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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-11-12 - AGENDA REPORTS - LACO PARK RECREATION ACT 1992 (3)AGENDA REPORT City Manager Approval Item to be presented b CONSENT CALENDAR _ _ Jeff Kolin DATE: November 12, 1991 ' SUBJECT: Letter of Support for Including Whitney Canyon Camping and Recreation Grounds in the Proposed Los Angeles County Park, Beach and Recreation Act of 1992 DEPARTMENT: Parks.and Recreation BACKGROUND The Santa Clarita Valley Canyons Preservation Committee has submitted a specific project proposal to the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority for inclusion in the Los.Angeles County Park, Beach and Recreation Act of 1992. The Santa Clarita Valley Canyons Preservation Committee is requesting that the City of Santa Clarita issue a letter supporting the inclusion of the Whitney Canyon Camping and Recreation Grounds project in the Los Angeles County Park, Beach and Recreation Act of 1992. " The Santa Clarita Valley Canyons Preservation Committee's project envisions the purchase of the 537 acre parcel and the development 'of a themed historical campground, hiking trails and amenities. The _amount of funds necessary to acquire the property and make the suggested improvements. is estimated at between $24 and $26 million. Several different proposals have been forwarded for the use of Whitney Canyon in recent years. Most recently, Los Angeles County has been studying the area as a possible off-road.vehicle park. Substantial opposition has been voiced to this alternative by the Disney Corporation and the adjacent Placerita Canyon Nature Center. Watt.Industries is the current owner of the majority of the land. It is recommended. that the City Council authorize the Mayor. to sign the attached_ letter of support for the Santa Clarita Valley Canyons Preservation Committee's. proposal for a Whitney Canyon Camping and Recreation Grounds. ATTACHMENT Letter of Support Santa Clarita Valley Canyons Preservation Committee Proposal JCK:mat.PRCOUNC.66 APPROVED, „��lkm�_ *City of Santa Clarita Carl Boyer. 3rd Mayor Jill Klajic Mayor Pro -Tem Jo Anne Darcy Councilmember Jan Heidt Councilmember sward"Buck" McKeon uouncilmember 0 23920 Valencia Blvd. Suite 300 City of Santa Cladta California 91355 November 12, 1991 Phone 1(805) 259-2489 Fax (805) 259.8125 Esther Feldman, Director Special Programs Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority 3750 Solstice Canyon Road Malibu, CA '90265 Dear Esther: The City of Santa Clarita is in support of .the Santa Clarita Valley Canyons Preservation Committee's proposal for the purchase of -Whitney Canyon and the development of camping and hiking facilities. The City has included the concept of a ring of -open space and park land around the valley within its General -Plan, and feels that the Whitney Canyon project will be an important link. Whitney Canyon . contains extremely valuable habitat and watershed areas for the Santa Clarita Valley. Additionally, it represents a historical resource for the area as the home of the Tataviam Indians. We hope that the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority will share our view of the value of Whitney Canyon, and choose to include it in the Los Angeles County Park, Beach and Recreation Act of 1992. Sincerely, Carl Boyer Mayor CB/JCR:mat.1837 1cc(,n� vN5 Re�Y «� C; �e\ (2c)nSc YVG_f(bi-) x 375 0 Sof s� (« ca n yGn Rd. y. . ft)C& i lock Cid q c _Q6� Proposal For. Whitney Canyon Camping and Recreation Grounds (To Be Called The Tataviam Indian Historical Campground) Proposed By: Santa Clarita Valley Canyons Preservation Committee Person To Contact Regarding This Proposal: Karen Pearson -Hall, Vice President, Santa Clarita Valley Canyons Preservation Committee. Chair, Santa Clarita Valleg.Sierra Club 26617 Gavilan Dr., Santa Clarita, CA. 91350; Phone 605-296-4438 Date: October 15, 1991 1. DESCRIPTION OF THE LAND TO BE ACQUIRED Whitney Canyon is a serene and lovely oak dotted canyon. It boasts a natural springs and the distinction of having been home to the Tataviam Indians. It lies north of the San Fernando Valley and just East of the city of Santa Clarita. Placenta Canyon is its northern neighbor. Placenta Canyon is home to Placenta Canyon Park a true treasure of Los Angeles County. (It was in Placenta Canyon Park where the first gold in California was discovered.) The county would protect the serenity and scenic beauty of the trails of Placerita from being encroached upon bg adding a campground in Whitney Canyon. On Whitney's Eastern border is the Angeles National Forest. Thus, if one includes the National Forest in the amount of land available for the hikers, this area would allow acreage that rivals that of Yosemite. A state historical marker (unfortunately stolen) was placed on Whitney's southeastern edge to recognize the Tataviam Indians that resided in Whitney. The colored pictures of Whitney which are included lend support to the belief that these Indians must have lived in joyful serenity in this tranquil setting-- A serenity that this land will once again be able to offer once it is developed into a campground and park. 2. EXACT LOCATION Whitney Canyon is located at the eastern terminus of San Fernando Road, approximately 2.4 miles north of the Highway 14 (or Antelope Valley Freeway) and Interstate 5 freeway exchange. The mouth of the canyon is at the interchange of the Antelope Valley Freeway and San Fernando Road. See attached map for more detailed location. 3. HOW MANY ACRES (APPROXIMATELY)? This is approximately a 537 acre parcel. 4_ WHAT AMOUNT OF FUNDS IS NECESSARY TO ACQUIRE THIS PROPERTY OR CARRY OUT THIS PROJECT? Between twenty-four and twenty-six million dollars will be needed to purchase this property. This is the amount given to me by Don McAdam a partner of Watt Industries, the parent company that owns this land. This is larger than the amount mentioned.on the sheet entitled, 'ESTIMATED COST OF ACQUISITION OF WHITNEY CANYON' which was included in the the Los Angeles County application for state off highway vehicle grant for purchase and development (prior to an EIR ) given to the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation. Don McAdam stated that County offers of approximately eleven million to eighteen million have been refused. A copy of the pertinent pages of this application has been included. It is estimated that approximately four million seven hundred thousand dollars will be needed to prepare it for a campground with suitable hiking trails and amenities. Phase one of the project would be a simple camping and hiking establishment with the bare necessities for water and bathroom'facilities. A parking lot would be established as well as a booth for receiving payments for camping there. Phase two would develop the ranch area into a petting ranch foi children, necessary office space, and space for historical displays. Phase three would add mountain bike trails. Phase four would add a swimming pool and more refined niceties (Showers and real toilets.). Phase five would build the Tataviam Indian Village and place the historical and educational markers along the trails that describe the life of the Indians. Phase -six would include the development of equestrian trails. It is estimated that $150,000 per year be allocated for salaried employees. $50,000 per year would be allocated for trail maintenance and development. It is also possible to charge for use of this park and thereby reduce costs. 5. HOW WERE THESE AMOUNTS DETERMINED? HAS THE PROPERTY BEEN APPRAISED? The estimate for developmental costs is derived from interviews with Valerie Vartanian at Placerita Nature Center and Edsel Yamasaki at North Region Headquarters. In addition, the request for development monies that was made by Los Angeles Parks and Recreation for developing Whitney into an Off Highway Vehicle area was used as a resource. Though many amenities needed in their request are different than this one, many are the same or will cost about as much. More refined details will follow regarding this. The application for purchase and the application for development on this prior proposal has been included. Don McAdam a general partner in Watt Industries gave the quote for purchase price mentioned here. This property has been appraised and the appraisal will be submitted in the near future. In addition more detailed refinements in cost analysis will be submitted in the near future. 6. WHICH GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY/AGENCIES WOULD ACQUIRE THE PROPERTY OR RECEIVE FUNDS TO CARRY OUT THE PROPOSED PROJECT? The purchase and development of this property would probably have to be done by the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation. Michael Antonovich's office would be involved. =This is now in the discussion phase. 7- DOES THE PROJECT HAVE REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE? WILL IT BE USED BY MANY COMMUNITIES? 1. EVIDENCE THAT THE PROJECT IS A SIGNIFICANT NATURAL RESOURCE: A. Included with this proposal is a copy of a letter sent to me by Carl Wishner Chief Biologist for Envicom Corporation regarding the flora and fauna of the region. This includes a list of Sensitive Animal Species of the region. Simply knowing that Whitney is part of the Condor Range area would be motivation for anyone to want to keep it from being mowed down and developed into a housing project. However, when one adds even more endangered animals to the list such as the Spotted Owl and Least Bell's Vireo the realization of Whitney's importance to the eco -system is mightily. reinforced. B. Historical Significance: Jerry Reynolds, well known historian of the Santa Clarita Valley has included an historical description of the area_ The history of theTataviam Indians will be the theme of the park. For example, trails will lead to the waterfalls (water was considered sacred) They can then hike to one of the Asphaltum seeps in the area and learn how this.was used in their basket weaving. The very industrious may want to explore the trail that took the Tataviam Indians over the mountain to trade with the Indians in San Fernando --called Fernandio Indians by the Spanish. AR actual replica of a Tataviam Indian village will be constructed. With this place being so alive with the history and culture of the Tataviums, it is expected that all who hike its trails will leave feeling instilled with an appreciation for those who came before us. 2. LETTERS OR STUDIES DOCUMENTING THE REGIONAL USE OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT BY SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES: Placenta Canyon Park and Nature Center receives thousands of visitors from all over Los Angeles. County every year. I believe that Whitney at the Tataviam Historical Campground will be a reflection of the kind of county wide popularity enjoyed by Placenta. Many school groups who go to Placenta Canyon Nature Center may include the Tataviam Village as part of their days tour. 3. DOCUMENTATION THAT THE PROJECT IS OR WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE OR ADVERTISED ON A REGIONAL BASIS: This would be self evident. It would be the promise of the purchasing and the developing agent that this would indeed occur. It is expected that the county would gladly have such a wonderful project and that making it available on a regional basis would be a pleasure for them. . This•propertg could not be more ideally located for regional significance. Simply looking at tfie map gives one a good indication of how freeway convenient it is to the entire Los Angeles area. People from the Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, Simi Valley and indeed the entire San Fernando Valley will have easy access to this site. Beyond those areas, it still would be one of the most convenient campgrounds available. 4. DOCUMENTATION THAT THE PROJECT IS THE ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND IN THE SURROUNDING REGION. Common knowledge dictates that there are no other Tataviam Indian Theme Campgrounds around. S. WHO WILL OPERATE AND -MANAGE THIS PROPERTY AFTER ACQUISITION? HAVE THEY AGREED TO DO SO? Final determination of management has not been made yet. However, It should not be a problem as there are many who would like the opportunity. • Certainly, the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department is a definite consideration as is the possibility of leasing it to someone skilled in running campgrounds. 9. WHO ARE THE CURRENT OWNERS? ARE THE CURRENT OWNERS WILLING TO SELL? The current owners are Watt Industries the parent company of Watt Land. Inc. Managing General Partner of Whitney Canyon Ranch Associates According to Don McAdam, general partner in the organization they are willing to sell and are willing to provide a written offer to sell. This will be forthcoming. 10. WOULD.THE CURRENT PROPERTY OWNERS OPPOSE THE PROPOSED PROJECT BEING INCLUDED IN THE DISTRICT? I have been given every evidence that. they think it is a great idea. 1 i_ DOES THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS §UPPORT THE PROJECT AND THE DESIGNATION OF AGENCIES FOR ACQUISITION AND MANAGEMENT? I feel confident that they would support their own Parks and Recreation Department for acquisition and management. This is still in the .discussion phase. A2. DOES THE CITY COUNCIL SUPPORT THE PROJECT AND THE DESIGNATION OF AGENCIES FOR ACQUISITION AND MANAGEMENT? The city that is closest to this land is the City of Santa Clarita. I have receive verbal assurances of support and anticipate that a letter of support will be sent from the City of Santa Clarita. 13. WHICH LOCAL OR STATE ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORT THE PROJECT? I am confident that. many letters of support from many groups will be forthcoming. At the present moment Santa Clarita Valley Canyons Preservation Committee, Santa Clarita Organization for Preservation of the Environment (SCOPE) and Santa Clarita Civic Association have given verbal support to this request. 14. WHICH LOCAL OR STATE ORGANIZATIONS OPPOSE THIS PROJECT? I do not believe there is any opposition. There was a time when the motorcyclists :wanted Whitney Canyon for an Off Highway Vehicle Park and at that time they may have opposed the use of Whitney for any other purpose. However, they have now set their sites on another piec6 of property and appear resigned.to the fact that placing an Off Highway Motor Vehicle Park in Whitney is a poor idea.for many solid reasons. (Note that the Angelus Chapter of the Sierra Club representing 65,000 members opposes"any Off Highway Vehicle Park in Whitney Canyon). Disney Corporation gave strong opposition to the notion of an Off Highway Vehicle Park in Whitney and would oppose any use of this park for Off Highway Vehicle use. This project is to be designed so that their interests in their movie production business will be protected. 15. HAS THERE BEEN ANY PUBLICITY ABOUT THE ABOVE PROJECT? HAS IT BEEN POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE? There has been no publicity regarding the above project. However, when Whitney Canyon was being looked at for use as an Off Highway Vehicle Park the groups of people who took a strong stand against that idea often mentioned how nice it would be if Whitey Canyon could become a park. May this dream of Whitney becoming a park.and campground soon become a reality! 16. FURTHER COMMENTS A. Economical Considerations: This project on a per acre basis is coming in at about one/half of what some of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy purchases have been. Yet, here with the Angeles Forest on its back boundary, many more acres will become available for the -public than will actually be purchased. Thus, one could say that.given all the acreage that becomes available this is a bargain basement park ready to happen. I also believe that this Is land that would interest the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy because the placing of a park in Whitney would include protection for the wild life corridor. B. General Plan Considerations: In terms of being part of a city or county general plan, I have been told that our city cannot make an open space designation unless they intend to buy the property. Thus, park land and open space land is not designated due to the desire not to obligate. I suspect the some is true for the county_ However, if money should become available through something like this Bond Act then it is not that difficult to change a general plan to implement park . placement. 0 i