Save the Date: Wednesday, 12/5, 2pm:

This may be your last chance to give input on the future of Runyon Canyon...

As you probably remember, the City of Los Angeles has been planning to pave lower Runyon Canyon for many years. The lot would introduce cars into Runyon Canyon for the first time, and would replace the existing fenced in grassy area, which is used for relaxation, children, and Yoga (see picture). The city has promosed to build a similar area further up the canyon.

Site of Proposed Runyon Canyon Parking Lot

Most or all neighborhood councils and homeowners associations do not support the lot. The Runyon Canyon Park Advisory Board was quickly and quietly dissolved when it recommended against the lot. On the other side, local residents complain that too many people park in front of their houses (though Vista is now off limits for Runyon Canyon parking anyway).

About a year ago, a group called "The New Friends Of Runyon Canyon" formed to block the lot. The group hired attorney Robert Silverstein (famous for suing the City of LA to save Bernard's Luggage at Hollywood and Vine). They then sued the City, claiming that their decision not to do a full Environmental Impact Report.

This Wednesday, December 5, the city is holding a public hearing at 2pm (see notice below), and the final vote will be at the City Council on December 12 at 10am. Continuing a ridiculous tradition, the city is, of course, holding the public hearing during working hours, when those of who work at day jobs can't attend. Those who can't attend can submit written comments, but obviously, this doesn't have the same impact as commenting at a public hearing.

Whatever side you're on, please consider attending and voicing your opinion. The final decision will impact all of us, including those who don't attend the park.
Thanks for listening, and here's the announcement:
Subject:

Runyon Canyon Park Parking Area Project - upcoming City Council hearings
The City Council's Arts, Parks, Health and Aging Committee will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, December 5, 2007 in City Hall's room 1010 at 2pm or soon thereafter to consider a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) appeal filed by Randy Dodge and The New Friends of Runyon Canyon. It's an appeal from the Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners' approval of a mitigated negative declaration for the proposed Runyon Canyon Park parking area project, which would be at the southern end of Runyon Canyon Park. It's Case No. E1904613.

The full Los Angeles City Council also will consider this CEQA appeal on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 at approximately 10 am or soon thereafter in City Hall's room 340, which is the John Ferraro Council Chamber.

If you are unable to appear at these meetings, you may submit your comments in writing to the City Council, Attn: Arts, Parks, Health and Aging Committee at Los Angeles' City Hall, Room 395, 200 North Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Tom LaBonge has ignored two petitions with over 3300 signatures.

He has ignored the Park Advisory Board (formed at his request); the Hollywood Hills Neighborhood Council and the Outpost Home Owners Association, all of which have said, "NO PARKING LOT IN RUNYON CANYON."

We now need to hire a lawyer and expert witnesses to testify at the upcoming hearing. We have made every attempt to get an environmental organization or an attorney to take the case Pro Bono, but without success. We do now have an Environmental Attorney who will take the case at a reduced fee.

Please help us pay for the legal fees and stop the degradation of the park.

Contact us: stopparkinglot@yahoo.com

Make your contributions to:

Friends of Runyon Canyon
P.O. Box 931565
Los Angeles, CA 90093