Support for

With the help of Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, an amazing effort is underway by park agencies, legislators, community leaders and local residents to finally realize a dream nearly 30 years in the making: to preserve for public parkland the Soka/King Gillette Ranch, "crown jewel" of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

The 588-acre Soka/King Gillette Ranch is located at the corner of Las Virgenes Canyon Road and Mulholland Scenic Highway in the idyllic Las Virgenes Valley. The National Parks Service considers the property’s history worthy for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The ranch’s natural beauty is a haven for people and wildlife, and its spectacular mountain backdrop is unequalled in the region.

This past December, local community leaders came together as the Committee to Save Soka/King Gillette Ranch to demonstrate to state agencies how much local residents care about this cultural and natural treasure. As Californians statewide are competing for the limited bond monies for open space and are raising funds to help with acquisitions in their communities, we have to do our part. A strong showing of community support is critical to secure the complex mix of $35 million in federal, state, county, city and private money needed to meet the April 15 deadline for the property’s purchase.

We invite you today to join Supervisor Yaroslavsky, the city of Agoura Hills, the city of Calabasas, the Committee to Save Soka/King Gillette Ranch and the growing number of private contributors as we demonstrate the local and regional support that this property enjoys.

We are well on our way to realizing our dream. Help make it come true.

Steve Hess

Calabasas