LA CITY COUNCILMEMBER BOB BLUMENFIELD, MRCA, LA SANITATION GM BARBARA ROMERO BREAK GROUND ON LA’S FIRST SELF-SUSTAINING PARK

Caballero Creek Park is being constructed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority

WEST SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CA – Councilmember Bob Blumenfield was joined by city, local leaders and residents for the ceremonial groundbreaking of Caballero Creek Park. Located just south of Victory Blvd. on Lindley Ave, this site will convert a 1.5-acre underutilized lot into a multiple-benefit park right at the convergence of the Los Angeles River and Caballero Creek in Tarzana. It will be the first self-sustaining park in Los Angeles- meaning water will be captured on and off-site and using solar, the water will be cleaned to irrigate the park.

“It takes a village to take underutilized city land and create this sort of new, innovative green space and while it may be a heavy lift, it’s so wonderful to know that countless generations of Angelenos will be able to enjoy this incredible park,” said Blumenfield.

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), Department of Recreation and Parks, Bureau of Sanitation, General Services Department, and Los Angeles County have joined forces for Caballero Creek Park. Blumenfield helped bring in seven different funding sources and cut through significant red tape over the past few years to get shovels in the ground. Overall, it will cost about $5.5 million split between the city, county and state.He also partnered with Reseda High School so this new space will serve as an outdoor classroom. The design utilizes innovative methods that lead to watershed protection, including a bioswale and a wetland component for storm water treatment. The new wetlands will create habitat, clean water and help connect Angelenos to California’s struggling riverine ecology. The site plan also includes a variety of offerings for the community including an outdoor fitness center, play and recreation, access to the LA River bike paths, and more.

“This will be the first self-sustaining park along the Los Angeles River,” said Joseph T. Edmiston, FAICP, Executive Director of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, one of the funders of the project. “Most importantly, it will be the park that establishes the standards that all parks going forward will adhere to. That is how real change occurs.”

Leonard Shaffer, President of the Tarzana Neighborhood Council said, “One of the important objectives of this project is to have a place where residents of Tarzana, students from Reseda High School, and residents of surrounding communities can learn about water reclamation and conservation; something that has grown in importance because of ongoing changes in our atmosphere.

Caballero Creek Park is set to open around April of next year. It marks the latest new City park that Blumenfield has helped create following the Costanso Fire Station Park and the LA River and Aliso Creek Confluence Park. He also led the effort to create the new facilities at the Woodland Hills Rec Center, as well as major renovations at various parks throughout his community.

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is a local government public entity exercising joint powers of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the Conejo Recreation and Park District and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. The MRCA is dedicated to the preservation and management of local open space and parkland, wildlife habitat, coastal access, watershed lands, and trails in both wilderness and urban settings, and to ensuring access to public parkland and coastal resources. The MRCA works in cooperation with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and other local government partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, work towards wildfire resilience, and connect wildlife habitat. The MRCA manages more than 75,000 acres of parkland that it owns and that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. It is one of the lead agencies revitalizing the Los Angeles River.

Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority Acquires Key Habitat Connector in the Hollywood Hills

 The newly protected land at the end of Lankershim Canyon includes a natural year-round spring crucial to the survival of local wildlife.

LOS ANGELES (July 29, 2024) – The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) announced today that it had acquired a half-acre of critical habitat in the Cahuenga Pass area of the eastern Santa Monica Mountains. The now-permanently preserved open space frequented by mule deer and other native animals includes a perennial spring and oak woodland located on one of just two routes that wildlife can travel east to west along the north slope of the range.

“This is a solid victory for the animals that depend on the increasingly fragile connection of habitat in the Santa Monica Mountains between the 405 Freeway and Griffith Park,” said Paul Edelman, Chief of Natural Resources and Planning for the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. “In addition to larger animals, native bats, lizards, owls and nesting birds will continue to thrive here.”

Despite development proposals (including a recent plan for a multistory house with a twelve-foot retaining wall and a swimming pool), the unique wildlife water source and habitat adjacent to other MRCA parkland made conservation of this sensitive property a high priority.  Images caught on wildlife cameras installed by the local nonprofit Citizens for Los Angeles Wildlife (CLAW) over many years vividly underscored the animals use and dependence on the parcel. The closest perennial water source is a mile away in either direction.

Two open space advocates generously donated $40,000 in personal funds to preserve the property. The remainder of the $325,000 acquisition was funded by Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority Community Facilities District No. 2020-1 (Open Space and Fire Prevention). The MRCA plans to enhance the spring’s flow and remove vestiges of attempts by the prior owner to underground the flow with pipes and gravel.

“It is essential to buy keystone ecological parcels,” said Edelman, “to maintain the hope of a functioning wildlife corridor system.”

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is a local government public entity exercising joint powers of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the Conejo Recreation and Park District and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. The MRCA is dedicated to the preservation and management of local open space and parkland, wildlife habitat, coastal access, watershed lands, and trails in both wilderness and urban settings, and to ensuring access to public parkland and coastal resources. The MRCA works in cooperation with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and other local government partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, work towards wildfire resilience, and connect wildlife habitat. The MRCA manages more than 75,000 acres of parkland that it owns and that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. It is one of the lead agencies revitalizing the Los Angeles River.

Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority Proactive Response to Threat of Goldspotted Oak Boarer in Oak Trees on its Public Parkland

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (May 30, 2024)— New infestations of Goldspotted Oak Borer (GSOB) were discovered on MRCA land for the first time this spring in native oak trees at two locations in East and Rice Canyons, and Whitney Canyon in the Santa Clarita Valley. The terrain is more rugged and inaccessible than most known areas of GSOB infestation. As several trees were in severe decline or dead, GSOB has likely been present for at least 3-5 years.  While these are the only areas of MRCA land where the pest has been identified, every measure is being taken to prevent further infestation and spread in all of the jurisdiction.

GSOB is an invasive pest that originated in Arizona and has been spreading from San Diego north for the past 16 years. It is primarily spread through the movement of oak firewood. GSOB typically targets more mature oaks. If the GSOB reached the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, it could begin an infestation among the 600,000 coast live oak trees.

The MRCA is leveraging Regional Forest and Fire Capacity (RFFC) Program funds granted by the California Natural Resources Agency and California Department of Conservation to immediately address these areas of GSOB and develop a long-term strategy. As this is a serious regional issue, MRCA is working in collaboration with partner entomologists, pathologists and forest managers from Los Angeles County Fire, the Angeles-San Bernardino National Forests, CALFIRE, and University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR), as well as representatives from LA County Agricultural Weights and Measures, and the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains, and in consultation with private pest management contractors and various land managers dealing with GSOB in San Diego and Orange Counties.

Management of GSOB consists broadly of annual monitoring via ground and aerial surveys, and treatment including removal of amplifier trees and insecticide treatment of lightly to moderately infested trees (with full consideration given to minimizing environmental impacts). Crews from the nonprofit TreePeople will conduct ground surveys following US Forest Service-developed GSOB survey protocols.

This summer, CSUN will conduct aerial drone surveys to collect fine-scale data for targeting future ground surveys as well as to better inform a proposed fall 2024 NASA DEVELOP project that will utilize drone and satellite imagery to analyze GSOB infestation on MRCA land.

Treatment options are still being evaluated with outside experts but will likely include de-barking amplifier trees and either burning, chipping, or burying infested bark, with complete removal and chipping to less than 3” of amplifier trees that are able to be accessed by traditional equipment. Pesticide treatment will follow an integrated pest management strategy beginning this fall, which will include trunk injections and/or topical applications of insecticides by contractors.

As GSOB management in Southern California is an evolving science, novel approaches and experimentation should be welcomed in collaboration with researchers and tribes. The cycle of treatment, removal, and monitoring will be repeated on an ongoing basis, and GSOB management must now form a permanent part of MRCA budgeting and planning. MRCA will also make RFFC funds available to partner organizations, tribes, and agencies to increase their capacity for GSOB and other wildfire resilience projects including public education and messaging.

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is a local government public entity exercising joint powers of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the Conejo Recreation and Park District and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. The MRCA is dedicated to the preservation and management of local open space and parkland, wildlife habitat, coastal access, watershed lands, and trails in both wilderness and urban settings, and to ensuring access to public parkland and coastal resources. The MRCA works in cooperation with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and other local government partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, work towards wildfire resilience, and connect wildlife habitat. The MRCA manages more than 75,000 acres of parkland that it owns and that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. It is one of the lead agencies revitalizing the Los Angeles

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MRCA Opens LA River Recreation Zone for its 11th Season

The public is welcome to kayak, walk, and fish on two sections of the river managed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority in Elysian Valley and at the Sepulveda Basin in Encino.

LOS ANGELES (May 27, 2024) — The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) announced today that the Los Angeles River Recreation Zones in Elysian Valley and the Sepulveda Basin will open for their eleventh season on Memorial Day, May 27, 2024.

The LA River Recreation Zones provide access to recreate on and explore the Los Angeles River in two different parts of the river that are still in a natural state with activities including steerable boating such as kayaking and canoeing, fishing and bird watching.  The River Recreation Zones are managed by the MRCA in coordination with the City of Los Angeles, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the County of Los Angeles.  Hours are sunrise to sunset, except during and after inclement weather or other adverse conditions.  The Recreation Zones will be open through September 30, 2024.

“We are looking forward to another great season,” said MRCA Chief Ranger, Fernando Gomez.  “We urge everyone to check out the website www.lariverrecreation.org to find out about river conditions, weather, and closure information.  You can also learn about how to access the river, and outfitters who provide guided tours or rent kayaks.”

The Sepulveda Basin Recreation Zone is a gentle, two-mile up river and back trip with braided channels, wildlife, and tranquil pools. Of the two Recreation Zones, the Sepulveda Basin offers easy paddling, and less natural obstacles.

Kayakers in the Sepulveda Basin will be able to access the Los Angeles River from Burbank Boulevard west of Woodley Avenue.  There is plenty of street parking on Woodley Avenue. 

 The Elysian Valley kayak experience is a five-mile, one-way trip with braided channels and abundant wildlife in the middle of the city. The kayak experience will include strong currents and a few rapids – you may fall out of your kayak while traveling through them. Boulders and other obstacles are also part of the experience. Be aware that you will likely be getting off your kayak and pulling it through the water to get around rocks in areas.

To access the Elysian Valley Recreation Zone, kayakers can enter the Los Angeles River from MRCA Rattlesnake Park at Fletcher Drive.  Parking is available on Fletcher Drive.  Access is also available upstream from MRCA Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park (formerly Marsh Park) whose parking lot entrances are at 2999 Rosanna St. and 2944 Gleneden Street.  Public Restrooms are available.

“Everyone needs to remember to take safety precautions when going out on the river,” said Gomez.  “You must wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD).  Use sunscreen and drink plenty of water.”

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority is a local public park agency dedicated to the preservation and management of open space, urban parkland, watershed lands, trails, and wildlife habitat.  The MRCA manages more than 75,000 acres of public parkland and provides natural resources and scientific expertise, critical regional planning services, operations, fire prevention and ranger services, as well as education and leadership programs for thousands of youth each year.  It is one of the lead agencies revitalizing the Los Angeles River.

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MRCA Names Carbon Beach Accessways for Defenders of the California Coast

Carbon Beach Accessways named for California Coastal Commission Coastal Access Manager Linda Locklin and Supervising Deputy Attorney General Jamee Jordan Patterson each of whom, for more than 40 years, have championed keeping California’s beaches and coastline accessible to everyone

 Malibu, CA (May 7, 2024) – On a stunning spring day, with a commanding view of 1.5– mile long Carbon Beach, a crowd of long-time colleagues and admirers gathered for a fitting tribute to two women who have worked effectively and strategically for over 40 years to ensure that the spirit and law of the California Coastal Act is upheld such that all people have access to the Coast.

Carbon Beach East Accessway, opened to the public after a protracted battle in 2005, will be named for Linda Locklin, the Coastal Commission’s Coastal Access Program Manager since 1990. Carbon Beach West Accessway, opened to the public after an extended fight in 2015, will be named for Jamee Jordan Patterson, the Attorney General’s Litigation Liaison to the California Coastal Commission since 1990. Each accessway will feature a commemorative plaque and new signage. In addition, , under the brown rectangular “Coastal Access” marker familiar to travelers on Pacific Coast Highway will be new signs with “Via Jamee” at Carbon Beach West, and “Via Linda” at Carbon Beach East.

Linda Locklin, an accomplished swimmer and rower, joined the California Coastal Commission staff as a planner in 1977. As Coastal Access Manager for the past 34 years, Linda has worked to protect and provide new public access opportunities to beaches statewide, especially on the 21-mile Malibu Coast in Los Angeles–the most populated county in the state. In this role, Linda works to ensure public easements across private property, such as the Carbon Beach Accessways, are opened to public use as promised in development agreements.

Supervising Deputy District Attorney Jamee Jordan Patterson, a UCLA and Loyola Law School graduate, has handled numerous cases for the Coastal Commission at all levels of the courts, both state and federal, from trial to appeal, including several cases before the California Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal, and the United States Supreme Court, specializing in public access cases.

Some of those cases include:

Ackerberg v. Coastal Commission (access in Malibu)

Barrie v. Coastal Commission (access in Del Mar)

Whaler’s Village Club v. Coastal Commission (access in Ventura)

Kretowicz v. Coastal Commission (access in La Jolla)

Lagunita v. Coastal Commission (access in Laguna Beach)

San Diego Navy Broadway Complex Coalition v. Coastal Commission (access in San Diego)

The California Coastal Commission was established by voter initiative in 1972 (Proposition 20) and later made permanent by the Legislature through adoption of the California Coastal Act of 1976. A primary purpose of the Coastal Act is to maximize public access to and along the coast and maximize public recreational opportunities in the coastal zone consistent with sound resources conservation principles and constitutionally protected rights of private property owners.

The Commission is committed to protecting and enhancing California’s coast and ocean for present and future generations. It does so through careful planning and regulation of environmentally-sustainable development, rigorous use of science, strong public participation, education, and effective intergovernmental coordination.

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is committed to providing maximum public coastal access to the spectacular Malibu coastline where the Santa Monica Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. In partnership with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the MRCA manages a robust Coastal Access Program within the City of Malibu that includes 12 Malibu beach accessways and two coastal overlooks along various Malibu beaches, as well as Lechuza Beach, Escondido Beach, and Carbon-La Costa Beach.

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is a local government public entity dedicated to the preservation and management of open space and parkland, wildlife habitat, coastal access, watershed lands, and trails in both wilderness and urban settings, and to ensuring access to public parkland and coastal resources. The MRCA works in cooperation with other government partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, provide natural resources and scientific expertise, and complete major park improvement projects. The MRCA manages and provides ranger services and fire protection for almost 80,000 acres of parkland that it owns and that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy or other agencies.

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Parks and Beach Accessways Closed by Recent Winter Storms

LOS ANGELES, CA (February 8, 2024) — The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) announced today the following parks and beach accessways are CLOSED due to damage from the recent winter rain storms:

• Temescal Gateway Park
• Franklin Canyon Park
• Escondido Canyon Park
• Corral Canyon Park
• Carbon Beach East and West beach accessways
• Lechuza Beach East Sea Level and Bunnie Lane/Lot (West Sea Level Drive is OPEN)
• Hidden Beach accessway closed at beachside

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is a local government public entity exercising joint powers of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the Conejo Recreation and Park District and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. The MRCA is dedicated to the preservation and management of local open space and parkland, wildlife habitat, coastal access, watershed lands, and trails in both wilderness and urban settings, and to ensuring access to public parkland and coastal resources. The MRCA works in cooperation with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and other local government partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, work towards wildfire resilience, and connect wildlife habitat. The MRCA manages more than 75,000 acres of parkland that it owns and that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. It is one of the lead agencies revitalizing the Los Angeles

 

Senator Maria Elena Durazo, Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, State Parks Director Armando Quintero Present $1.2 Million Grant to Restore Northeast Los Angeles, Antelope Valley Parkland

California State Parks Off-Highway Vehicle Grant will help MRCA prevent illegal off-roading with increased ranger patrol, barriers, and community outreach.

LOS ANGELES (September 27, 2023 ) – Senator Maria Elena Durazo, Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, and State Parks Director Armando Quintero presented a giant check  for $1.2 million to the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) at a community gathering at Elephant Hills Open Space in the Northeast Los Angeles Community of El Sereno today.  The funding from the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division will be used to restore three MRCA parks that have been heavily impacted recently by illegal Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use. The parks include Elephant Hill Open Space in the El Sereno community of Northeast Los Angeles, Ritter Ranch in the Upper Santa Clara River and Antelope Valleys, and Plum Canyon Open Space near the Santa Clara River.

“Safely managing sensitive public open space in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the nation is a team effort,” said George Lange, Chair of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority Governing Board, “Our partners at California State Parks are sharing their expertise and their funding to help mitigate the damage of illegal Off-Highway Vehicles in our parks.”

As part of its restoration efforts at these locations, the MRCA will install fire gates, boulders, railings, and signage, and increase ranger patrol using site-specific off-road equipment. The aim is to reduce the impact of off-highway vehicles on sensitive areas and preserve the natural habitat for the local community to enjoy safely. Off roading activities create high wildfire ignition risk and this grant will help protect the land and communities adjacent to these open spaces. The proposed projects include areas designated by CAL FIRE as Very High Fire Severity Zones, the most severe wildfire risk designation.

Elephant Hill Open Space is part of a natural hilltop area, considered an island of habitat, in the historic Northeast Los Angeles community of El Sereno. The MRCA owns and manages eight acres along with property owned by the cities of Los Angeles and South Pasadena. “In the past few years there has been a huge increase in illegal Off-highway Vehicle use at Elephant Hill, which is in the middle of a neighborhood,” said Deputy Executive Officer Fernando Gomez, Chief Ranger of the MRCA. Illegal off-road vehicles put the park users and the vehicle drivers in danger, while causing close-in erosion and killing the habitat. This activity increases the risk of brushfire, which could be devastating to all the homes around it.”

The nonprofit Save Elephant Hill will receive $150,000 to provide community education on the social and environmental impacts of illegal OHV activities and highlight the MRCA’s restoration efforts.

“We’re very grateful to the California Off Highway Vehicle Motor Vehicle Division for providing MRCA and Save Elephant Hill an amazing opportunity to address unauthorized off-roading on Elephant Hill,” said Elva Yañez, Board President of Save Elephant Hill. “This grant allows us to partner with other community-based groups concerned about land use and the environment to increase community awareness about the damage caused by people riding trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles on the Elephant Hill Open Space Area managed by MRCA. Our goal is to educate residents and other stakeholders about the common goal of protecting Elephant Hill’s habitat – the soil, native plants and trees, and the many species of animals and birds that make their homes here—from off-roading.”

Ritter Ranch Park is an over 4,000-acre open space park perched at the eastern end of the Sierra Pelona Mountains. The town of Acton and the upper Santa Clara River lie to the south. The Antelope Valley lies to the north and the Angeles National Forest continues westward for miles. With elevations ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 feet, this unique natural area contains plant communities indicative of a convergence of desert, mountain, and coastal influences. A system of ranch roads provide access and hiking trails throughout the park. Road access is available from both the Palmdale and Acton sides of the range.

“Illegal OHVs at Ritter Ranch destroy habitat for animals such as mountain lion and deer,” said Chief Gomez. “These new resources will help prevent soil degradation and erosion and reduce the risk of wildfire in this remote area.”

The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Division of California State Parks manages an annual grant program to support well managed off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation in the State of California. The program provides financial assistance to develop and maintain OHV recreation, as well as to responsibly maintain the wildlife, soils, and habitat of areas impacted by OHV use.

The Regional Forest and Fire Capacity (RFFC) Program, funded by the California Department of Conservation and California Natural Resources Agency was leveraged to create the capacity for MRCA to apply for this grant.

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is a local government public entity exercising joint powers of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the Conejo Recreation and Park District and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. The MRCA is dedicated to the preservation and management of local open space and parkland, wildlife habitat, coastal access, watershed lands, and trails in both wilderness and urban settings, and to ensuring access to public parkland and coastal resources. The MRCA works in cooperation with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and other local government partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, work towards wildfire resilience, and connect wildlife habitat. The MRCA manages more than 75,000 acres of parkland that it owns and that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. It is one of the lead agencies revitalizing the Los Angeles River.

Contact:

Dash Stolarz
Director of Public Affairs
(323) 221-9944 x198
dash.stolarz@mrca.ca.gov

Rudy J. Ortega, Jr., LHD Appointed to Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority Governing Board

Rudy J. Ortega, Jr., LHD is the first Native American to Serve on the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority Governing Board

LOS ANGELES, CA (July 17, 2023) The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) announced today that Rudy J. Ortega, Jr., LHD has been appointed by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy to the Governing Board of the MRCA. Ortega, Jr. currently serves as the Chairperson of the Conservancy as an appointee of the Governor. The first Native American to serve on the MRCA Governing Board, Ortega, Jr.  is the Tribal President of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, a native sovereign nation of northern Los Angeles County. As the elected leader of his Tribe, Ortega Jr. oversees the governmental body and manages affairs pertaining to the rights of all Fernandeño Tataviam tarahat (people).

“My ancestry is thousands of years buried here, in this soil,” said Ortega, Jr.  “The dirt, the mountains, the plants all contain my ancestral DNA. I am pleased to now join the MRCA as the first California Native American and to be part of an agency that works on preservation and management of open space and parklands for all generations.”

Ortega, Jr. is a member of Siutcabit, the lineage of present-day Encino, CA. His ancestors come from the villages that originated in the geographical areas of Santa Clarita Valley, Simi Valley, and San Fernando Valley. His great-grandfather Antonio Maria Ortega, from whom he receives his traditional role as tomiar or leader, fought in Los Angeles Superior Court in the 19^th century to preserve traditional lands and protect Native title to Mexican land grants from encroaching settlers. His father, the late Rudy Ortega Sr., served as the previous leader of the Tribe for over fifty years and was elected to the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission in 1977. Following his father’s leadership, Ortega Jr. was appointed to the Native American Indian Commission by Mayor James Hahn in 2004, where he serves today as a commissioner.

From 2004 – 2018, Ortega Jr. invigorated the Tribe’s non-profit Pukúu Cultural Community Services as the Executive Director. Through this role, he served the greater Los Angeles County American Indian community and oversaw Haramokngna American Indian Cultural Center. Through his seat as Tribal President, Ortega Jr. helped establish the Tataviam Land Conservancy, Paséki Strategies Corporation, and a co-management agreement with the City of San Fernando for Rudy Ortega Sr. Park.

In addition to serving as Chairperson of the Conservancy, Ortega Jr. is a member of the Los Angeles River Master Plan Steering Committee, Santa Clarita Watershed Recreation and Conservation Authority, Edison Consumer Advisory Panel Board, and a Commission member of the Climate Emergency Mobilization Committee appointed by Mayor Eric Garcetti.

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is a local government public entity exercising joint powers of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the Conejo Recreation and Park District and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. The MRCA is dedicated to the preservation and management of local open space and parkland, wildlife habitat, coastal access, watershed lands, and trails in both wilderness and urban settings, and to ensuring access to public parkland and coastal resources. The MRCA works in cooperation with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and other local government partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, work towards wildfire resilience, and connect wildlife habitat. The MRCA manages more than 75,000 acres of parkland that it owns and that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. It is one of the lead agencies revitalizing the Los Angeles River.

Los Angeles River Recreation Zones Open for Tenth Season

The public is welcome to kayak, walk, and fish on two sections of the river managed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority in Elysian Valley and at the Sepulveda Basin in Encino through September 30, 2023.

LOS ANGELES (May 29, 2023) — The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) announced today that the Los Angeles River Recreation Zones in Elysian Valley and the Sepulveda Basin are open for their tenth season starting on Memorial Day May 29, 2023.

The L.A. River Recreation Zones provide access to recreate on and explore the Los Angeles River in two different parts of the river that are still in a natural state with activities including steerable boating such as kayaking and canoeing, fishing and bird watching. The River Recreation Zones are managed by the MRCA in coordination with the City of Los Angeles, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the County of Los Angeles. Before the season began, the MRCA commissioned a nesting bird and sensitive species survey to ensure there would be no conflict between the recreational use of the river and the abundant bird life in the recreation zones.

By opening the Elysian Valley and Sepulveda Basin recreation zones, the City of Los Angeles continues to promote the L.A. River as a premier community destination – providing safe and equitable public access and recreational opportunities that aims to bring all members of the Los Angeles community together.

“The L.A. River connects so many different parts of the City to nature, we at LASAN will continue to do our part to keep the River clean and healthy for all Angelenos in years to come,” said L.A. Sanitation and Environment (LASAN) Director and General Manager Barbara Romero.

As a reminder, swimming is not allowed in the L.A. River. Before every visit, visitors are encouraged to check the L.A. River water quality and conditions at the LASAN website: https://lacitysan.org/waterquality. 

Hours are sunrise to sunset every day, except during and after inclement weather or other adverse conditions. The Recreation Zones will be open through September 30, 2023. For the most up to date information go to the River Recreation Zone website www.lariverrecreation.org.

The Sepulveda Basin Recreation Zone is a gentle, two-mile up-river and back trip with braided channels, wildlife, and tranquil pools. Of the two Recreation Zones, the Sepulveda Basin offers easy paddling, and less natural obstacles. Kayakers in the Sepulveda Basin will be able to access the Los Angeles River from Burbank Boulevard west of Woodley Avenue. There is plenty of street parking on Woodley Avenue.

The Elysian Valley kayak experience is a five-mile, one-way trip with braided channels and abundant wildlife in the middle of the city. The kayak experience sometimes includes strong currents and a few rapids – you may fall out of your kayak while traveling through them. Boulders and other obstacles are also part of the experience. Be aware that you will likely be getting off your kayak and pulling it through the water to get around rocks in areas.

To access the Elysian Valley Recreation Zone, Kayakers can enter the Los Angeles River from MRCA Rattlesnake Park at Fletcher Drive. Parking is available on Fletcher Drive. Access is also available upstream from MRCA Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park (formerly Marsh Park) with parking lot entrances are at 2999 Rosanna St. and 2944 Gleneden Street. Public Restrooms are available.

“We are looking forward to operating the tenth season of the LA River Recreation Zone,” said MRCA Chief Ranger, Fernando Gomez. “Please remember to take appropriate safety precautions when going out on the river. You must wear a personal flotation device and a helmet. Also, use sunscreen and drink plenty of water. You will be in the sun.”

About Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority
The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority is a local public park agency dedicated to the preservation and management of open space, urban parkland, watershed lands, trails, and wildlife habitat. The MRCA manages more than 80,000 acres of public parkland and provides natural resources and scientific expertise, critical regional planning services, operations, fire prevention and ranger services, as well as education and leadership programs for thousands of youth each year. It is one of the lead agencies revitalizing the Los Angeles River.

About LA Sanitation and Environment
As the lead agency for the City’s environmental programs and initiatives, Sanitation protects public health and the environment through the administration and management of three program areas: Clean Water (Wastewater), Solid Resources (Solid Waste Management) and Watershed Protection (Stormwater). These infrastructure programs collect, treat, dispose and recycle the solid and liquid waste generated by the nation’s second largest city of more than four million residents. Through these essential Public Works programs, Sanitation delivers a triple bottom line of economic, environmental and social benefits that sustain quality of life in Los Angeles.

About L.A. City Department of Public Works
The Department of Public Works is comprised of five bureaus:  Contract Administration, Engineering, Sanitation, Street Lighting, and Street Services, as well as the Offices of the Board, including the Offices of Community Beautification, Filming and Petroleum Administration. More than 6,000 employees are responsible for design, construction, renovation and operation of public projects ranging from bridges to wastewater treatment plants and libraries; curbside collection and graffiti removal; and maintenance of streets, sidewalks, sewers, streetlights and street trees.

The Department is governed by the Board of Public Works (BPW), a five-member full-time executive team that is committed to delivering projects and programs that enhance quality of life, economic growth, public health and the environment to all Angelenos. For more information, please visit  http://bpw.lacity.org.

Sheila James Kuehl Nature Preserve at Ladyface Mountain Dedicated

 325-acre Parkland Viewed by thousands of daily motorists on Kanan Road at the gateway to the Santa Monica Mountains named for stand-out legislator who protected open space and parkland for all

 AGOURA HILLS, CA (May 21,2023) – Congresswoman Julia Brownley, State Senator Fran Pavley (ret.), Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky (ret.) and Agoura Hills Mayor Chris Anstead were among the speakers and nearly a hundred community members under a canopy of oak trees at a ceremony this morning to name the breathtaking 325-acre parkland in honor of the extraordinary Sheila James Kuehl. Just south of the intersection of Kanan and Agoura Roads in Agoura Hills, a new park sign identifies the open space familiar to thousands of daily motorists traveling to and from Pacific Coast Highway.

Sheila James Kuehl has been recognized by her peers as one of the most effective elected officials in California. After serving two terms on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Kuehl retired in December 2022. Kuehl had previously served eight years in the State Senate (2000-2008) and six years in the State Assembly (1994-2000), the first openly gay person elected to the Legislature. During this time, she was a Legislative Participant on the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. In all her elected offices, Kuehl represented the Santa Monica Mountains and the Coast, and championed the preservation and protection of open space as well as public access. During her tenure, thousands of acres of open space were protected including Upper Las Virgenes Open Space Preserve, King Gillette Ranch, and Corral Canyon Park.

As a Los Angeles County Supervisor, in addition to dedicating funding for hundreds of acres of additional open space, Kuehl presided over the adoption of the County’s updated Santa Monica Mountains North Area Plan which maximizes preservation of the area’s natural environment.

Supervisor Kuehl was an early and vociferous advocate and funder for the public protection of the open space, that until today, had been known as Triangle Ranch (named for the shape of the landholding). Kuehl understood its ecological significance and its prominence as a gateway to the Santa Monica Mountains. Supervisor Kuehl secured $2.5 million in County Proposition A funds for the Phase 1 acquisition in 2018. For Phase 4 of the project, Kuehl secured more than $ 1.4 million in Calabasas Landfill Economic Recovery Funds from the Los Angeles County Sanitation District, crucial for the completion of the transaction.

Sheila James Kuehl Nature Preserve at Ladyface Mountain connects the approximately 1,000-acre Ladyface Mountain core habitat area with the Liberty Canyon inter-mountain range wildlife corridor, and Malibu Creek State Park. The property includes broad swaths of coast live oak woodland, chaparral, purple sage scrub, native and annual grassland, and valley oak savannah as well as a significant population of the federally-listed annual wildflower Lyon’s pentachaeta and the succulent Agoura Hills dudleya.. Many rock outcroppings contain unique microsites for plants and animals.

Mountain lion, mule deer, American badger, bobcat, gray fox, ring-tailed cat, long-tailed weasel, California quail, and dozens of reptile varieties are among the animal species supported by the rugged terrain. The parkland is only a short distance from the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over the 101 Freeway which is expected to be completed in 2025.

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) is a local government public entity dedicated to the preservation and management of open space and parkland, watershed lands, trails, and wildlife habitat. The MRCA works in cooperation with other government partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, provide natural resources and scientific expertise, and complete major park improvement projects. The MRCA manages and provides ranger services and fire protection for almost 80,000 acres of parkland that it owns and that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy or other agencies and provides comprehensive education and interpretation and leadership programs for youth. It is one of the lead agencies providing for the revitalization of the Los Angeles River.