Alan Dymond Explains the History of Santa Monica Mountain Conservancy and SCRA

has always been supportive of efforts to preserve open space in and around Studio City. By way of example, SCRA members lent its support for use of Prop K monies through the Santa Monica Mountain Conservancy (SMMC) to purchase a key property that became available along Mulholland.

As such, SCRA was invited by SMMC to the naming of the hiking trail at the Sooky Goldman Center (Franklin Canyon). This recognition was for the efforts, present and past, of Congressman Howard Berman, not only as the chief sponsor of legislation that created the Santa Monica Mountains 1980, but also his support given over ensuing years to protect open space. (How much land has been acquired by SMMC?

Log onto: http://www.biodiversity.ca.gov/newsletter/v2n3/index.html

then click on: Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Preserves Nature's Treasures in Metropolitan Los Angeles

What was to be a simple naming ceremony turned out to be fascinating talk given by Joe Edmiston, the executive director of the SMMC. E.g. Edmiston referred to a term used by developers “day lighting the canyons."

This meant grading off the top of the hills, infilling the canyon and concreting over. These threats to the Santa Monicas’ needed strong preservative action and that was brought about by legislation that formed the SMMC under Berman’s Sponsorship. Funds to purchase critical tracts were obtained by combinations of federal, state, local monies, private donations and land grants. The web site referred above gives a fascinating list of well known celebrities and others who, over time, have donated land.

Another benefit by the creation of the SMMC that no one could have foreseen in 1980 was the support that would be given by SMMC to SCRA and Save Los Angeles River Open (SLAROS) who are in the process of raising funds to purchase the land that is presently the Weddington Golf and Tennis on Whitsett. This will give to the Valley a “Los Angeles River Natural Park” that will be right on the river. See www.Savelariveropenspace.org for what is proposed.

So, when hiking, biking, picnicking or horseback riding the open spaces around the Valley and beyond, remember all that has been done and is being done for those who have a love of open spaces.

Alan Dymond

President

Studio City Residents Association 

For more information about the SCRA go to their website, here.http://www.studiocityresidents.org/