Ramirez Canyon residents welcome the SMMC’s concept of the connecting trail system that would give the general public access to the beautiful and scenic vistas in and around Ramirez. What we oppose is “large events with amplified music” and the SMMC’s office spaces in a residential neighborhood. This has nothing to do with conservation or public access. It makes no more sense in Ramirez than it would in Bonsall, Malibu West or any quiet residential community.
The 500-acre King Gillette Ranch is where the SMMC’s offices should be and that is where all of their wedding catering events should be. That is where my wife and I were married in 1993 right by a beautiful pond with swans in it right next to the main buildings on King Gillette. We had a band outside and there were no residential neighborhoods nearby that were impacted. There is also plenty of parking, easy access from the 101 and PCH and no private residential road to cross, as in Ramirez Canyon.
Part of the reason for the acquisition of King Gillette is the co-locating of the offices from the National and State Park agencies. So why the offices in Ramirez? By making that move (and moving any proposed overnight camping locations to the beach) the SMMC would have the support of the citizens of Malibu (everyone is in favor of the trail system) instead of most of the town digging in for the fight that lies ahead. They would also save $8 million on a driveway through an ESHA in the back of Ramirez Canyon to be constructed in order to have a few more weddings with “amplified music.”
The SMMC should stop hammering a square peg into a round hole. The property in Ramirez was donated to be an environmental “think tank” not a wedding catering business. By ignoring the donor’s intent and negatively impacting her former neighbors, the SMMC has hurt its public image considerably. For a state agency that depends on the largesse of the citizens, both in taxes, bond propositions and land donations, this is not a good precedent.
Rick Mullen, President
Ramirez Canyon Preservation Fund