Chatsworth Reservoir Issue

Re “High-Power Sale,” Aug. 9, 1998.

The Chatsworth Reservoir issue goes back many years with proposals from golf courses to low-cost housing. Despite the opposition of the Valley and the efforts of Councilman Bernson, there are still too many people looking at this area as a cash cow ready to be milked.

The current board of Water and Power is no different. Despite a unanimous request from the Los Angeles City Council some six months ago to discuss a lease with the Santa Monica Conservancy for custodianship of this wildlife refuge, the commission has refused to put it on its agenda for discussion.

We believe that the developer-president Rick Caruso is stalling so that he can make money on this last vestige of wilderness in the city. This, despite hundreds of letters from homeowners, concerned citizens and schoolchildren who come to the Chatsworth Reservoir/preserve to study and enjoy its environment. It seems money is more important than clean air.

Caruso is coming up for reappointment to the board during the City Council meeting on Sept. 8. We plan to be there to voice our strong dissatisfaction with the way this commission member thwarts the will of the council and the people of this city.

CHARLES E. and GRACE N. GREMER, West Hills

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Developer Rick Caruso, as president of the DWP board of directors, is now in charge of the fate of the Chatsworth Reservoir.

Isn’t this like the fox guarding the hen house? What right did he have to call off negotiations with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy that would have leased the reservoir and preserved it in its natural state?

Councilman Hal Bernson has fought for years to save the reservoir from developers. We don’t need any development in the reservoir. It’s the last open space we have left in the Valley for wildlife and oak trees.

The conservancy agreement would have allowed some public access and still preserved the area. Think long term, Mr. Caruso, not short term. This is just another example of why there is a desire for the Valley to break off from downtown.

Put this issue to the voters and see if the Valley wants hotels, golf courses, sports, housing, mini-malls or parking lots built in the reservoir!

I call on Mayor Riordan to put a stop to this threat to the reservoir, and let Councilman Bernson and the conservancy finalize the agreement for preservation.

PATRICIA P. EVERETT, Chatsworth

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Let me get this straight. A developer (Rick Caruso from the Commons in Calabasas) is “calling off negotiations with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy” as he is on the DWP board of directors and wants to explore the other “possible uses” for the property besides open space. What’s that saying about a wolf in charge of the hen house?

MARCIA MILLER, Calabasas

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The proposed sale of the Chatsworth Reservoir by the Department of Water and Power for development into golf courses, soccer fields and residential sites as reported in “High-Power Sale” of The Times of Aug. 9, 1998, generates fundamental questions regarding the nature and quality of life within the Valley for now and in the future.

Certainly the quality and quantity of available open space must be a factor in the equation determining civic greatness and livability which is better debated and voted upon by our elected rather than appointed officials.

With the reservoir already bought and paid for, its availability presents a unique opportunity to provide the community with educational programs, environmental research and a refuge for wildlife as well as all citizens in need of spiritual renewal and relief from the rigors and turmoil of urban life.

ARTHUR LANGTON, West Hills