition to overnight camping. She recommended Charmlee Wilderness Park be designated as a true wilderness area.

Daniel Cislo, officer of the Winding Way Homeowners Association, indicated opposition to the parking lot at the end of Winding Way East.

Charles Schetter addressed the Council in support of the amendment with the exception of allowing fires. Walt Keller discussed the Council's previous action to retain the deed restriction of Charmlee Park. He urged the Council to not allow overnight camping so close to homes.

John Mazza stated the plan could be amended. He suggested no fires in Charmlee Park, restricting parking on Winding Way, and retaining Ramirez Canyon in its current condition. He urged the Council to approve the plan, restricting camping in the mountains.

Dixie Moore asked where the parking lot would be in Latigo Canyon. She stated there were 200 overnight camping spots at Decker School. She discussed her requests to close parks during Red Flag conditions.

Marshall Thompson stated it appeared to be a rush to judgment. He indicated opposition to camping with fires.

E. Barry Haldeman urged the Council to restrict camping to areas that were monitored on a regular basis and not in the canyons. He expressed concern regarding the risk associated with fires.

Judi Pace stated she was strongly in favor of the trail element. She expressed concern regarding the number of campsites in Corral Canyon, location of campsites, fire dangers and staffing.

Save the Reagan Meadow Foundation

Preserve historic open space for future generations to enjoy!