SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS : TreePeople Hopeful of Headquarters Vote

A representative from TreePeople expressed hope Monday that a lease allowing the nonprofit educational organization to make its headquarters in Coldwater Canyon Park for the next 15 years would soon go before the Los Angeles City Council for a vote.

“We’re working on it,” said Barbara Gonzalez, executive assistant to the president of the organization. “We’re hoping it will happen quickly.”

The Los Angeles Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners voted to award the group a 15-year lease to build its headquarters in the park in March, but the council has yet to ratify the agreement.

Though the nonprofit educational organization has occupied the park on a series of short-term leases for nearly two decades, the current proposed lease, which must be approved by the City Council, marks the first time the group has been promised some security at its Mulholland Drive address.

“They are one of the most worthy organizations we’ve ever encountered,” said Dean Pregerson, vice president of the board. “We’re looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship--and the beneficiaries are going to be the people of Los Angeles.”

Since 1977, TreePeople has offered environmental education programs, led tours and encouraged recreational use of the park, located at 12601 Mulholland Drive near Coldwater Canyon Drive.

“For 10 years we were here with a 30-day permit,” said Andy Lipkis, president of TreePeople. “We’re very excited in terms of how it (the lease) will help us to expand our service to the community.”

Under the new rent-free lease, which includes an option for up to two additional terms of five years each, TreePeople will construct and operate an Urban Forest/Environmental Education and Participation Center as part of its headquarters.

The group will be responsible for its utility and phone bills, and for daily operations such as maintaining the grounds and providing park security.