Canyon Update: October 20, 2009
The Board of Neighborhood Commissioners (BONC) approved the GHNNC petition to include Aliso Canyon in their boundaries. The canyon is now included in the boundaries of both the GHNNC and the PRNC.
PRNC Debates Jurisdiction Over Aliso Canyon
At the July 7, 2009 meeting the PRNC discussed whether Aliso Canyon was within the boundaries of the PRNC or Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council (GHNNC). Aliso Canyon is located between Reseda and Zelzah and runs north from Rinaldi up past Sesnon. It includes hiking trails.
Aliso Canyon view north from Sesnon.
This discussion was prompted by the GHNNC as they are having to clarify their western boundary as part of a bylaws update. GHNNC boardmembers Eric Rosenberg and Sue DeVandry were present and asked for the PRNC to specify a preference as to the boundary location by August 10, 2009. The PRNC expressed concern about this short timeline of one month to adequately consider this issue. The GHNNC confirmed that their President, Leon Marzillier, was to have contacted the PRNC after their April 17, 2009 Rules and Bylaws Committee meeting, but clearly hadn't.
The GHNNC has an opinion from the City Attorney that the PRNC bylaws imply that the PRNC boundary goes up to the edge of the canyon, but does not include the canyon.
From our bylaws: The 118 Freeway to the south, the east side of Browns Canyon Road from the City Line to the gate at the south of Brown's Canyon, then in a straight line to the 11 8 Freeway on the west, the City line to the north and northwest, and Aliso Canyon to the east.
The first question the PRNC asked was, why does it matter? The GHNNC said their primary concern was updating their bylaws. The implication of having the canyon within the boundaries is the opportunity and responsibility to monitor its condition, weigh in on possible developments, conduct clean ups and fund improvements.
The next question was what is the GHNNC preference? They expressed interest in having the canyon within their boundaries, but would also be interested in sharing the canyon, such that it would be within the boundaries of both councils.
One PRNC member wanted to give the canyon to GHNNC saying that they had done a great job with it and that the PRNC had no plans for it. But other members countered that the PRNC has discussed plans for a park at the eastern edge of Sesnon, participated and sponsored clean ups, and participated in Councilman Smith led planning committees.
Other PRNC members expressed interest in sharing the canyon with GHNNC, noting that they live near the canyon. Many Porter Ranch houses have views directly over the canyon and have an interest in what happens in it.
Stakeholder comments in support of this view pointed out that the canyon is under the jurisdiction of various city entities, including parks and rec and fish and game and there is more than enough work to manage the canyon for both councils to have it in their boundaries. Another stakeholder commented that residents on both sides of the canyon have an interest in the canyon and would probably feel that their council had not adequately represented their interests if their council were to abdicate authority over the canyon.
Another PRNC member wanted to have sole jurisdiction over the canyon so that when the PRNC wants to pursue the park at the east end of Sesnon, they will not have to consult with another neighborhood council.
Aliso Canyon view towards south from Sesnon.
Sean Rivas, from the Granada Hills Recreation Center, noted that if we ever notice any problems in the canyon, we should report them to his office at (818) 363-3556, as they have responsibility to address these concerns.
We conducted an online poll. We had 100 responses. 68 said the canyon should be shared by both councils.
Letter to DONE requesting postponement of GHNNC boundary decision, pending PRNC position.
Article in Valley Voice about the Aliso boundary.
