Since Wade Major’s identical letter has been published twice, wherein Mr. Major accuses me of orchestrating the “No on Measure M” campaign, I must set the record straight. I can’t take credit for the campaign, as I have been busy finalizing details of a public purchase of 607 acres of the Ballona Wetlands. I’ve also assisted in settling an Ahmanson Ranch/Sierra Club lawsuit, allowing the State to purchase 2,000 plus acres of sensitive, beautiful lands. These are the kind of land purchases Malibu citizens should promote, shunning the massive development scheme Jerry Perenchio has planned for our community.
Not discussed is the real reason Jerry Perenchio’s Malibu Bay Company is now willing to dump the idea of building on the Chili Cook-Off site. The L.A. Regional Water Quality Control Board has issued violation notices to MBC for its ineffective wastewater system at the Ralphs shopping center. This agency has rightly insisted that Perenchio clean up the mess.
We believe in the principle: “the polluter pays.” The public should not have to buy land that is for the express purpose of cleaning up Perenchio/Bay Company sewage problems in their Colony Shopping Center. Under Perenchio’s Measure M scheme we get more traffic congestion, loss of hawk and heron habitat, and 100,000 plus square feet. of commercial development in the Civic Center, along with huge construction projects at Trancas and at Heathercliff/PCH. Voters should insist that this wealthy media mogul clean up his problems first; then consider the disposition of his land.
MBC’s ads are misleading. Included is a depiction of blue ponds and green parks. Where Measure M would allow for commercial building, the ads show open space. This is a complete falsehood, and should be a signal to voters that not everything is as it appears when it comes to Measure M.
Marcia Hanscom
Sierra Club Board of Directors
Executive Director, Wetlands Action Network
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