Something extraordinary happened a couple of days ago in my neighborhood, the Hollywood Dell, that I wanted you to be aware of. For years my neighborhood has been lucky to enjoy a nature trail sitting on 10 lots of undeveloped land where everyone walks their dogs, savors the wildlife, and just finds a bit of peace in a busy world. The developer who owned the lots was asking a large price but recently softened. On Wednesday, March 2, a number of the trail supporters wrote to Councilman Tom LaBonge asking him to find some money to help us buy this useable open space. We pointed out that LaBonge had pledged property owner’s annual $40 open space tax for the next twenty years to buy the Cahuenga Peak – a place that no one can walk on or enjoy except from afar. We once again asked him to find a little City money to help us preserve this nature trail, since he had formed a committee to find other parcels adjacent to the Peak to buy for the City and we wondered: where’s the money? LaBonge did not respond.
We did, however, copied the 2 candidates for LaBonge’s council seat and one of them, Tomas O’Grady, called us up, educated himself on the facts, called the developer, and within an hour, had made a deal for us to buy the lots on acceptable terms (extraordinary terms, really) through a non-profit entity. Apparently he believes in getting things done. We are now embarking on the fundraising for the trail but finally have a deal in place thanks to a guy who is running for office but took the time to get involved.
I am impressed with O’Grady and so decided to email everyone I know who lives in the 4th Council District to tell them about this amazing feat and suggest that they be sure to get out and vote on Tuesday. Turnout is typically very low.
And if any of you have friends or neighbors in the 4th Council District, please forward this email to them. Every vote counts in this election since turnout will be low. If Facebook can bring down Mubarak, maybe email can elect O’Grady….
William Lucas Walker