Time is running out to comment on golf course

NORTH GLENDALE — The clock is ticking for opponents of the controversial redevelopment plan for Verdugo Hills Golf Course, and they know it.

Since the 30-day extension on comments was granted for its draft environmental impact report, more “Save the Verdugo Hills Golf Course” signs have gone up, donations from third-party groups are coming in, and fundraisers have been scheduled.

The extension was granted by Los Angeles County Department of Planning and ends Aug. 19. Several organizations have banded together to oppose the proposed plan by MWH Development to construct 229 homes on the 58-acre golf course. A recent draft environmental impact report for the project determined it would negatively impact the area.

Save the Verdugo Hills Golf Course, Sunland-Tujunga Alliance and Volunteers Organized in Conserving the Environment have taken up the opposition cause, but more are joining, either through activism or funds, organizers reported. “Earlier this month we needed to rev up the revenue,” said Karen Zimmerman, member of the Save the Verdugo Hills Golf Course committee.

So they organized a fundraiser at Dominick’s Restaurant and used the money for outreach and education, and to hire experts to help interpret the draft environmental impact report, which is a formidable document, Zimmerman said.

The Dominick’s fundraiser was a success, and now a Frank’s Famous Kitchen and Bakery fundraiser is scheduled for Friday, and Joselitos West in Tujunga on Aug. 31.

Neighborhood associations have also started donating resources and money, organizers said.

A common cause against overdevelopment is what Cindy Cleghorn, secretary for the Sunland-Tujunga Alliance, attributes as the basis for the unifying interest.

“We share common issues as far as development goes,” Cleghorn said.

For information on the Save the Verdugo Hills Golf Course, visit www. gcvoice.org.