On November 13, The Malibu City Council will consider a proposal by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy to permit overnight camping in the mountains immediately adjacent to the homes of Malibu residents. In spite of the very recent fires and the protests of the residents, it’s quite possible that the Council will approve the plan. Residents have never objected to opening the mountains to hiking (some of us are hikers, too), but we cannot accept assurances by the Conservancy that campfires will not be permitted and fires will not occur. Accidents happen, so do intentionally set fires. As demonstrated last week, fires starting this close during Santa Ana winds can sweep down into our homes in a matter of minutes, giving the fire department very little time to marshal forces.
A few weeks ago, the City Planning Commission, after hearing protests from 68 residents and receiving many letters, proceeded to have a friendly discussion with the executive director of SMMC, unanimously approved this proposal, and sent it on to the Council. There is absolutely no benefit to the residents of Malibu, only risk. How could they do that?
Strangely, representatives of the L.A. County Fire Department refuse to address the issue or appear at the hearings, claiming it is “political.” Perhaps they know more about the issue than we residents and it is “political” in more ways than meet the eye.
Walt Keller