The time has come to resurrect an idea that may ameliorate some of the issues we are currently facing. For many years, various committees and groups have worked on finding creative solutions to purchase vacant land.
We tried in 2001. I was on the bond advisory committee that resulted in Measure K, which lost by just 66 votes. In 2003, the council looked at it again and decided that major cuts in the school district took precedent over any kind of parks bond. Recently, the council looked at the issue twice — Laura Rosenthal and Joanne House contacted willing sellers a few years ago, and last year Rosenthal and Skylar Peak did an outreach to community groups to gauge current interest in a parks bond.
I think the time is right to join together and form a citizens’ action committee that can, once again, explore the purchase of vacant property so the city can determine how to use it.
We have so many needs in our city; purchasing vacant land is one way to address these issues. We need amenities for our residents, and everyone wants open space to protect our unique way of life.
I have been at the start of a few notable groups over the years, including People Achieving Recreation and Community Services (PARCS), The Malibu Special Ed Foundation and AMPS. I am confident that we can bring together citizens from all sides of all our issues to work together and find creative solutions. Whether it entails a general tax, special assessments, bonds, donations or grants, let’s figure it out together.
If you are interested in joining me to create a citizen action committee to explore the purchase of vacant land so that the city can determine how to use it, please contact me.
It’s time for us to put our money where our mouths are and just do it.
Laureen Sills