A court case is pending regarding the issuance of an emergency permit to allow the building of an emergency access road from Rambla Pacifico to Pacific Coast Highway.
By Nora Fleming / Special to The Malibu Times
The city council at its meeting next week will continue steps to obtain a coastal development permit to build an access road at Rambla Pacifico, despite a temporary restraining order issued by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge that prevents development of an emergency access road authorized by the city through an emergency permit issued July 14.
At Monday’s meeting, council members will vote whether to approve contracting services with Rincon Consultants, Inc. to issue a Focused Environmental Impact Report on Rambla Pacifico.
According to a city report, the city has decided to prepare a focused report because of “substantial concerns about geotechnical issues.”
An emergency permit was issued by the city because emergency services, such as fire personnel and paramedics, would be unable to access the area during the upcoming fire season.
A small group of area homeowners called the Vista Hidalgo Neighborhood Association is suing the city to challenge its issuance of the emergency development permit on the grounds that there wasn’t an emergency when it was issued. Their case will be heard on Aug. 11.
Scott Dittrich, president of the Rambla Pacifico Road Owners Association, has been working to get an access road at Rambla Pacifico since the mid-90s. He said an emergency road is necessary to help contain a potential fire in the area.
“If the houses burn in Rambla Pacifico, then embers spread to homes in La Costa unnecessarily,” Dittrich said.
Dittrich said the severity of the fires in 1993 was due was flying embers that were not contained in the area because of the lack of firefighter access.
The association applied for a coastal development permit in 2007 to build an access road from Rambla Pacifico to Pacific Coast Highway.
Standard process for a permit includes a processed environmental impact report, though with the issued July 14 emergency development permit, construction could start while it is still under review.
An access road to the highway from Rambla Pacifico closed in 1984, after a series of small landslides.
The proposed road will cost $1.5 to $2 million and will be paid by 65 households in the association, after a reimbursement agreement with the developer is approved.
Council agenda items
€ Second reading on ordinance to allow two medical marijuana dispensaries
€ Vote on extending Interim Public Works Director Granville Bowman’s contract to June 30, 2009
€ Ceremonial presentation of $2.5 million donation from Santa Monica College to Legacy Park