Saving Coyote Hills Involves YOU!
Kathleen Shanfield
Saving the last 510 acres of open space in North Orange County has been a full time job for the Friends of Coyote Hills for the past 5 years. Much of our work has been “behind the scenes”, seeking out funding sources, working with local politicians and learning how other communities have saved their hills from development. We have also played a role in the community by providing nature walks, educational programs, and promoting the park vision at public events like the Marketplace, Green Scene, and other venues. We have worked hard to preserve Coyote Hills as a recreational park and educational resource for all the citizens of Fullerton and neighboring cities. Now we need your help more than ever.
The second Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) has been released as of April 10. The first one was released in 2003, and, although there are no significant changes in the development in terms of density or land use, this document is considered new. We have 60 days to review it and make comments. At the end of that period,( June 9), the developers will have to respond to the comments, and then the decision will go to the Planning Commission, then the City Council regarding rezoning the property from oil and gas to residential use, as well as deciding the fate of the development. Time is running short, and we need YOU to help.
The Friends have once again hired an environmental law firm to review the 3 volume document and to determine if more studies or questions remain. An EIR is very technical to read, however the first volume is very informative, especially the descriptions of the Alternatives proposed, and the potential impacts. We urge all those interested to try and peruse the first volume, especially the Alternatives, and ask questions, make comments, and let your opinion be heard. The DEIR documents can be found at both of the public libraries, and at the Development Services Dept. at City Hall. It is also posted on the city’s website at www.ci.fullerton.ca.us. Comments must be written, and will be accepted until 5:00pm, June 9th, and should be sent to Joan Wolff, Project Planner, Development Services Dept. 303 Commonwealth Ave. Fullerton, CA 92832.
You may be wondering what you can do NOW to help save this precious last parcel of land, that can be such a valuable recreational and educational resource for our city that is becoming so urbanized. One of the most important things we need RIGHT NOW is generous donations to help with the legal comments and mailings to help keep everyone informed of the next steps. Information on donating is listed below along with nine other ways YOU CAN HELP SAVE COYOTE HILLS.
1) Call, write or e-mail the Fullerton Council members and state that you want all of the West Coyote Hills permanently saved as a park and educational resource for all to enjoy.
Council members: Richard Jones, Leland Wilson, Shawn Nelson, Don Bankhead, and Sharon Quirk You may contact Council Members as a group, or each person individually
Email: Council@ci.fullerton.ca.us
Mailing address:
303 West Commonwealth
Fullerton, California 92832
714-738-6311
2) Host a presentation for your group or organization, i.e. PTA’s, church groups, community service organizations, etc. Contact Kathleen Shanfield at kshanfield@aol.com.
3) Put a sign in your yard or window. Request a sign by emailing us at information@coyotehills.org. We will deliver one to your door.
4) Write a letter to Chevron stating why you want to save the Coyote Hills, and what great public relations it would be for Chevron to save all of the hills:
David J. O'Reilly, Chairman, and Officers of the Board of Directors
Chevron Corporation
P.O. Box 7753
San Francisco, California 94120
5) Sign the Coyote Hills petition. This can be done at the Fullerton Market booth on Thursdays, and other public events, as well as on the website, www. Coyotehills.org
6) Make a tax-deductible donation to Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks to support Save Coyote Hills. Send to Friends of Coyote Hills, PO Box 5267, Fullerton, CA 92838, or donate through Paypal on the website (www.coyotehills.org)
7) Stay informed. Pay attention to the issue in the press. Join our e-mail list for regular updates. Check our website for information-www.coyotehills.org.
8) Write letters to the editors in the newspapers supporting "Save all of the Coyote Hills:”
Editor, LA Times, 1375 Sunflower, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, 714-966-771 ocletters@latimes.com
Editor, Fullerton Observer, PO Box 7051, Fullerton, CA 92834, FAX 714-525-8352
Editor, OC Register, PO Box 11626, Santa Ana, CA 92711, 714-796-3657letters@ocregister.com,
9) Volunteer to do specific tasks, such as make phone calls, write articles, fund raise, educate the public, and many other opportunities.
10) Take a hike. Bring your family on a nature hike held the second Saturday of each month, at 8:00am. Meet at the Recreational Riders Equestrian Center on Lakeview and Euclid
The power to save Coyote Hills will soon be in the hands of our City Council and YOUR VOICE COUNTS. So please let your council members know how you feel. This is not a done deal, and there has not been a compromise. Pacific Coast Homes will destroy the last 510 acres of pristine habitat, increase traffic and air pollution, impact and overcrowd the schools, and create a drain on our infrastructure with no return or benefit to our city. Let’s work together to save Coyote Hills as a park and resource for our children and all future generations to enjoy and learn. This is our last chance to save this last open space in our city. Please help.
