Praise for VanderKolk
I would like to thank the county supervisors, and especially Maria VanderKolk, for their decision to approve Ahmanson. Their decision will create a wonderful human habitat as well as preserve a permanent open space the size of Griffith Park.
Environmental policy in the 1980s kept people and nature apart. By approving Ahmanson, the county supervisors affirmed a more progressive environmental philosophy which creates master-planned environments for people to live with nature.
The public process was exemplary. The public testimony was intense and all viewpoints were expressed. The process revealed far greater support for the project, from horseback riders to families to civic leaders, than opposition. When the 4-1 vote was announced, virtually the entire audience applauded for several minutes.
The “project” can now become the Ahmanson community, full of positives and home to families who can celebrate Christmas in their new residences in the coming years, their children growing up with respect for nature and wildlife, and having PGA charity fund raising events become a Conejo Valley tradition. And, perhaps one day, an Ahmanson home may even appear in Architectural Digest.
ALVIN LONG
Oak Park
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