Capra Land Added to Backbone Trail
A 160-acre property once owned by the late film director Frank Capra was dedicated as parkland Wednesday during a ceremony at the base of the Santa Monica Mountains.
The land, between Westlake Village and Malibu, now becomes part of the 64-mile Backbone Trail that extends from Will Rogers State Park in Pacific Palisades to Point Mugu State Park in Ventura County.
The parcel, described as environmentally priceless, was deeded to the state by Capra’s heirs to settle $1.2 million in estate taxes.
Assemblywoman Sheila Kuehl (D-Santa Monica) shepherded a bill through the Legislature requesting the property transfer, officials said.
Kuehl’s bill allowed the state controllers, who took possession of the tract to satisfy estate taxes, to turn the property over to the state Department of Parks and Recreation. The measure was signed by the governor in August 1998.
“By preserving this beautiful land and linking up sections of the Backbone Trail, the state has made an investment that will be repaid richly and continuously,” Kuehl said.
Wednesday’s ceremony was held at the property on Encinal Canyon Road opposite Malibu Country Club.
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