A patch of practically untouched natural land in the Santa Monica mountains may be one step closer to public preservation with a recent vote from L.A. City Council.
L.A. City Council voted on Tuesday, Sept. 12 to approve a motion that would allow the city to officially explore pathways and partnerships towards acquiring around 260 acres in the Senderos Canyon, just west of the neighborhood of Bel Air. The area is one of the last and largest remaining undeveloped pieces of land in the City of Los Angeles, with around 90 percent being untouched.
“Earlier this year, I submitted a motion after we learned that a very large parcel of open space in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains was coming up for auction,’’ said Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky leading up to the vote. “We saw this as an opportunity to begin a conversation about how we collectively—the state, the county, private partners and community organizations—could come together to save the land and preserve it for the public benefit.”
The land was put up for auction in January for $39 million, but closed without a buyer in March.
The council’s motion doesn’t allocate any funds yet, but allows for the city to begin official talks and planning to acquire the land, including the possibility of partnering with private organizations. Additionally, the motion points to the acquisition helping in California’s 30x30 initiative, an aim to conserve 30 percent of California land by the year 2030 to combat the global climate and biodiversity crises.
“Unspoiled open space will encourage natural habitats and biodiversity,” Kathy Schaeffer, Legislative Co-Chair of the San Fernando Valley Climate Reality Project, said in a public comment on the proposal. “Development of this area with more mega-mansions is inconsistent with residents’ desires for preservation of open spaces, as well as city environmental goals.”
The canyon is already bordered by other protected areas, and if obtained by the city, would be incorporated into the Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park. The city has an interest in public ownership of the land not only for the preservation of endangered wildlife, but also for the safety of nearby residents due to a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone covering much of the mountain range.
“The city has a unique opportunity to preserve this land for wildlife and allow for public access to open and recreational space,” the motion reads. “If properly preserved and managed in a manner consistent with indigenous knowledge and practices, the property has an opportunity to present benefits for nearby neighborhoods.”