Something smelly in Calabasas?

As we were leaving Calabasas City Hall, having given testimony opposing a city effort to explore the expansion of sewers to rural areas not currently served, Hal Helsley turned to me and said, "This a betrayal of public trust."

These words from a lifelong environmentalist, teacher, water district board member and county regional planning commissioner strike at the heart of what many in the rural community view as complete disregard by city hall for the rural identity as defined in the General Plan, which states: ". . . the unique character of existing rural communities, such as Monte Nido and Old Topanga, (are to) be preserved."

If adopted, such a plan would assure development of well over 100 small lots in Old Topanga and Cold Creek and destroy the community character. City Council approved the staff recommendation 5-0.

The evening before, many (including Hal) had addressed the traffic and transportation commission regarding a traffic signal at Mulholland Highway and Old Topanga Canyon Road, a transition zone between urban and rural areas, and the intersection of two designated scenic corridors.

A signal at this intersection will alter the character of the rural area at Headwaters Corner and Wild Walnut Park where the city has invested significant public funds to assist in creating an urban to rural interface. Yet the residents were only allowed to comment on the signal's design, not the installation itself.

At the sole discretion of the city manager, granted him by the council, the signal has already been approved, citing safety and congestion issues. Evaluation by a resident environmental law professor concludes that accidents here are minimal and that heavy congestion happens only during a 15-minute period each weekday afternoon.

What has Calabasas City Hall become when it willfully neglects the General Plan and its residents are excluded from meaningful participation in the decision-making process affecting neighborhoods?

Commissioner Helsley's observation was spot on. The public trust has indeed been broken.
Toby Keeler
Calabasas