Conservancy: Plan to Purchase Acreage

Wider attention should be given to the rhubarb in Pacific Palisades over parklands and the conservancy’s renewed attempt to move or buy out the Presbyterian Synod Conference grounds, which sit near the entrance of the new, expensively built Temescal Canyon Gateway at Sunset Boulevard and Temescal Canyon.

There’s been no word from the Synod. The YMCA has questioned the proposal because it believes the sale will affect its arrangement with the Synod regarding not only the Y’s use of the pool, but also the eventual building of a new Y, which is desperately needed.

Money for the purchase of the Temescal acreage would come from Proposition A funds earmarked to “offer ‘at risk’ elementary school children” the enhanced positive values to be found in a camp experience.

What disturbs me is that no one asks what is the responsibility of the conservancy. Is its plan in Temescal Canyon proper use of Proposition A funds? Wouldn’t it be better if the school board or private agencies with interests in youth development operated such camp facilities? Why can’t the Synod or Y operate them, saving millions in land-purchase costs?

HYMAN H. HAVES, Pacific Palisades