Hansen Dam

* I recently discovered Hansen Dam near the foothills. I have been going there with my dogs since this spring. It’s a wonderful nature area with horse trails, lush bushes and a creek that runs into a small lake.

As summer approached and the weather got warmer, many families picnicked by the creek and enjoyed the crystal-clear water. Many were working-class families who don’t necessarily have a pool in the backyard. Hansen Dam and its creek provided a beautiful setting to enjoy nature, fish and swim in the river.

My dogs liked it too, and we played with a stick, which they would fetch from the lake. To my dismay, last month as I played with my dogs, a ranger truck approached and announced through the loudspeaker: “This area is off-limits. Get out of the lake or the LAPD will fine you.” I asked the ranger why the area is off-limits. “Someone might drown there,” he replied.

The rangers are now patrolling the area, making sure that no one ventures near the river or the lake.

Goodbye nice evenings with the dogs, goodbye picnics, because someone might drown. And I might get killed on the freeway today.

Whose idea was it to close the only nature area around that families and pets alike can enjoy for free?

TOMI HINKKANEN

North Hollywood