The Malibu City Council’s decision to swap Charmlee Park with Malibu Bluffs Park is baffling. It reflects poorly, both on our values and on the less than democratic process of our local government. This is not new. Since the 1992 incorporation, decisions have been made despite concerns and/or opposition voiced by its citizens. The city keeps going through the mandatory motion of listening to us, with appropriate condescendence, only to relegate complaints and suggestions to the dustbin.
The last Malibu population census count was about 12,832 residents. Around 18% are between the ages of nine and 19, representing roughly 26% of the Malibu households. It is doubtful that all these males and females of “baseball and soccer age” will express a burning interest in the games. Yet, the parents of these teenagers have made it the city council’s political agenda to swap 532 acres of pristine oak-chaparral woodland overlooking the ocean from its 1,250-foot bluff, for a meager 83 acres park over Malibu Road.
Having more ball fields would be nice, and perhaps might have been accommodated at the western end of Trancas, where the city built a dog park, 10 minutes from the Santa Monica area where dogs are welcome (but on a leash).
It is ironical to brag about our Legacy Park, a silvery streak of water meandering between fake hillocks designed by leftover dirt piles, and chaparral vegetation which does not belong to this wetland. The real legacy park of Malibu was Charmlee. Here, in the variegation of habitats, lie the lessons of nature and of our life. It is ideal for family picnicking, light hiking, moonlight and sunset dreams. Even camping without fire could have been safe, had the city considered housing a ranger there. Does the city lack the funds or simply the visionary type of management necessary to nurture this park? Is this swap the result of catering to special interests or of a myopic view? Only time will tell. But meanwhile, some Malibu citizens feel betrayed and ashamed.
Is a lawsuit our only option in this matter? If so, how troubling!
Martine Work