Southern Sierran
As Fight To Save Poppy Reserve Continues. . .
By Kathy Porter
Antelope Valley Secretary, Newsletter Editor
Dean Webb
Antelope Valley Program Chair, ExComm Representative

A proposed zone change and motorsports park threatens the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, and at the last meeting of the Planning Commission, motorsports park supporters outnumbered Poppy Field preservationists two to one.

Let's galvanize as a Chapter to defend the pride of the Antelope Valley. The Poppy Reserve was established through a true grassroots effort. It represents the realization of the dreams of countless activists of all ages. Thousands of school children contributed their "pennies for poppies," and citizens purchased memorial benches which are scattered throughout the park.

Every year visitors drop their donations in a box in the visitor center which is staffed completely with volunteer docents. Thousands of visitors from all over the world come to the park every spring to view the fields of California Poppies, hike the trails that climb to a panoramic view of the Antelope Valley. The Poppy Reserve provides its visitors with an oasis of serenity that the proposed motorsports park would irrevocably mar.

Photo Credit: Kathy Porter The Antelope Poppy Reserve needs your support. At present, motorsports park proponents outnumber Poppy Reserve supporters two to one.

The Los Angeles County Regional Planning Commission held a hearing on September 2, 2009. There were approximately two people in favor of the project for every one person who was against it. The report prepared by staff recommended approval of the project saying, "Staff believes that although there are significant and unavoidable environmental impacts, other social, economic, legal and cultural factors can be potentially be considered to overriding the environmental impacts."(sic) The hearing was continued to Dec. 2, 2009.

We need more people to show up on Dec. 2 to show their opposition. Letters need to be written to the Regional Planning Commission convincing them that staff conclusions are wrong. Main points to make involve noise from the high revving racing engines. The track will become "an attractive nuisance" bringing in people and vehicles spreading over the Sensitive Ecological Area (SEA 57), and also impacting Native American sites, and wildflower fields. Traffic impacts along Highway 138, which is two lane, will cause problems.

Voice your opposition to the proposed racetrack. Attend the L.A. Planning Commission Meeting on December 2. The meeting takes place at 320 Temple Street, Room 150, Los Angeles.

L.A. County readers should write in opposition of the racetrack to the Planning Department with a copy to their local Supervisor:

Fairmont Butte Motorsports Park, Case # 02-176
Attention: Jodie Sackett
County of Los Angeles Department of Regional Planning
320 West Temple Street, Room 1382, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Or email: jsackett@planning.lacounty.gov

Those living outside of L.A. County should direct their comments to Supervisor Antonovich, since the project is within his district.

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