The Santa Monica Mountain Conservancy in 2009 sent a detailed 11-page letter to the Coastal Commission stating opposition to the massive project U2 Edge is planning on Sweetwater Mesa. Last Monday, the SMMC Board approved an agreement to no longer oppose the project in exchange for $750,000 in cash from the Edge group plus conservation easements which duplicate restrictions the Coastal Commission would seek anyway. The Board was told by the Executive Director Joe Edmiston that this money could be used as part of the Public Benefits Program to acquire trails. In the agreement, the SMMC is obligated to support the Public Benefits Program when the Edge Group requests, both in writing and in speaking before public hearings such as the Coastal Commission. The agreement conditions the payment of the $750,000 as being contingent on Edge getting building permits. No permit means no money. This condition links support of the Public Benefits Program with support of the Edge project.
Edge has hired California Strategies, a very powerful lobby firm in Sacramento which also represents the City of Malibu. The SMMC agreement neutralized the opposition of the SMMC and gave Edge control of where and when the SMMC is to speak. All of this for $750,000.
The area at issue above Sweetwater Mesa is one of the most sensitive locations in the Santa Monica Mountains. Approval of the Edge project as it is proposed will lead to development of the entire mountain side. The SMMC sell-out for $750,000 sends a signal that there is a bar code on projects in their jurisdiction. They are looking the other way on what will happen on the side of a mountain visible to millions so a section of trail that lacks connectivity can be obtained. Check the SMMC web site for more information.
James Smith