The process for Historic Cultural Monument designation for Griffith Park squeaked through the second step at City Hall on August 21st.  The Historic Resources Commission, which assembled with only three of five Commissioners present, made it necessary that all three vote in favor in order to pass the next step of “considering” the nomination application.  One Commissioner, Glen Dake, stubbornly argued that it was too complicated to even consider Griffith Park as a monument.  Fortunately, after 45 minutes of counter-arguments, he conceded to Richard Barron, the Commission president.  Therefore, beginning September 4th, The Commission will begin guided tours into the Park.  It is expected that by October 16th, the Commission will be prepared to forward their decision of worthiness to the Planning and Land Use Committee.

Oaks Homeowners Association, represented by Gerry Hans, gave public comment in favor of the designation, specifically mentioning the application’s use of the term “Cultural Landscape”, which describes the mix of the natural, cultural and historic elements.  It is that mix that needs to be preserved in its entirety, he said.  Also, the designation honors the Griffith Family and acknowledges their commitment to uphold Colonel Griffith’s original covenants.

There is a ground swell of support by area residents’ associations, Neighborhood Councils and organizations such as no fewer than five different Neighborhood Councils, the Los Angeles Conservancy and the Sierra Club.  By contrast, the strongest voice against the application (in its current form), is Council District 4.  Councilmember Tom LaBonge voiced his concern by sending Chief Deputy Renee Weitzer, saying he would support buildings in the Park to be designated as historic.  Renee used Balboa Park in San Diego as an example of a Park whose buildings are designated historic but the Park itself is not.  The Park should not be designated as a whole, is the current position of Council District 4.

Council District 4’s position is clear to the 100 or so folks that went to the hearing, but if you received the Councilmember’s Friday afternoon email blast - sign up for his weekly newsletter here - …  well… you’re probably confused.  In it he said, “Tom, who is widely considered Griffith Park’s strongest ally and protector, supported the application.” 

Go figure!