AHMANSON RANCH DOCUMENTS
In the course of our Ahmanson Ranch investigation, EnviroReporter.com has assembled hundreds of documents totally thousands of pages. This treasure trove of information includes the entire hard copy and computer files of two former newspaper editors who were on the scene before we were (but who had done nothing significant with the information).
In addition to our Ahmanson Ranch Investigation and Gallery, we present this page of documents which includes media coverage from other news sources. Ultimately, regardless of the upcoming controversy surrounding this massive and ultimately doomed development project, this information documents one of the most unexpected environmental victories in the history of Southern California.
We present these documents and articles from the most current to the oldest in descending order. Some entries are detailed on this page while others are simply listed because their importance is self-described.
DOCUMENTS:
Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy: “Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve (formerly Ahmanson Ranch)” :This superb site is the home of the parkland as it is today complete with maps, photos, history and events.
Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy: SMMC operates Ahmanson Ranch now and was a key player in saving the land.
California Resources Agency: “Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve Acquisition Information” page with links to book produced in 2003 that is stunning in its beauty. The book was crucial in understanding the ranch’s importance to the area.
October 2005: “Before and After Photos of Topanga Fire at Ahmanson Ranch” North Ranch Mountain Bikers
April 10, 2004 – Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy press release: “Former Ahmanson Ranch Dedicated to the Public: New 2,983-acre Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve is the most significant parkland purchase in Southern California history”
Save Open Space Ahmanson page: This was one of the most important foes of the Ahmanson Ranch development.
Moviesites.org’s film history of Lasky Mesa and Ahmanson Ranch.
Wishtoyo page: This organization represents the Native American Chumash who originally settled Ahmanson Ranch and whose range stretched from San Luis Obispo to Topanga Canyon in Malibu. This vibrant group fought Washington Mutual and was crucial in pointing out the irreplaceable cultural resources that exist at the property including grave sites.
Santa Monica Conservancy special events including weddings: Ahmanson Ranch is popular for weddings and is relatively affordable.
April 10, 2004: “Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Dedicates Former Ahmanson Ranch to the Public” Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
Spring 2004: “A New Life for an Old Ranch” California Coast & Ocean
January/February 2004: “Governor buys the farm” Sierra Magazine
Fall 2003 Heal the Bay newletter: “We Saved Ahmanson Ranch!”
November 7, 2003: Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy closes escrow on Ahmanson Ranch – SMCC press release
November 8, 2003: “Ahmanson Ranch Sale Is Completed” Los Angeles Times
November 7, 2003: “Sale of Ahmanson Ranch Completed” Business Wire
October 2, 2003: “Ahmanson Ranch stays protected” Moorpark Acorn
October 1, 2003: “Washington Mutual Statement Regarding Ahmanson Ranch” WaMu press release
September 30, 2003: California Wildlife Conservation Board: Master Tract Planning Phase
September 30, 2003: California Wildlife Conservation Board: Ahmanson Ranch Excerpts from minutes
September 26, 2003: “Wrangling at the ranch – Washington Mutual inherited real estate with environmental, legal and public relations issues when it acquired a competitor. Now, after 15 years, it’s on the verge of a deal” Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle)
September 24, 2003: “Agreement Reached On Nature Preserve” – New York Times
September 25, 2003: State Coastal Conservancy Public Meeting Minutes “5. MALIBU CREEK WATERSHED: AHMANSON RANCH ACQUISITION”
September 13, 2003: “First Step in Bid to Buy Ahmanson Ranch Approved — A state board authorizes conservation agencies to begin negotiating a deal with the owner, whose development plan is tied up by lawsuits.” Los Angeles Times
