2004 - 2005, The CNC Equestrian Committee and ECHO formed a positive relationship Councilman Greig Smith. As a result the Councilman is assisting us with:
Repair our Community Plan
Establishing new "K" overlay zones
Buying Stoney Point boarding ranch
"Los Angeles Day of the Horse"
Metal traffic signs -- Slow Down / Pass Wide2005, ECHO, and the CNC organized a Chatsworth Trail Ride for Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Topanga and Chatsworth -- Before and After The Bad News
In the past two years Chatsworth has lost several properties to politically connected developers.
In four projects there should have been 27 -- RA-1 horse-keeping lots, but the city approved 36 higher density lots, and a commercial storage building with no horses.
In the past two years Chatsworth lost 120 boarded horses on 3 ranches. They will be replaced by 42 new RA-1 homes. Unfortunately less than 15% of all RA-1 lots have horses.
Currently proposed are an additional 26 higher density, non-horsekeeping, homes on 5 existing agricultural lots.
In Los Angeles County, just north of Chatsworth, we lost 290 acres of open-space to 375 planned homes; 11 horse-keeping lots to a 58 unit Condo project; and there are likely to be an additional 188 homes, with no horses, proposed on another 300 acre site.
What next?
We've seen horse-keeping and equestrian rights eroded nationwide. In many other states the direction seems to be for 1 acre lots per horse. In other cities horses are being excluded from city streets.
We need to find ways for horses to fit into a future higher density Los Angeles.
Traditionally in Los Angeles developers have been able to rezone 17,500 sq. ft. RA-1 lots to 11,000 sq. ft. RE-11 lots.
While in a master planned community in nearby Burbank horses are allowed on 6,800 sq. ft. lotsIs it time for the City to analyze horse-keeping zoning to avoid disenfranchising Valley equestrians and prompting nightmare lawsuits against the city.
SHOULD WE ask for smaller 11-15,000 sq ft horses-keeping lots?
IS IT TIME to consider Equestrian Condos and/or apartments?
Why - boarders are usually younger, less affluent members of our society.
Actions equestrians you can take to help save horse-keeping
Encourage equestrians to be involved in Neighborhood Councils, run for City offices, or seek appointment to the city commissions. Survey candidates to see where they stand on horse-keeping. Support a candidate you believe will help
Use the media. Write letters to the Editor, Op-Eds, and email story ideas to reporters
Use the media to keep politicians honest, and horse-keeping visibleKeep an open and respectful line of communication open with your City Councilmember and other government officials. Support them -- attend events you are invited to. Invite them, or their staff members, to your events
Attend area planning commission meetings when there are issues that affect equestrians.
Encourage local equestrian groups to be active in the community. Establish a positive community involvement by promoting equestrian events like the "Day of the Horse," that generate positive public relations, and win public support.
Promote your community's equestrian character, and encourage its inclusion in community plans and zoning ordinances.
Encourage planning officials and your City Councilmember to maintain or create Equestrian "K" Overlay Districts, and limit land-use in those districts to equestrian-related uses. Get your Neighborhood Council to write a "Position Statement."
Support local environmental groups seeking to protect the rural character, open space, and the preservation of natural resources in your community.
Make interactions between equestrians and vehicular traffic safer by educating drivers, e.g.: Establish an "Equestrian Safety Month," generate yard signs advising drivers to "Slow Down and Pass Wide," invite local schools to participate in an "Equestrian Safety Poster Contest."
Be a good neighbor: minimize odor and flies with good sanitation practices. Follow the zoning ordinance by not keeping too many horses on too small a lot. Keep your horses licensed to protect your horse-keeping rights, and so they are counted in your area.
Do a horse census for your community. Learn: How many boarded horses? How many in backyards? What businesses are impacted by horse-keeping? Where are new trails needed?
Use history as an ally. Learn what impacts horses have had in the past, and work to keep those impacts as visible part of you community's history and heritage.
Be aware of the economic impact horses have on your local economy, e.g.: California horse industry produces $4.1 billion goods and services. There are 698,000 horses in California (70 percent involved in showing and recreation). Source: American Horse Council
Finally, don't just sit and complain -- get involved today.
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