Flush with victory, but Save the Altadena Trails is looking for a hand:
Hello Save the Altadena Trails (STAT) supporters.
It is likely you have learned of the recent victory in the case of Los Angeles County vs. La Vina Home Owners Association (HOA), which was well covered in the Pasadena Star News.
On April 22, 2008, the Honorable Joseph F. De Vanon ruled in the case of the County of Los Angeles v. La Vina Homeowners Association. In short, Judge De Vanon rejected each and every one of the HOA’s defenses to the County’s position that the trails were promised to the people in the development process and the promise must be fulfilled.
In terms of relief, the Court has ordered the HOA to dedicate trail easements in the locations indicated in the development documents; the County will be responsible for construction and maintenance of the trails. The County was also awarded its fees and costs.
This is a tremendous victory for the public, and our thanks are due to the County, especially County Counsel Scott Kuhn who tried the case for the County and Marie Campbell of Sapphos whose work and testimony were key in the victory.
In celebration of this victory, we encourage all of you to get out an hike and enjoy these beautiful trails.
The La Vina Homeowners Association may appeal this verdict. Whether they have support from within their community to pursue this action remains to be seen. STAT’s lawsuit against the La Vina HOA has been postponed to autumn of 2008. STAT’s case will also be heard by Judge De Vanon. We feel quite confident of another positive outcome. We will keep you informed of trial dates and locations when that information is finalized.
STAT is run 100% by volunteers – pursuing these challenges to maintain access to our local trails is both time consuming and expensive. We have much work ahead of us to prepare for the upcoming trial. Contributions to help defray the continued legal costs involved with this effort to restore public access to the historic trails around La Vina are still very much needed and appreciated. You may mail your contribution to
OUR NEW ADDRESS:
SAVE THE ALTADENA TRAILS
PO Box #1113
La Canada, CA 91012-5113Please note – Your donation to Save the Altadena Trails is not tax-deductible. PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL to anyone who would be interested in STAT’s mission. Supporters should email us at savetrails@sbcglobal.net to be added to our mail list.
Thank you very much for your continued help and support!
