In response to a 242-home development project being
proposed next to the Angeles National Forest, a group
of local residents and stakeholders have banded together
to fight it. “Save Our Canyon,” a grassroots organization
comprised of 250+ members and growing,
has launched a campaign called “Stop the Canyon
Park Development” on Facebook and YouTube. The
group, just four months old, has already received support
from the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council
and its Land Use Committee (LUC) to comment on
anticipated re-zoning application for the property at
12400 Big Tujunga Canyon Rd. The LUC also decided
to submit a Community Impact Statement and request
that a full scope Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
be required. The up-zoning application, if approved,
would reverse a 2007 General Plan Amendment which
down-zoned the property and surrounding area to
Minimum Residential, the lowest density possible.
Save Our Canyon’s mission is to protect Big Tujunga
Canyon from big development and to preserve its
rural character. Also worried about the loss of critical
habitat for at least four endangered wildlife species,
the organization is comprised of a broad cross-section
of North East Valley stakeholders, including residents
of Big Tujunga Canyon and bordering neighborhoods,
Alpine Village HOA, Verdugo Hills Archery
Club, environmentalists, and equestrians worried about the
potential loss of trails. If approved, Save Our Canyon
believes this large-scale development project, slated
for construction in an environmentally sensitive watershed,
would forever change the pastoral character and tranquility
of our Gateway to the Angeles National Forest.
For more information about Save Our Canyon activities
or how to get involved, interested parties can visit
their Facebook page (facebook.com/groups/Stop-CPD) or Youtube channel (SaveOurCanyon). Or call 323-895-6275 for more information.

Editor’s Note: Mr. Lagassie is a local resident and Commuity Activist and co-founder of Save Our Canyon.