Attention all hikers and equestrians! Contrary to what you may have been told recently, write-In candidate John Mazza does not hate trails! If Mr. Mazza is elected (and I hope he is), we are not going to lose our trails. The truth is, Mr. Mazza’s concerns centered on the “safe paths to schools” routes being installed on Pt. Dume being labeled as “trails,” when in fact they are foot paths installed to facilitate pedestrian “circulation.” This issue is addressed in the Circulation Element of the General Plan, not the Open Space Element, where hiking and equestrian trails are addressed.
Mr. Mazza’s other concern regarding “trails” only related to the private, historic equestrian trails on Pt. Dume being shown on the maps of the City’s recently adopted Master Trail Plan. Although these trails are still recorded on the Pt. Dume subdivision maps, most of them have long since vanished, having been blocked by fences and walls, or built upon by new construction. In this regard he was only expressing the concerns of Pt. Dume residents, and he was representing the residents of the Riviera #1 Homeowner Association, of which he is president.
As president of Malibu Trails Association, I have spoken with Mr. Mazza on many occasions with respect to “trails” and found that he most definitely supports hiking and equestrian trails in Malibu. His only concerns were those stated above. Anything you are being told to the contrary is misinformation.
Jo Ruggles
President, Malibu Trails Association.