September 5, 2012
More Disturbing Details Uncovered in DWP Documents
Records obtained by our coalition from the LADWP show that,
since 2010, LADWP sought to construct the proposed station on a 1.2-acre State
Park property that wraps around Fire Station 23 on Sunset Boulevard.
Multiple LADWP studies consistently confirmed that property is the most
appropriate site for the station. Accordingly, LADWP explored ways to
acquire that property, including various land swap scenarios.
Yet, following a November 2011 meeting with certain
“individuals of influence around the Fire Station” (Norma Spak, Shirley
Haggstrom, Barbara Kohn [current PPCC President], Randy Young, Bob Ramsdell and
Suzanne Goode), LADWP redirected its focus to the undeveloped lot next
to Marquez Charter. Subsequently, earlier this year, LADWP announced its
consideration of the Marquez site. Hundreds of community members voiced
their objections, and Councilmember Rosendahl and LAUSD Board Member Zimmer
subsequently asked LADWP to remove the Marquez site from further
consideration. To date, LADWP has not done so.
Marquez Canyon Up For Sale
Meanwhile, although LADWP asked the community to submit
additional sites for consideration, there has been no indication that LADWP is
actively pursuing any of them. Over the summer, the 6.2 acre Marquez
Canyon located behind the Marquez site came on the market. This canyon
property may well present a viable solution to this community dilemma.
Although the canyon’s suitability for constructing a substation is yet unknown,
the property may be a valuable bargaining chip in the acquisition of an
appropriate site. LADWP has indicated that any such scenarios will need
to be taken up by the task force.
New Community Task Force Formed
Councilman Rosendahl together with LAUSD Representative
Steve Zimmer and the LADWP have formed a task force to identify a consensus
location for a new LADWP electrical distributing station serving the Pacific
Palisades. Among Task Force members are representatives from the
Coalition of Palisadians to Keep Marquez Charter Safe and Marquez Charter School.
Other interested organizations are represented as well, including the Waldorf
School, the MKPOA, the PPCC, as well as individuals who have enthusiastically
expressed support for the Marquez site (with no known organizational
affiliations). Representatives from Mr. Zimmer’s office and Councilman
Rosendahl’s office will be on the Task Force, as well. While we plan to
participate in the Task Force in good faith and in all earnestness, we enter
the deliberations with considerable reservations. Nonetheless, we vow to do
our best to advocate our collective and unified interests in order to reach a
positive outcome for the community.
June 9, 2012
Official Task Force to be Formed to Find Alternative
Location
At the most recent Town Hall meeting, LAUSD Board Member
Steve Zimmer reported that he has repeatedly communicated to DWP General
Manager Ron Nichols his "absolute and unconditional objection" to the
Marquez site as well as the community's absolute determination to put up a
strong fight. Mr. Zimmer further reported Councilman Rosendahl has done
the same. Mr. Zimmer then announced the formation of a community Task
Force (jointly endorsed by himself, Councilman Rosendahl, and Mr. Nichols) to
(1) search for alternative substation locations, as well as (2) look into ways
to cut down energy use in order to delay the substation need in the near term,
and explore "additional intervention" such as alternative energy
sources in order to possibly avoid the long term need altogether. Over
the upcoming weeks, details and logistics of the Task Force will be finalized,
with the actual work of the Task Force expected to begin in the Fall.
Mr. Zimmer underscored that, although he is endorsing the Task Force, his objection to the Marquez site remains "unwavering." He further advised the community to keep up with our own campaign to call for completely removing the Marquez site from further consideration alongside our work on the Task Force.
The fact that DWP still has Marquez on the table even after numerous discussions with Mr. Zimmer and Councilman Rosendahl signals DWP is still very serious and determined to use the Marquez site. The Task Force is most likely DWP's political response to all the pressure so far. Thus, we must keep the pressure mounting from all possible directions to ensure the Task Force will not end up as a perfunctory exercise merely to affirm DWP's insistence on the Marquez site.
This means we must again ramp up our advocacy and letter writing -- to the Mayor, the DWP Commissioners, and the Mayoral candidates. See "How Can I Help" Tab for details.
Mr. Zimmer underscored that, although he is endorsing the Task Force, his objection to the Marquez site remains "unwavering." He further advised the community to keep up with our own campaign to call for completely removing the Marquez site from further consideration alongside our work on the Task Force.
The fact that DWP still has Marquez on the table even after numerous discussions with Mr. Zimmer and Councilman Rosendahl signals DWP is still very serious and determined to use the Marquez site. The Task Force is most likely DWP's political response to all the pressure so far. Thus, we must keep the pressure mounting from all possible directions to ensure the Task Force will not end up as a perfunctory exercise merely to affirm DWP's insistence on the Marquez site.
This means we must again ramp up our advocacy and letter writing -- to the Mayor, the DWP Commissioners, and the Mayoral candidates. See "How Can I Help" Tab for details.
