The recent article by P.G. O’Malley delineates an opposition to a new ridgeline and grading ordinance. There are multiple misrepresentations forwarded by this group, the first of which is that it appears in a Malibu publication. This ordinance does not in any way affect Malibu, for the ordinance applies only to the areas located between Mulholland Highway and the 101 Freeway. The reference to “residents” attending this meeting is only part of the story. I note that those quoted in the article are either holders of large acreage or professionals representing same and large developers. I have been a resident of these Santa Monica Mountains for 28 years, and have seen firsthand the catastrophic damage done to view shed, habitat and the natural beauty of this rare environment. It is not without reason that the “National Recreation Area” designation speaks to the value of these mountains as an accessible asset to all of our millions in Southern California. Placing enforceable limits on grading, which has not been done in the past, puts an end to “cowboy graders” who have for years engaged in exploratory grading without limits. This ordinance enables the protection of our precious views, and places oversight on rampant and destructive inappropriate building.
This is not an attempt to deny building, only an attempt to provide oversight and protection. I believe that the County, by way of this ordinance, demonstrated that they do care about the greater good for all people, and are making the effort to protect the very future of these mountains for the entire greater Los Angeles community.
Paul Culberg