EHL Newsletter, Fall 2006 Vol 16 No 4

On October 24, 2006, the County of Orange approved the long anticipated Southern Subregion Natural Community Conservation Plan, with open space on the Rancho Mission Viejo (RMV) as its centerpiece.

Due to uncontrolled sprawl, the alluvial fans at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains are among California’s most depleted and threatened habitats. One bright spot is an effort led by San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane.

Luxury home sites near Rancho Santa Fe threaten a regional California gnatcatcher population, and historic ranchlands near Julian are proposed for ranchette subdivision. On both fronts, EHL sprung into action.

In response to EHL and other environmental groups, an expansion of this southeastern Los Angeles County community college was redesigned to spare coastal sage scrub.

On Sept. 1, 2006, Friends of Rose Canyon, along with EHL and other conservation groups, filed suit against the City of San Diego to protect Rose Canyon – an “urban wildland” park – from a destructive bridge and roadway.

They’re invisible. Even when you see them, you scarcely notice their presence. Just another sandpiper, birds working the fringes of the sea. Part of the landscape. Hardly significant.

The San Diego press covered efforts to protect California gnatcatchers, restore El Monte Valley, and to save Rose Canyon. EHL also appeared on the radio dial.

The 6th annual such conference – Building Safe, Healthy and Livable Communities – will take place in Los Angeles on February 8-10, 2007. Visit www.NewPartners.org for details.