Malibu Valley Inn and Spa under review

By Michael Picarella pic@theacorn.com

An environmental plan for the proposed Malibu Valley Inn and Spa, a project that’s planned to be built on 126 acres of unincorporated Los Angeles County land at the northwest corner of Mulholland Highway and Stokes Canyon Road near the city of Calabasas, is now available for public review at Calabasas City Hall, 26135 Mureau Road in Calabasas, or at the Calabasas Library at 23975 Park Sorrento in Calabasas.

The 342,000-square-foot inn and spa would be annexed by the city of Calabasas and would replace an already approved 81-home residential development at the site.

The public will be able to comment on the draft document and the project in general at a Calabasas Planning Commission meeting at 5:30 p.m. on April 7. The location hasn’t been set yet. Call Calabasas City Hall at (818) 878-4225 for more information.

According to Stanley Lamport, Malibu Valley Inn and Spa spokesperson, the Santa Monica Mountains site served as a ranch and a farm for more than 100 years. In 1974, the property owners opened an equestrian facility at the location. Malibu Valley Farms raises, breeds and trains horses nearby.

Plans call for private tennis and swim facilities, a fitness center, an equestrian facility, a fine dining restaurant and a venue to showcase wine and winemaking. Builders also hope to expand and connect the area’s existing equestrian trails.

If the site became part of Calabasas, it would produce revenues of about $1.4 million annually, according to a study. To be annexed, the project must go before L.A. County’s Local Agency Formation Commission for approval.

During past public hearings, some area residents said they favored the project while others opposed it. Opponents think it’s too intense for the area and worry about urbanization of open space. They cited nighttime lights, traffic, grading and reduced habitat for wildlife as major concerns.

Proponents said the inn and spa would be far more preferable than the 81-home residential development that’s already been approved for the location. And many agree there’s a need for more equestrian facilities.

In addition, Bret Saberhagen, head coach of the Calabasas High School varsity baseball team, spoke to the city council recently and said the project would provide much-needed sports facilities for Calabasas youth.