Malibou Lake resident challenges water district

Mary Altmann Mary Altmann is channeling her contempt for the Agoura Vil- lage Plan, a 135-acre commercial development in Agoura Hills, by running for a Las Virgenes Mu- nicipal Water District board of directors seat.

"I decided to run when I read that the Las Virgenes Water Dis- trict rubber-stamped the Agoura Village Specific Plan," Altmann said. "The environmental impact report for the project does not pro- vide a square footage limit for the 293 residences, in addition to the estimated 1 million square feet of commercial development this project allows."

Altmann is challenging Lee Renger for Division 3, which rep- resents Calabasas and nearby un- incorporated areas of Los Ange- les County including Malibou Lake, where Altmann has lived for 20 years.

As a longtime resident, Altmann remembers several periods of drought in the region, and believes the water district should research new development further before committing water to any project.

"As a director of the (water dis- trict), I would keep updated on pro- posed developments, and how- if any way-it will affect existing customers," Altmann said. "I do not feel existing customers should pay for new development."

An environmentalist who has served as president of the Malibou Lakeside Homeowners Associa- tion, Altmann said she focused on preserving the "safety and ru- ral quality of our neighborhood."

As director of the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains from 1994-98, Altmann drafted zoning and grad- ing laws, compiling information from other California regions. She said she submitted her research to the Los Angeles County Regional Planning Department, which led, in part, to the creation of the North Area Plan.

The plan was approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Su- pervisors in 2000 to control devel- opment in rural areas and protect a 32-square-mile stretch of pristine unincorporated land between Hidden Hills and Westlake Vil- lage.

Altmann was also active with the grassroots organiza- tion "Save Ahmanson Ranch," and said she helped raise awareness on the devel- opment controversy that even- tually led Washington Mutual to sell the property to be pre- served as open space.

As president of the Agoura High School Charger Club from 2004-05, Altmann raised money for the school's athletic department, which used the funds to upgrade weight and locker rooms.

Married with three chil- dren, Altmann has operated the administrative side of Altmann Construction for more than 22 years with her husband.

"Mary Altmann has proven to be a credible, intel- ligent person with a passion for conservation in Agoura and the Santa Monica Moun- tains area," said Steve Hess, past president of the Las Vir- genes Homeowners Federa- tion.

"I am running for the wa- ter district board because I am a good fit for the position, and I have the experience, energy and motivation to do an excel- lent job," Altmann said.