Melissa Smith

The joint meeting addressed several key agenda items, including the authorization of comment letters to the City of Malibu regarding parkland system maps and coastal development permits. The board approved a grant for an interpretive program for at-risk youth and authorized a comment letter to Caltrans concerning bridge realignment. Furthermore, the conservancy approved the use of mitigation funds for property acquisition, assigned excess funds for trail implementation in the Malibu Canyon watershed, accepted an irrevocable offer to dedicate property, and formally incorporated modifications into the Malibu Parks Public Access Enhancement plan.

The board held a joint meeting to receive organizational reports and authorize several resolutions regarding grants and planning projects. Key actions included approving a comment letter on the NorthLake Specific Plan draft environmental impact report and authorizing numerous grants funded by Propositions 40, 50, and 84. These grants were allocated for capital improvements at several regional parks, including Ed Davis Park, Mentryville, Michael D. Antonovich Regional Park, and Wilacre Park. Additionally, funding was approved for watershed health analysis, interpretive programs for disadvantaged youth, and planning and design work for projects such as the Los Angeles River Taylor Yard G2 property, the Glenoaks Greenway, and various regional watershed connectors. The board also addressed a budget augmentation for public access improvements at Lechuza Beach.

The joint meeting focused on various conservancy business items. Key topics included the authorization of comment letters regarding the Enhanced Watershed Management Program and the Canyon Oaks Project; a presentation on the Bridges to Park Careers Training Program; the assignment of Proposition A funds for the acquisition of wildlife corridor properties; and the adoption of a Climate Change Program and Policy. Additionally, the Conservancy discussed the release of draft grant guidelines and held a discussion regarding pending litigation.

The board discussed and took action on several resolutions, including authorization for comment letters regarding projects in the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County. Key approvals included the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority fiscal year 2016-17 budget and multiple Proposition 1 and Proposition 12 grants for land acquisition, project planning, and restoration efforts, such as the Simi Hills-Joncich Acquisition Project, Liberty Canyon tributary, Laurel Canyon Spring, Carbon Canyon Creek parcels, and the Los Angeles River Greenway Ecosystem Restoration Area. A presentation on regional public access opportunities was also received.

The joint meeting included a presentation on the Tesoro Del Valle Project, a proposed 820-home development in the Santa Clarita Valley. The board addressed various consent calendar items, including the adoption of the Tierra Rejada Valley Habitat Linkage Hub Planning Map and a comment letter to the California Coastal Commission regarding a property in Pacific Palisades. Significant business included the adoption of the Proposition 68 Grant Guidelines, authorization of Proposition 68 fund grants for the acquisition of Triangle Ranch property, and approval for various trail improvements and open space projects, such as the Rio Vistas project in Elysian Valley.