Council approves White Point Nature Preserve master plan after community testimony

The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to approve the White Point Nature Preserve master plan during its Dec. 12, 2001 meeting in Wilmington.

Public testimony included local volunteers and project partners. Brie Beasman Simmons, a nearby resident, described family cleanup efforts and community stewardship of White Point. Lauren DeRoy, project manager for the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy, outlined partnerships between the conservancy, the Department of Recreation and Parks and community stewards who participated in cleanups and planning. City staff and planning department representatives also addressed the council.

Councilmember Jack Weiss offered an amending motion (listed in the record as Item 10a) that was seconded and acted on before the final vote. Councilmembers praised the project as an example of public-private partnership and local stewardship of open space; several said the preserve provides rare coastal open space for children and residents to experience natural habitat.

The motion passed on the council floor with a roll call that recorded all members voting in favor. Councilmember Janice Hahn asked colleagues to support the plan on grounds of long community commitment and environmental value.

The council directed continued community input as project design and implementation proceed; staff identified maintenance, ongoing volunteer involvement and coordination with Recreation and Parks as implementation requirements.

Ending: With the council’s approval, project partners said they will continue community outreach and work with Recreation and Parks on implementation steps and stewardship agreements.