Fundraiser supports open space inventory

A local organization dedicated to protecting the Santa Monica Mountains is holding a fundraiser to allow further acquisition of open space in the area.

The Mountains Restoration Trust Nov. 12 fundraiser features speaker Jared Diamond, scientist and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “Guns, Germs and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies” and “Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed.”

The goal of the event is to raise money to acquire 78 acres along the Cold Creek High Trail. The area is core habitat for wildlife and a scenic trail for visitors. The trail corridor is a 1.6mile link in the 17-mile Calabasas/Cold Creek trail.

Jo Kitz, MRT co-executive director, said the trail is interesting because of its variety.

“For a hike-lover, it’s an incredible experience,” Kitz said. “You go through so many types of vegetation because there are four different soil types. There’s really a surprise around each corner . . . It’s a gorgeous hunk of land.”

Debbie Bruschaber, co-executive director of MRT, said they have acquired $1.9 million toward the acquisition, which includes 13 lots, but they’re $600,000 short.

“The reason we are shy is because some of the grant funds we got were tied to programs that were frozen in the state budget crisis,” Bruschaber said. “The owner of the land is a developer, and he will sell the lots for development. We are under contract and we have some time, but it’s absolutely critical that this piece of property gets purchased and protected.”

Bruschaber said that money raised helps the organization get more grants.

“So it’s almost like with every $1 we get from the community, we get sometimes $8 from some of these programs,” she said. “So it’s really important we get this support.”

The event will be at the Westlake Village Four Seasons from 6 to 9 p.m. Money will be raised through ticket sales and silent auction items.

There are several levels of sponsorship that include a VIP post-program private gathering with Diamond after his speech. The deadline for donation confirmations is Nov. 1.

Tickets are $50. To donate or buy tickets, visit www.mountainstrust.org.