Community Corner
Public Tours Cold Creek Valley on Stormy Afternoon
About 150 people take a tour through the Santa Monica Mountains during an anniversary celebration of the Mountains Restoration Trust.
Sunday’s stormy weather had most people indoors, but for the 150 hearty individuals who attended Mountains Restoration Trust’s Tea & Tour of the Cold Creek Valley, they got to witness a spectacular day in the Santa Monica Mountains.
“I’ve lived here for 15 years and the sky today is one of the best I’ve seen,” said Bob Wayne, describing the panoramic backdrop colored by a rainbow from Condors Crag, a stop on the tour.
The trust's 30th anniversary celebration was held at the estate of Board of Trustees member David Frith-Smith and his wife Judy. The property is adjacent to the Cold Creek Preserve.
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The public enjoyed tea while viewing birds of prey from Wings of Discovery, a fine art exhibit by William Papaleo and learning about the nonprofit’s work to preserve the Santa Monica Mountains. Shuttles took guests through Cold Creek Preserve, a vital watershed within the mountains that offers a safe haven for wildlife and native habitat.
The tour also included a scenic stop at Condor Crag, a landmark home built in the rocks, owned by Wayne who also serves on the trust's Board of Trustees.
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Dignitaries in attendance included State Assemblymember Julia Brownley, Ventura County Supervisor Linda Parks, city of Calabasas Council Members Mary Sue Maurer, Fred Gaines, and Lucy Martin, and Las Virgenes Homeowner’s Federation President Kim Lamorie.
“MRT has done extraordinary work for the past 30 years protecting the natural beauty of the area which is the heart of our district. Generations to come will benefit from their efforts,” said Brownley in a formal presentation acknowledging the trust.