TheFoothillsForum

From today's CV Weekly:

Verdugo Hills Golf Course and the establishment of La Tuna Camp

Treasures of the Valley
by Mike Lawler

I continue again with my series on the history of the land now occupied by the Verdugo Hills Golf Course, which has served as a microcosm of dynamic historic events of national caliber. Previously I conjectured the use of the land by both Indians and Spanish missions, but now we enter into the period of well recorded history.
This small valley of the Verdugo mountains was the easternmost edge of the Rancho La Cañada and, after Dr. Briggs bought the land, the easternmost parcel his sub-division of La Crescenta. It was one of the few parcels of Briggs’ land that had its own water source, and so would have been valued property. It was snapped up by the Begue family in 1882 who found (and probably ousted) on their arrival a band of displaced Indians camped on their new property. They built a rather large stone house in the canyon under a huge oak and planted vineyards.
A son of that family, Phillip Begue, was one of those dynamic early pioneers of the valley whose reminiscences have provided many of the (perhaps) tall tales that have made our local history so memorable.
Phil Begue was one of the first forest rangers of the newly established Angeles National Timberland Reserve and in his travels through CV and the San Gabriels gathered stories and legends. It was he who found the saddle and pistol discarded by the bandit Vasquez in the mountains during his last escape in 1874 from a posse that chased him up the Arroyo Seco, down Big Tujunga Canyon and later captured him in Hollywood. Begue was one of the “Coyotes,” an informal band of young bachelors that centered their free time on card playing, drinking and hunting around the Hall Ranch in La Cañada. It is also Phil Begue who is widely considered to be the one who either spread, or flat-out made up, the legend of Sister Elsie, a Catholic nun who established an Indian orphanage associated with Las Barras Canyon.
Sometime after the turn of the century, Charleston Dow bought Begue’s land. Dow was a careful diarist, and has passed down precise memories of his own, such as the fact that in the entire year of 1906 two automobiles passed his property driving along rutty Tujunga Canyon Road headed toward the Monte Vista Valley (now Sunland/Tujunga).
By the 1930s America was struggling with the Great Depression. One of the first “make work” programs of President Roosevelt’s New Deal was the establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps. It was envisioned as a Forest Army of young men that would be assigned to remote camps for wilderness conservation work such as tree planting, road building and fire fighting. The mostly urban volunteers would be put through Army style training and would be paid $30 a month, $25 of which would be sent directly to their families. In early 1933 the Forest Service identified the need for CCC camps to be established in the Crescenta Valley for work projects in the San Gabriel and Verdugo mountains. There was one established in La Cañada in one of the canyons of the San Gabriels and another on Beaudry Road, above the Oakmont Country Club, where today a mysterious cement staircase, a sole remnant of the camp, mystifies hikers along the Beaudry fire road.
The third camp was to be on 60 acres owned by Charleston Dow and leased from Mr. Dow for $30 per month.
On May 31, 1933, 200 youths recruited from Ohio and Indiana as CCC Company 548 arrived at Las Barras Canyon to begin construction of La Tuna Camp. In typical bureaucratic fashion the camp was misnamed for the canyon next door, on the eastern side of the Verdugo mountains, effectively erasing the name of Las Barras Canyon from future maps.
Next week we’ll look at the good work these boys from La Tuna Camp performed locally, and some controversy about them.
Mike Lawler is the president of the Historical Society of the
Crescenta Valley. Reach him at lawlerdad@yahoo.com.




From tomorrow's GNP:

Krekorian stays the course for local golfing

Thank you, Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Krekorian, for your recent letter to the editor regarding the Verdugo Hills Golf Course ("Still fighting to save Verdugo golf course," July 28).

As an Assembly member, you were one of the first elected officials to come out in support of the Verdugo Hills Golf Course and your position has not faltered.

As you know, many of us in the community are concerned not only about the potential loss of the golf course, but the significant negative environmental impacts inherent in building a large housing development at the corner of Tujunga Canyon Boulevard/La Tuna Canyon Road/Honolulu Avenue.

That is why so many here in the foothills want to see the city of Los Angeles act on behalf of its constituents to protect and preserve our quality of life. From loss of recreation and aesthetics, to adding hundreds of additional vehicles to an already treacherous traffic corridor, the environmental impacts must not be ignored.

Your longtime support of the Verdugo Hills Golf Course is appreciated and we all look forward to continuing to work with you and City Council District 2 staff.

Karen Zimmerman

La Crescenta

Thank you, Sharon, for starting off the fourteenth page of VHGC media coverage. Speaking of which the golf course has been included in a number of recent articles. Here's a quick summary.

Mike Lawler has been continuing his series of Crescenta Valley Weekly columns on the VHGC:

The Lost Indian Village of the Crescenta Valley
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-the- ... 5926809373

Developer plays chicken with community over the golf course
http://www.facebook.com/notes/save-the- ... 2396788726

Verdugo Hills Golf Course and the California Missions
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-the- ... 3112932321

Verdugo Hills Golf Course and the establishment of La Tuna Camp
http://www.facebook.com/notes/save-the- ... 4435978522


Sharon Raghavachary has written about the golf course in two of her recent columns for the Glendale News-Press:

Enjoying lunch on the main course - Tee's on the Green at VHGC
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-the- ... 6003884032

And as posted yesterday: Local Bandito aims to beautify
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=65&start=194


The Glendale News-Press also ran an article on Monday, the 26th and Paul Krekorian's letter to the editor on Wednesday, the 28th:

Putting a stop to golf course plans
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-the- ... 5279311771

Krekorian's Letter to the GNP
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-the- ... 7146016251

Another shot at keeping Verdugo Hills course
Golf course hopes new management and looks will help it reduce loss, maybe turn profit.

By Bill Kisliuk
Glendale News-Press
August 6, 2010

The struggling Verdugo Hills Golf Course is getting a facelift and new management, giving new hope to residents who want to save the 60-acre site from residential development.

On Monday, course owners Snowball West Investors replaced the former manager and four other staffers. Plans are in the works to improve the grounds, add beer and wine at the restaurant, lower greens fees and lure tournaments to the 18-hole course.

"I'd like to get the prices reduced, get people out here and get the population back up," said John Mascarenas, a longtime Verdugo Hills worker who became manager Monday. "I want to make this the friendliest place you can come and enjoy your time."

Snowball West investor and spokesman Michael Hoberman said Snowball continues to seek approval from the Los Angeles City Council for 229 homes on the roughly 60-acre property, and that a final environmental report was recently filed with the city.

"The golf course for years has been losing money. This is an attempt to improve it, reduce the loss or maybe turn a profit," Hoberman said.

But, he added, "As long as it is a golf course, we'd like it to be as good as possible and to have as many people use it as possible."

Upgrades will include a new paint job, as well as improved equipment for the driving range and links, Hoberman added.

Tiffany Casper, owner of Tee's on the Green, remodeled the golf course restaurant last year and said she has applied for a beer and wine license and plans to make fresh changes to the menu.

Organizations including Glendale-Crescenta Volunteers Organized in Conserving the Environment — or V.O.I.C.E. — the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council and the Sunland-Tujunga Alliance have argued against residential development, saying it would cause congestion, ruin views and take away recreational opportunities.

Hoberman said he is open to meeting with community groups and discussing alternatives.

"We're happy to have it preserved as a golf course, open space or park. We've never received any formal proposal of any kind, but we're open to anything.

"If they want to save the golf course, the way to do it is to work with the city and the state and other groups, put together a package and figure out a way together to buy it, or buy most of it."

He said home builder MWH Development is no longer involved with the project.

While the city's review process grinds on, golf course supporters said they were excited about the a makeover.

Karen Zimmermann, a member of V.O.I.C.E. and the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council Land Use Committee, had a one-word reaction to the shift. "Delighted."

"The community wants the golf course to be a viable, productive source of recreation," she said.

Visitors play about 50 rounds of golf at Verdugo Hills on weekdays and 70 to 80 on weekends, Mascarenas said.

Business fell off when owners announced development plans six years ago and has never recovered, as people thought the course's fate was sealed, he added.

"I want to get out to the community and say, 'Hey listen, if you guys really want to save this golf course, you want to come down and participate in it," Mascarenas said. "That will be the way to save this place."

FYI

Hoberman encouraged people interested in the future of the site to contact him at VerdugoHillsGolfCourse@yahoo.com or (818) 881-7488.

Source: http://www.glendalenewspress.com/news/t ... 0959.story

Why We Need More Par-Three Courses Short layouts
Short layouts are still out of fashion, but a revival could be a boon to the game—and also really fun

By JEFF NEUMAN
Golf Journal - WSJ.com
July 24, 2010

Mike Keiser, who commissions everything at the Bandon Dunes complex in Oregon as a golf purist's fantasy, is building a fifth course to add to his famous four.

It's something you don't hear about much anymore—a par-three. Construction on the 12-holer, tentatively called "The Bandon Preserve," starts in February.

"The baby boomers are getting older," Mr. Keiser said, "and the older they get, the less willing or maybe less able they are to play 36 holes in a day. But with a par-three course on the ocean as an afternoon activity or as an alternative to 18 holes—people say to me, hurry up and build it."

The golf industry is struggling, and many people in the game cite the same reasons: a round takes too long; the game is hard; maintenance budgets are through the roof; there are no places for beginners to play while they learn.

One remedy: more short courses. For the experienced player, 18 holes on a par-three or "executive" course—a slightly longer version that usually includes a few par-fours of less than 300 yards—provide a great practice session under game conditions. Improving your game around the greens is the best way to cut five strokes from your score; two or three hours at a short course is more valuable than whaling away with your driver on the range.

For the beginner, the shorter holes mean less frustration and more success. The golf bug bites only on the course; the reward for a good shot on the range is the chance to do it again, not a memorable par or birdie.

Yet short courses have struggled in the marketplace recently. According to the National Golf Foundation, executive and par-three layouts make up 9% of the nation's courses but accounted for 22% of course closings in 2009.

I learned the game at a nine-hole course surrounding a driving range. I spent many hot afternoons going around and around the place, even playing through a partial solar eclipse one summer. The course is long gone, but some of my lost Top-Flites are surely still there, quietly testing the half-life of Surlyn.

Such courses dotted the landscape in the 1950s and '60s, providing entry-level golf after a period when few 18s were built because of the Depression and two wars. Geoffrey Cornish, the 95-year-old dean of American golf architects, owned a flood-lit pitch-and-putt course in Shrewsbury, Mass., and laid out and built a slew of them for clients up and down the East Coast. Then the boom stopped, Mr. Cornish recalled: "As the use of golf carts became universal, par threes lost their major appeal—shorter walking distances."

Short courses can be public—or oh-so-private. Augusta National built its par-three course in 1958; it's the favored spot for older members who no longer want to take on the big course, and has served as a testing ground for turfgrass experiments. Pine Valley added a 10-hole short course in 1992; eight of the 10 holes replicate approach shots on its famous 18, providing a second round of sorts for visitors and members when tee times are at a premium. At the Olympic Club in San Francisco, the par-three Cliffs Course has the only holes among the club's 45 where you can hear the Pacific below.

Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw will be designing the new short course at Bandon in an area of large sand dunes. "There won't be a giant fluctuation in distances," Mr. Coore told me. "The longest hole will be about 160 yards, maybe up to 190, and the shortest around 100—but they go in all directions. With the way the wind blows, that creates a lot of interest."

Messrs. Coore and Crenshaw have done short courses at Friar's Head on Long Island, Colorado Golf Club, and Austin Golf Club, Mr. Crenshaw's home club. This will be their first for a public facility.

"With a short course, you're eliminating the longest and most unpredictable shots," said Mr. Coore. "It frees you up creatively, and lets you put in something that might be right on the edge of unfair, something you wouldn't put into a big course...because a big score on one hole might affect how a golfer thinks about his whole round and the course. But most people play short courses for fun, or at match play, and that allows you to create something the golfer might never be able to experience elsewhere."

James Viras, golf operations manager at Harbor Links Golf Course in North Hempstead, N.Y., thinks he knows why his regulars flock to the regulation course without ever trying the excellent nine-hole executive course next door. "You know golfers," he said. "They think it will be too easy."

That may be, but usually it's not the first 300 yards of a hole that kill you.

—Sportswriter Jeff Neuman is co-author of "A Disorderly Compendium of Golf."
John Paul Newport is on vacation. Email: golfjournal@wsj.com.

Source:
http://online.wsj.com/article/NA_WSJ_PUB:SB10001424052748703467304575382941326891262.html

The Oct 18th Presentation by Snowball West Investments LLP before the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council Land Use Committee generated a number of interesting articles and one editorial:


"Snowball extends olive branch", Mary O'Keefe, Crescenta Valley Weekly, Oct 21, 2010
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/note.php?note_id=161672773855688


"Two sides mull golf course", Bill Kisliuk, Glendale News-Press, Oct 23, 2010
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/note.php?note_id=161675037188795


"Setting the course for a compromise", Glendale News-Press Editorial, Oct 23, 2010
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/note.php?note_id=161674077188891


"Fore! Locals Attack Verdugo Hills Golf Course Plans", Dakota Smith, Curbed: LA, Oct 25, 2010
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/note.php?note_id=162299997126299

Tomi Lyn Bowling
Letter to the Editor
Glendale News-Press
October 28, 2010


Clearly this is best described as the hottest ticket item in the foothills since the toe-to-toe with the mega corporate giant Home Depot.

The community came out on a rainy night, numbering more than 100, and despite many previous heated meetings on the same issue, maintained a very composed and respectful posture. Still, there can be no mistaking the message that rang loud and clear, from both sides ("Two sides mull golf course," Oct. 23).

The Verdugo Hills Golf Course remains one of the only places, for many decades, that our youth can learn to play golf. The establishment of this property as a family recreation center, possible tennis courts, hiking trails, biking trails, perhaps even a playing field for soccer and a clubhouse for senior events would be used with vigor by nearby Glendale, La Crescenta, Sylmar, Sun Valley, La Tuna Canyon, Lake View Terrace and of course Sunland Tujunga. The importance and value of making that a reality for our future generations must not be underestimated.

Look where we live — arguably one of the largest metropolises in the country. What are we doing as a society when we give our youth absolutely no retreat, on top of a questionable education? What kind of message does that send to them?

Wonder why L.A. churns out a record number of dropouts and our youth detention is high? While the developer cries foul, stating that the course has not turned a profit, local golfers cry even louder that they've not been able to buy a beer, a long standing golfing tradition, for some time. And prior to that, the owner had apparently "let it go," taking absolutely no care or effort to try to turn a profit.

It is not in his best interest to do so and he doesn't. His goal is strictly entitlements to make the value soar. If he accomplishes that, it will be impossible for community activists to secure the funding needed to purchase.

Rest assured that while anyone in the community spends time "talking to the developer," be sure to keep eyes wide open what's going on while talking. This is not the first time this community has danced with the big boys and it is not a new tact either.

While making friends and debating other possible solutions, one and all are too busy to notice that the green light is given for, guess what, the 229 homes asked for in the application. While I, as a local mom, really appreciate the candor and amicable attitude of the new owner, I plead with the community to not be fooled by a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Tiger Woods, where are you?

Tomi Lyn Bowling
Sunland

Editor's note: Bowling is the Sunland Tujunga Neighborhood Council first vice president for community improvement, and is the chairwoman for the council's Land Use Committee.


http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/note.php?note_id=162917497064549

Sharon Hale's letter to the editor issues an important observation and reminds our Crescenta Valley communities that vigilence and action are important.

"Tree cutting shows need to support course"
Letter to the Editor: Sharon Hales
Glendale News-Press, December 8, 2010

The catastrophic mutilation of the prized Moreton Bay fig tree in La Crescenta is the latest in a series of debacles that have given rise to a reawakening in our community — a renewed and blistering realization that our heritage and aesthetic values remain completely vulnerable within unincorporated L.A. County.

On the day of yet another weekend demolition, galvanized Crescenta Valley residents showed up in droves and succeeded in preserving what was left of the mangled tree ("Owner stops chopping," Nov. 22).

David Meyers was right ("Character is key to the Crescenta Valley," Nov. 27) — the tree was not saved. Its dignity and majesty have been destroyed, and the eerie sight shocks anew each time I drive down Foothill Boulevard.

And yet, the disfigured remains evoke a sense of pride in my community for insisting that our identity be respected and the things we cherish preserved. If it survives, the Moreton Bay fig tree will serve as an oxymoronic reminder of our community's vulnerability and our resolve. The tree is no longer a vestige of our heritage; it is a new symbol of who we are today.

We must use this lesson to continue the fight against disfiguring developments looming ahead, like the proposed 229-unit housing project slated for the Verdugo Hills Golf Course property. For the past four years, Glendale-Crescenta VOICE, or Volunteers Organized in Conserving the Environment, has championed the preservation of the Verdugo Hills Golf Course as its sole issue, vigilantly continuing to monitor events and advocate with government officials.

All communities surrounding the golf course must be proactive in this fight, or we will find ourselves scrambling to show up in droves on a weekend when backhoes have begun digging up the driving range. We must stay on the offensive so as to not be caught off guard yet again.

Residents can learn how to participate in preservation efforts for the Verdugo Hills Golf Course at SaveTheGolfCourse.org, a comprehensive website dedicated to saving this recreational and open-space gem.

The tragic Moreton Bay fig tree has become our warning cry. Its altered visage is a clarion call to us to remain engaged in the long-term struggle to retain our precious resources and our quality of life.

Sharon Hales
La Crescenta
Editor's note: Hales is vice president of Glendale-Crescenta VOICE.


Source: http://www.glendalenewspress.com/news/o ... 2016.story

Note: Sharon Hales letter also appeared in the December 9, 2010 Crescenta Vally Weekly

The Renaissance Development also serves as a reminder of how much these planned developments disfigure the natural landscape.

Yep, Robin, that's another example....

In last week's Crescenta Valley Weekly.

Verdugo Hills Golf Course: “We’re Not Going Anywhere”
By Ted Ayala
Crescenta Valley Weekly
January 14, 2011

With rumors about the untimely demise Verdugo Hills Golf Course (VHGC) rampant across the Foothills communities, VHGC manager John Mascarenas wanted to reach out to the community to straighten out the story of the VHGC’s future.

“We’re still going – and we’re not going anywhere,” said Masacarenas. “A lot of newspapers just seize on stories about the ‘developers’ buying our course and make it look as if the bulldozers are already here. The truth of the matter is that these people are interested in making money. So the reality is that we’ll be here and continue to be here.”

Formerly owned by a pair of developers, Snowball West and NWH, the latter developer is no longer in existence though its investors still hold a stake in the VHGC. “They’ve owned the [VHGC] for about seven years,” explained Masacarenas. “But there’s a reason why we haven’t gone anywhere. They know we’re a part of this community.”

He added, “We’re open everyday. We need the support of the community if they want us to keep going. [VHGC] offers plenty for everybody. Great golfing, a fantastic restaurant with dynamite food, and even beer and wine.”

Masacarenas also mentioned the reduction of prices. “Our prices are now $10 for adults; $7 for juniors (10 and under) and seniors (62 and over). VHGC is a great and affordable place to spend a day.”

Asked what more he wanted the community to know, Mascarenas answered, “Just come on down and play!”

VHGC is located at 6433 La Tuna Canyon Road in Tujunga. More information can be found by calling the course at (818) 352-3161 or by visiting the website at http://www.verdugohillsgolfcourse.com.



NOTE:

Article incorrectly refers to Mark Handel & MWH Development as NWH. Based on land records Snowball West Investments Limited Partnership has been the sole owner of the VHGC since it was purchased in 2004. Initially Mark Handel/MWH Development was the public face of the project, filing the project application in June 2007 on behalf of Snowball West Investments and Michael Hoberman. Handel was involved with the project until 2009.

During the October 18, 2010 public meeting hosted by the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council, Hoberman and his attorney, Fred Gaines, went to great lengths to separate themselves from Mark Handel/MWH Development. Some members of the community left the meeting thinking Hoberman/Snowball West Investments 'inherited' the project from Handel. Some even thought Hoberman/Snowball West Investments was a new owner of the property. Public records demonstrate otherwise.

After investing over $7 million purchasing the VHGC in 2004 its highly unlikely that Snowball West Investments and Michael Hoberman would not know what was happening with the property or the planned development. Hoberman's signature appears several times on the project application which Handel filed in 2007. Snowball West did not inherit the proposed development. They have been part of it since the beginning.

Three letters have been generated by the omission of the VHGC from a newspaper's 'stories to watch for in 2011'. The Glendale News-Press staff selected five news stories they think the public will want to follow in the new year. The short list did not include the golf course. Following are a few responses from the community.

Letter to the Editor: "Fate of golf course is a story to watch"
Claudia Culling
Glendale News-Press
January 17, 2011

I read the article, "News stories to keep tabs on in 2011" in your Jan.1 edition of the Glendale News-Press. While I agree the five items you mention in the article will continue to be important in 2011, I think another very important issue for your readers in Glendale and the Crescenta Valley area will continue to be the fate of the Verdugo Hills Golf Course.

There is a real threat to this wonderful community resource. The Verdugo Hills Golf Course provides an opportunity for everyone in the area to play golf at an extremely affordable price. Further, it provides a beautiful open space that even those who don't play golf can enjoy.

The threat hanging over this great resource is a proposed 229-unit housing development. The impacts of the proposed development will be severe to the area, not the least of which will be traffic on all the surrounding streets, including La Tuna Canyon and the Foothill (210) Freeway and its ramps.

Add to that the loss of the golf course and the open space, and it becomes obvious that this precious resource must be preserved.

The Save the Golf Course Committee has proposed development of a regional park on the site. This park will include the golf course, other recreational uses and memorials to the history of the site. Further, the group's plan allows for a significant secondary use as a water-reclamation facility.

In 2011, we expect Los Angeles to hold public hearings on the applicant's proposed development, including the environmental impact report and various requested city approvals. The public needs to stay aware and participate in these hearings or face the dire consequences.

For those interested in following this story in 2011, the website at http://www.savethegolfcourse.org/ is the perfect source for information and updates.

Claudia Culling
Glendale

Source: http://www.glendalenewspress.com/news/o ... 6479.story

Letter to the Editor: Follow the Proposed Development Story, too!
Judy Seelig
Glendale News-Press
January 19, 2011

Whether this is for the Mailbag, or just a comment to Dan Evans, we're not sure. As very concerned citizens about the future of the Verdugo Hills Golf Course, we hope our local newspaper will give it the attention it deserves and needs. Thank you.

In reading your stories to watch for in 2011, we feel there's one more that should have been mentioned: the results of the Final Impact Environmental Report (FEIR) concerning the Verdugo Hills Golf Course. Although the course does not lie in Glendale, it certainly is used by many Glendalians, probably none of whom want to lose this beautiful facility. The FEIR results concerning the proposed building of 229 homes will have much influence as to whether that project should be allowed to go forward.

This is certainly an important subject that will need to be covered by the News-Press and we hope that you will consider it as such.

Judy Seelig
La Crescenta

Source: http://www.glendalenewspress.com/news/o ... 7553.story

Letter to the Editor: Verdugo Hills Golf Course is a community treasure
Elaine Brown
Glendale News-Press
January 20, 2011

Claudia Culling spoke for me and for so many living in Glendale, Sunland-Tujunga, La Crescenta, the unincorporated County and even Burbank ("Fate of golf course is a story to watch," Jan. 17).

The Verdugo Hills Golf Course has been the local place to play golf, to learn golf, and to compete in and raise money through golf tournaments for decades.

Plans to develop this wonderful property and destroy those magnificent old oak trees have led to a growing grassroots movement to save the golf course. This story is not over.

Yes, there are other big stories, but this one is the biggest of all for those hundreds of us who are rigorously fighting to keep this open space and recreation amenity for our community.

Elaine Brown
Sunland

Source: http://www.glendalenewspress.com/news/o ... 8793.story

First eBlast of 2011!



January 27, 2011: Part 1 - What's Up in 2011?
http://www.gcvoice.org/emails/2011Jan27.htm
Includes Final EIR update / VHGC in the newspapers / Summary & STNC Land Use Committee Minutes from the October 18, 2010 presentation by Michael Hoberman/Snowball West Investments LP now available online. Very informative.

Paul Carney - Letter to the Editor
"'Close that open space and put people to work"
Glendale News-Press
February 22, 2011

What Mrs. Margaret Rice of La Crescenta does not understand is nobody cares about the Verdugo Hills Golf Course anymore (“Area can’t afford to lose open space,” Feb. 9).

You act like it is just a matter of time before the bulldozers move in and you guys have new apartments, a Target and a Starbucks. Then you can hang some pictures at Starbucks, of the great moments, putting on the green at Verdugo Hills golf course.

What Rice can’t accept is that nothing lasts forever. When they build on the old Verdugo golf course, it will give people jobs. The golf course should have been torn up two years ago.

Most of you people need to get a life, and quit talking about it and running up your phone bill.

Paul D. Carney
Glendale

===============================================================
IF you would like to write a letter to the Glendale News-Press you can email them at: gnp@latimes.com