OakTreeandTrail.jpgI have been a resident of Placerita Canyon for more than 30 years; we were drawn by the relaxed lifestyle and large lots. We became even more enthusiastic residents as neighbors shared with, and cared for, each other during the tumult of fires, floods or earthquake.

We raised our children here and watched them bloom as they participated in various 4-H projects. The lifestyle in Placerita Canyon certainly contributed to their developing a sense of responsibility – to friends and family, to chores, to schoolwork.

When our community left behind its “unincorporated” county status, Sand and Placerita Canyons negotiated with the new City a “Special Standards District.” This presently is found in Santa Clarita’s UDC (Uniform Development Code) in the Land Use Section: Section 17.16.080. The purpose of Placerita Canyon Special Standards District is “to maintain, preserve and enhance the rural and equestrian character of Placerita Canyon.”

Sand Canyon’s SSD follows: Section 17.16.090. It is virtually identical to Placerita’s description except for the boundaries.

Our lifestyle is now threatened.

For some years, City and County staffs have been working on a project called One Valley One Vision (OVOV). It sounds wonderful – the opportunity to bring all the hopes and promises to fruition – more parks for the Westside, more roads to relieve traffic congestion, “villages” where residents can live, work, play and shop without relying on the automobile.

But it isn’t working out that way.

Santa Clarita City Staff has cited more than 100 community meetings over the last eight years – that’s one per month. But those meetings have been mostly with the “usual suspects:” Chamber of Commerce, developers, official City Committees. Few have been held with “just plain folks.”

Certainly none has been held with Placerita Canyon Residents or their elected members of Placerita Canyon Property Owners Association (PCPOA) Board of Directors. I know, because I am a member of that Board.

It was more with resignation and sorrow than shock that we looked at the new proposed OVOV Land Use Element released early in July 2008. There on page 58, we saw the future for Placerita Canyon:

  • Policy LU 1.2.5: In Sand Canyon, ensure compatibility of development with existing rural, equestrian lots and the adjacent National Forest land: provide additional recreational trail links: and protect the Santa Clara River from incompatible development.
  • Policy LU 1.2.6: In Placerita Canyon, preserve the eclectic neighborhood character, encourage provision of needed infrastructure, and provide an orderly connection to Newhall through implementation of the North Newhall Specific Plan.

On Tuesday July 15, 2008, the Planning Commission conducted a Study Session to examine the Land Use Element. They were surprised to learn of the changes in Placerita Canyon’s Special Standards District status. Commissioner Dennis Ostrom, a Sand Canyon resident, said the change in the treatment of the two canyons was “unfathomable.”

Planning Commission Chair Michael Berger asked Santa Clarita Community Development Director Paul Brotzman to explain the changes. At no point during his time at the podium did Mr. Brotzman indicate the change was an error. He did not then, nor has he since, proposed a meeting to explain how Placerita Canyon misunderstood the intent of LU 1.2.6, and that all of our present protections would remain.

So I am left with my final comment to the Planning Commission: “This is an agreement bilaterally negotiated, but unilaterally abrogated.”

Our neighborhood is presently under siege; which will be next?

Valerie Thomas
Commentary

Val Thomas is a 30-year resident of Placerita Canyon, a former teacher, Realtor, and curious Santa Clarita Valley resident. Her commentaries represent her own opinions and not necessarily the views of any organization she may be affiliated with or those of the West Ranch Beacon.