July 8, 2008, 1:39 p.m.
From: Peter Ronca, Principal Bldg. Inspector, Community Development/Code Enforcement
To: Tom Dean
Subject: Weed Abatement behind Belmont Shore Mobile Home Estates

Mr. Dean:

Code Enforcement has recently received a complaint about dry weeds on your property adjacent to the mobile home park near Studebaker Road and Loynes Drive. See attached map. Can you look into the reoval of the weeds?

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. I stand ready to answer any questions you have.

July 8, 2008, 3:50 p.m.
From: Tom Dean
To: Peter Ronca, cc'd Tina Parmelee, Mike Nunley, Michael Conway

March 20, 2009, 9:23 a.m.
From: Brenda Caloca
To: Bridget Sramek [Chief of Staff to Councilman O'Donnell]

Elizabeth Lambe from Los Cerritos Wetlands Trust, has just called very concerned that city trucks are out on Los Cerritos Wetlands and grading.

March 20, 2009, 10:34 a.m.
From: Mel Nutter, Esq. [prominent LB att'y, former member CA Coastal Commission]
To: Josh Butler [Councilwoman Schipske's Chief of Staff]

[forwards the following:
From Thomas Marchese
Subject: Wetlands/Uplands Destruction
Date: March 19, 2009, 6:52 p.m.

Hello friends,

The zoned wetlands overlook/brackish pond lot, owned by Dean, East of Belmont Shore Mobile Estates, and South of Loynes, was bulldozed, graded and leveled without a permit today. The damages is unprecedented and almost total.

March 20, 2009, 10:36 a.m.
From Bridge Sramek [Chief of Staff to Councilman O'Donnell]
To: Councilman Patrick O'Donnell
Subject: **WETLANDS** Please read

Elizabeth Lambe from the Los Cerritos [Wetlands Land Trust] group called this morning because there are trucks and a bulldozer out at the Wetlands -- the triangle area near the mobile estates. Gary's [Councilman DeLong] office has been receiving calls about it all morning -- they don't know what's going on and are trying to find out.

March 20, 2009, 10:55 a.m.
From: Bridget Sramek [Chief of Staff to Councilman O'Donnell]
To: Patrick West, Michael Conway
Subject: **WETLANDS** Please read

Mike: Councilmember O'Donnell asked me to forward you the email below. He had heard mention of a proposed soccer field -- could this be it? Certainly that would require permits.

[Ms. Sramek forwards to the 10:36 a.m. email to Mr. Conway]

March 20, 2009, 10:59 a.m.
From: Michael Conway
To: Tom Dean
Subject: **WETLANDS** Please read.

??

March 20, 2009, 11:10 a.m.
From: Tom Dean
To: Michael Conway
Subject: **WETLANDS** Please read

Mike, this property is now owned by Sean Hitchcock, I do know he received a violation for weeds by Long Beach Fire Department and I would suspect that is what he is complying with.

March 20, 2009, 11:13 a.m.
From: Mike Conway
To: Bridget Sramek, Pat West
[A minute after receiving the reply below, Ms. Sramek forwards it to Councilman O'Donnell]

I understand Dean has sold the property to Sean Hitchcock. He may be responding to an FD weed abatement order.

March 20, 2009, 11:11 a.m.
From: Councilman Patrick O'Donnell
To: Ass't City Attorney Mike Mais

There is a tractor digging up the property along loynes just near the mobile home park....they told people the site will soon be a soccer field...do they need permits?

March 20, 2009, 11:45 a.m.
From: Ass't City Attorney Mike Mais
To: Councilman Patrick O'Donnell

Pat: ...[N]ot sure where the property is, but if it is considered wetlands you would also need a permit...Also, zoning should be consulted because I believe that that particular area of SEADIP is reserved for passive openspace...I am in Catalina otherwise I would make the calls...

March 20, 2009, 11:53 a.m.
From Josh Butler [Chief of Staff to Councilwoman Schipske]
To: Pat West, Mike Conway, Phil Hester
Subject: Wetlands/uplands destruction

[Attaches March 20 morning email, which attached March 19 email from Mr. Marchese]

Can any of you verify this activity? If so, what is the explanation?..

March 20, 2009, 12:50 p.m.
From: Councilman Patrick O'Donnell
To: Pat West

Thanks for the call....fyi apparently there are water trucks and other equipment....a little bit heavy if it was just weed abatement in my opinion.

March 20, 2009, 12:58 p.m.
From: Patrick O'Donnell
To: Pat West

Update: I am told that they are dumping loads of asphalt out there....we need to get on this as this appears to have permitting involved...I get that we will let them store the equipment for now but dumping asphalt is paramount to new construction.

March 20, 2009, 1:41 p.m.
From: Bridget Sramek
To: Patrick O'Donnell

[Elizabeth Lambe, Exec. Dir of Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust] just called and wants it reported that after the stop work order was issued, the caterpillar cranked up again and was moving asphalt...

March 20, 2009, 1:43 p.m.
From: Patrick O'Donnell
To: Bridget Sramek

A city team will assemble on site at two-thirty.

March 20, 2009, 12:50 p.m.
From: Councilman Patrick O'Donnell
To: Pat West

Thanks for the call....fyi apparently there are water trucks and other equipment....a little bit heavy if it was just weed abatement in my opinion

March 20, 2009, 12:55 p.m.
From: Pat West
To: Councilman Patrick O'Donnell

thanks.....

March 20, 2009, 12:58 p.m.
From: Councilman Patrick O'Donnell
To: Patrick West

Update: I am told that they are dumping loads of asphalt out there....we need to get on this as this appears to have permitting involved...I get that we will let them store the equipment for now but dumping asphalt is paramount to new construction.

March 20, 2009, 12:59 p.m.
From: Pat West
To: Councilman O'Donnell

just got off the phone with Dev. Services,,,,they have in no uncertain terms told the people out there and the new owner to stop asap and to remove the equipment today. They told us they are responding to a weed abatement order from FD, but FD says that is not the case. You are right that it appears they have more equipment that [sic] what is needed for weed abatement. They are telling us they have the right to be out there, we are telling them no. We have a team going out at 2:30 again to make sure the equipment is moving off site. We have no been alerted to the asphalt issue, but will be out there looking for it.

March 20, 2009, 1:44 p.m.
From: Councilman Patrick O'Donnell
To: Bridget Sramek

Read....this is a domino of screw ups.

March 20, 2009, 1:57 p.m.
From: Rebecca Shippey [Public Works Dept]
To: Pat West
Subject: **WETLANDS** Please read

Pat I am forwarding the response that Mike received from Dean regarding the property.

March 20, 2009, 3:52 p.m.
From: Pat West
To: Michael Conway

thanks mike,,,,the issue is over for now....

March 20, 2009, 2:19 p.m.
From: Patrick West
To: Councilman O'Donnell

I'm onsite waiting for the chief inspector to help clear this up. I've stopped one asphalt truck. A few neighbors are here.

March 20, 2009, 2:37 p.m.
From: Councilman Patrick O'Donnell
To: Pat West

Got it fyi I believe the area is zoned passive open space and also in seadip and thus would need a variety of approvals/zoning changes if a soccer park were to be built.

March 20, 2009, 2:38 p.m.
From: Pat West
To: Councilman Patrick O'Donnell

Yeah. Just learned of intent myself.

March 20, 2009, 4:01 p.m.
From: Ray Woolhether, Principal Inspection Supervisor
To: City Manager Pat West

Pat: FYI. The equipment was removed from the site at Loynes Drive at about 2:45 p.m.

Thanks for your help in resolving today's problem, your presence was persuasive in the resolution of the equipment removal.

March 20, 2009, 4:19 p.m.
From: City Manager Pat West
To: Councilman Patrick O'Donnell

equipment is gone,,,whew.

March 20, 2009, 5:01 p.m.
From: Councilman O'Donnell
To: Pat West

Thank you for being so hands on!!!

From Councilman Gary DeLong's office, Chief of Staff Anne Cramer's hand written notes:

Friday, March 20, 8:01 a.m. [first voice mail received], caller indicates B.S.M.H.P. wetlands torn up last night and this morning; three more calls from others within 90 minutes, plus phone call from Elizabeth Lambe, LCWLT

Call to Pat West at about noon, left message.

12:10 p.m., city staff indicates City didn't issue permit and a stop work order was issued at site.

12:30 p.m...Pat West indicates it's not city asphalt, stop work [order] issued, trucks/bulldozers removed

Additional voice mails from members of the public received.

At about 1 p.m., LBFD indicates it didn't order weed abatement

March 20, 2009, 1:06 p.m.
From: Pat West
To: Councilman Gary DeLong

just got off the phone with Dev. Services,,,,they have in no uncertain terms told the people out there and the new owner to stop asap and to remove the equipment today. They told us they are responding to a weed abatement order from FD, but FD says that is not the case. You are right that it appears they have more equipment that [sic] what is needed for weed abatement. They are telling us they have the right to be out there, we are telling them no. We have a team going out at 2:30 again to make sure the equipment is moving off site.

March 20, 2009, 3:49 p.m.
From: Anne Cramer (Chief of Staff to Councilman DeLong)
To: Julie Maleki, Joseph Toney [DeLong office staffers]

1. The location is not 400 Studebaker. The location is on Loynes, just past BS Mobile Home Park, West of Studebaker, South of Loynes

2. Tom Dean no longer owns the property.

3. Fire Department did not order abatement of weeds.

4. This is nesting season. Bird nests were bulldozed.

5. Permits were not obtained to bulldoze property. They have a Zoning application, but they did not have it available for Roy at this time.

6. Building Department issued Stop Work Order. Building called back to site, as they began bulldozing again. Equipment removed from property.

7. Elizabeth Lamb [sic] was adamant that asphalt be removed immediately. Pat West said he could not demand it to be removed at this time. Pat said contrary to rumors, it is not City asphalt, Shawn [sic] bought the fill from a contractor.

8. Pat West will have a meeting on Tuesday, to discuss issue.

These are the facts, after all of the misinformation that began pouring in. My mail box was full this morning and the phone has not stopped ringing.

March 20, 2009, 12:02 p.m.
From: Mike Conway [Public Works Director]
To: Phil Hester [Parks, Rec & Marine Director]

I've confirmed that Dean sold the property to Sean Hitchcock. I was advise that the activity could be a result of a weed abatement notice, but I cannot verify.

March 20, 2009, 1:01 p.m.
From: Phil Hester
To: Mike Conway, cc to: Josh Butler, Pat West

We [Parks & Rec] are not involved with anything on private property...Someone needs to respond...that the Parks Dept. was and is not involved in this to stop any rumors. I can do so but assumed it needs to come from someone else.

March 20, 2009, 4:22 p.m.
From: Pat West
To: Phil Hester, cc: Josh Butler, Michael Conway

phil,,,i'll call [person who forwarded email]...the machines are gone and its its over for now...

March 20, 2009, 4:26 p.m.
From: Phil Hester
To: Pat West

...Thanks. The rumor that our person heard was that the owners were leveling the site and using the asphalt grindings given them by the city. Got to love the rumors!!!

March 20, 2009, 4:30 p.m.
From: Pat West
To: Phil Hester

yeah,,,,its a new owner,,,the prop is in coastal....he was grading without a permit,,,he is storing asphalt fill that he got from one of our contractors, not us.

March 20, 2009, 3:00 p.m.
From: Becki Ames [Mayor's Chief of Staff]
To: Patrick West
Subject: Just heard...

About the bulldozer incident....keep me in the loop.

March 20, 2009, 3:50 p.m.
From: Pat West
To: Becki Ames

sorry,,,,as soon as I got back i had a madeline bernstein [SPCA-LA] meeting that I could not put off...there was some grading and some asphalt delivered,,,,,we stopped everything,,,the bulldozers are being removed but we can't take the "fill" away.......there were not permits issued and a stop work notice was issued,,,,there is a new owner on this section of wetlands, and he ultimately wants to build a soccer facility.

March 20, 2009, 4:47 p.m.
From: City Manager Pat West
To: Mayor Bob Foster, Councilmembers Suja Lowenthal, Dee Andrews, Gary DeLong, Gerrie Schipske
Subject: City Manager Alert: Los Cerritos Wetlands

Good afternoon -

Earlier today, we were alerted that there was earth moving activity occurring on the Los Cerritos Wetlands around Loynes Drive, just west of Studebaker. This is in a Coastal Zone Subarea, and it is part of SEADIP (zoned PD1, Subarea 23). It turns out that this property was recently sold by Mr. [Tom] Dean to a new owner, Sean Hitchcock. We immediately went out of this morning to stop the work as no permits were obtained for any activity. We also ordered him to remove the earth moving equipment from the site immediately. The equipment was removed at approximately 2:45 p.m. The owner did place some fill asphalt on the property. You may hear that this is asphalt the City gave him. This is not the case. The asphalt was purchased from a private contractor who happened to be doing work on a City street.

it is my understanding that Mr. Thomas Marchese is sending emails regarding this situation so you may hear about it from constituents. I am not sure if these emails are completely accurate.

Fri. March 20, 2009, 5:30 p.m.
From: Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske
To: City Manager Pat West, Mayor Foster, Councilmembers Suja Lowenthal, Dee Andrews

I saw the email in which dean asks [Public Works Director] conway for crushed pavement to spread over that area [Oct. 14, 2008 email from Dean to Conway appears to pertain to LCW-B-3 property, which we believe is a different parcel, south of the Loynes-south parcel]...This is wrong. We paid for the materials and no one has the right to give them to a private party.

Fri. March 20, 2009, 5:46 p.m.
From: City Manager Pat West
To: Councilwoman Schipske, cc to Mayor Foster, Councilmembers Andrews, DeLong, O'Donnell

councilmember,,,thank you for your comments... , I know what you are referring to. What happened today is a different situation....,,,that said, we'll hopefully straighten everything out early next week with the new property owner...pat

Sun. March 22, 2009, 12:07 p.m.
From: Pat West
To: Mike Conway, Mark Christoffels, Suzanne Frick, cc: Craig Beck

mike and mark..this email from Friday [from Councilwoman Schipske] puts in context why I need to get to the bottom of "asphaltgate" asap..Craig..this is simply and fyi to you...pat

Sun. March 22, 2009, 12:04 p.m.
From: Pat West
To: [City Public Information Officer] Edward Kamlan, Geoffrey Hall, cc: Michael Conway, Mark Christoffels, Suzanne Frick, Craig Beck

Ed....i'd like to get one of our famous, Wetlands Responses, up by the afternoon on the front page of the city site,,,,,,pls get with public works on the facts,,,,,
mike and mark,,,in LB Report Sean Hitchcock says the asphalt he is storing at loynes was given to him by the city, so it conflicts with what I told the council and the press telegram,,,,,mark said it is from the jobsite of a private contractor on a city job. We allowed the contractor to store the asphalt fill at the deforrest yard and then mr. hitchcock's company acquired the fill from teh [sic] private contractor and we were not involved. Also,,just so I know,,,did we steer mr. hitchcock to the private contractor? That is not a big deal at my end, unless we knew he was going to dump it at loynes without a permit.
PS,,,craig, we need to talk later about a meeting mr hitchcock says he had...Just need to nail this down. Angie is trying to get him together with you and your folk Tues am so he get educated about what kind of permits he needs to proceed.

On March 23, Director of Development Services Craig Beck sends property owner Sean Hitchcock a letter outlining what permits are required to proceed. To view the letter, click here.

March 24, 2009, 10:47 a.m.
From: Councilman Patrick O'Donnell
To: City Manager Pat West

We need to get the city owned asphalt off that wetland property...please share that at the 2h [name of Mr. Hitchcock's construction co.] meeting...thanks.

Tues. March 24, 2009, 8:43 p.m. [apparently after that evening's Council meeting]
From: City Manager Pat West
To Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal, cc'd to Ass't City Mgr. Suzanne Frick, Development Services Dir. Craig Beck

Subject: Thank you...

...For you comments on the loynes issue. The analogy to illegal work on a historic home was great. That said, we'll work to fix our procedures if it turns out we were late in responding to the thurs complaint of illegal construction.

Tues. March 24, 2009, 8:47 p.m.
From: Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal
To: City Manager Pat West

Thank you, Pat. I do believe we need to hang a carcass. The message needs to be sent and heard loud and clear that we will not tolerate illegal activity. I hope the coastal commission fines them heavily in addition to us fining them.

March 25, 2009, 7:39 a.m.
From: Michael Conway [Public Works Dir]
To: Del Davis; Arthur Cox; Craig Beck; Patrick West; Suzanne Frick

Subject: Excess Road Cuttings

Good morning,

There will be efforts to require the owner of the landfill to remove the cuttings picked up from DeForest. We don't want it back! When he starts removing this material, monitor DeForest so it doesn't get dumped. Craig, not sure if you need to permit the removal, but can you ensure that the recipient site is not the City property?

March 25, 2009, 8:28 a.m.
From: Pat West
To: Mike Conway, Del Davis, Arthur Cox, Craig Beck, Suzanne Frick

Guys. I'm sorry, but if it has to go to a city yard, so be it. It is critically important it gets moved. So much so, I don't want any impediments in the way.

March 25, 2009, 3:00 p.m.
From: Councilman Patrick O'Donnell
To: City Manager Pat West

A couple of questions...do we know if 2h intends to remove the asphalt by friday? Can we take it back as it was/is ours?...

March 25, 2009, 3:00 p.m.
From: Councilman Patrick O'Donnell
To: City Manager Pat West

...[C]an/will we take the asphalt back?...we probably should to make this work.

March 25, 2009, 9:38 p.m.
From: Patrick West
To: Councilman Patrick O'Donnell

Yes. We will move heaven and earth top [sic] get it out of there.

March 26, 2009, 10:34 a.m.
From: Councilman O'Donnell
To: Elizabeth Lambe [Exec. Dir. Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust]

Fyi: I am working on that asphalt and am trying to get us to use all means - legal or otherwise to get it removed...in my opinion, it is an enviro/public hazard and the city should do it if the owner wont...I am in contact w the city attny and will give you and update when I get further.

[This document includes 12 questions in black text with answers appearing in red. The source of the questions and the answers isn't indicated. It includes the following text: "Dear Gary, Thanks for the opportunity to ask some questions concerning the recent Coastal Zone incident in SEADIP Sub-area 23."]

March 26, 2009, 8:41 a.m.
From: Craig Beck
To: unspecified
Subject: SEADIP Response
[Document was subsequently sent from Pat West]
To: Gary DeLong, bcc: Craig Beck, Michael Conway, Suzanne Frick

...5. Did the Fire Department, at any time, issue an order to any owner of Sub-area 23 to clear that parcel of weeds and debris and, if so, was the order lawful, when was it issued, upon whom as it served and how? Is a copy available for review?

[In red] We are still looking into this, initial review indicates no such action was given.

6. If the Fire Department issued such a weed and clear order, were instructions or limitations included as to how the order was to be carried out?

[In red] n/a

7. Who owned the surplus paving materials that were trucked into and dumped onto Sub-area 23? If the City owned the materials, what Department had constructive control over them before they were trucked onto Sub-are 23, where were they picked up from and what specific CLB official provided final approval for their transfer to Mr. Hitchcock?

[In red] Excess paving material was from the City and is commonly used for construction projects. A Public Works line employee allowed the contractor to access the material.

8. if CLB originally owned these materials, was their transfer to Mr. Hitchcock in accordance with established CLB policies, procedures and applicable law? did the CLB official who provided final approval for their transfer to Mr. Hitchcock have the authority to do so?

[in red] The line employee should have presented this request to access the material to his supervisor for consideration by management. Public Works is currently reviewing their internal procedures in respond [sic] to any future circumstances of this nature.

March 26, 2009, 11:08 a.m.
From: City Manager Pat West
To: Mayor Foster, all Councilmembers, cc: City Attorney Shannon, City Prosecutor Reeves, City Auditor Doud

Good morning. Craig Beck has had some positive conversations with Mr. Hitchcock regarding the situation at Loynes & Studebaker. Mr. Hitchcock stated that he will attempt to have all asphalt shavings material removed from the site today using his own crews. The City Attorney's office has checked with representatives from the Coastal Commission. They too would like this material removed as soon as possible and stated that "as long as we reviewed the removal to make sure there is no damage to the environment, no Coastal permits would be necessary". Development Services will be keeping an eye on the removal process...

March 21, 1:11 a.m.
From: [two LB residents]
To: Councilman O'Donnell

Today there was a massive attack on our protected habitat...The council, the City of Long Beach voted to keep these wetlands protected. There is nothing left of "nature" or any natural habitats, that our children or even us, adults, can enjoy!...What little land we have left, should be protected, and preserved for our future generations...

March 21, 2009, 7:49 a.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Councilman DeLong

...This IS truly outrageous and unbelievable that this has happened...I cannot believe something couldn't have been done sooner before all the destruction took place....

March 21, 2009, 8:23 a.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Councilman DeLong and multiple addressees outside City Hall

...I am a resident of your district...and a registered voter and I am appalled...These wetlands, once destroyed, can never be replaced. I urge you to take all measures at your disposal to stop this illegal destruction of our environment.

March 21, 2009, 8:58 a.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Councilman DeLong

I am very concerned about the destruction of habitat...How long is it going to take to get the pile of asphalt out of there?

March 21, 2009, 9:24 a.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Councilman DeLong

I wanted to add my voice to the many that are outraged...I believe the city should take all action necessary to make sure this condition does not happen again.

March 21, 2009, 9:47 a.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Councilman O'Donnell

I am upset that once again someone is trying to reduce and get rid of wetlands. Please hold the bull dozer accountable...

March 21, 2009, 10:11 a.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Councilman DeLong

How can there be construction going on at the los cerritos wetlands?...If this construction was done illegally, then WHO is in charge, WHO is watching out for the people going to work each day, paying our taxes to support officials who are asleep at the wheel?...Build your a career on something good for the environment, not on making DEALS and short changing US. Long Beach is overcrowded and has very little open space, do you want the third district to look like downtown? wall to wall people and cement?...

March 21, 2009, 10:28 a.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Councilman O'Donnell

...Please pass on my concern to Pat about the outrageous behavior and law violation...

March 21, 2009, 10:56 a.m.
From: [3rd dist. resident]
To: Councilman DeLong

I am sure you share the outrage of the report of illegal land clearing...You and I are expected to abide by the rule of law. I am tired of hearing [of someone overstepping the law]...Then to find out the city has let them off with a light spanking and the hopes that a weary public has lost interest.

I expect and wait for your office to take a strong and active stand in this matter and for you to see it through to a landmark and appropriate conclusion. Set the precedent. Enough is enough.

March 21, 2009, 11:03 a.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Councilman DeLong

I am shocked and outraged at the activity which occurred yesterday. It was unconscionable to destroy natural habitat especially at this time of nesting...

March 21, 2009, 1:58 p.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Councilman DeLong

...What can be done to reverse the damage already done and prevent further damage?.

March 21, 2009, 3:56 p.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Councilman DeLong

I am outraged to learn of the earth grading that just took place at Loynes and Studebaker. I expect the responsible parties to be fined or otherwise held accountable. This matter is not going to be ignored by your constituents.

March 21, 2009, 5:34 p.m.
From: [LB husband and wife]
To: Councilman DeLong

To use our President's words, we are stunned at the wanton rape of the northern portion of the Cerritos Wetlands...As your constituents, we demand that you work with the LB City Council and the Cerritos Wetlands Trust to pursue legal action against the owner and contractor who did this...

March 21, 2009, 5:35 p.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Councilman DeLong

How did the terrible destruction of wetlands are happen today right before our very eyes?...I would respectfully ask that you pursue this matter and press legal charges against those who went ahead without the permits...

March 21, 2009, 5:47 p.m.
From: Gordana Kajer
To: Councilman O'Donnell

I'm still trying to get more details about what happened...It's very clear that some process broke down...And city management didn't stop the activity when they saw what was happening...

The Council should require that the land be restored to wetlands -- unarguably their former condition...

March 21, 2009, 8:48 p.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Multiple Council district offices

All right,....This is ENOUGH!! What the heck are you going to do about ?? ASAP?

March 22, 2009, 8:23 a.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Councilman DeLong

...I don't understand how things like this occur without permits...Apparently there is debate as to whether or not this area is part of a wetland. I would think the debate would be settled before the land could be scraped. You have recently taken many positive actions to promote the sustainability of our city. I do not blame you for the above mentioned bulldozing.

March 22, 2009, 10:26 a.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Councilman DeLong

I am writing to you to let you know how outraged I am by the damage to the Los Cerritos Wetlands...certainly against the best interest in preserving this jewel of Long Beach. I am so outraged that if you do not do something to stop this destruction, I promise that I will do everything that I can to campaign against you in the next election. I can be a very effective political volunteer. I voted for you last time, but I would be furious if you didn't do everything in your power to correct this miscarriage of justice.

I want a reply as to what you plan to do.

March 22, 2009, 1:29 p.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Councilman DeLong

I was amazed that the City of Long Beach was blind to the destruction of clearing Wetlands on Studebaker and Loynes, what are the high priced supervisors doing?

March 22, 2009, 2:14 p.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Councilman DeLong

I sincerely hope that you and other council members will take legal action for the devastating of precious habitat...I hear & read a lot of talk by council members. How about a lot more action...

March 22, 2009, 4:50 p.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Councilman DeLong

I was upset to see last Friday the bulldozing of a bordering property to the wetlands...We (as a city) need to get those lands out of private hands and into city property for the preservation of the valuable wetlands. In the mean time we need to put up roadblocks to prevent development on and around the wetlands.

March 22, 2009, 5:56 p.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Councilman DeLong

I hope you will pursue an explanation and penalty for the unpermitted grading work damage at the wetlands area at the SW corner of Studebaker and Loynes...The damage needs to be repaired and any future violation severely punished...

March 22, 2009, 5:24 p.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Councilmember O'Donnell

I sincerely hope that you and other council members will take legal action for the devastating of precious habitat...I hear and read a lot of talk by council members. How about a lot more action?

March 23, 2009, 11:53 p.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Several Council district offices and Mayor's office

Returning to Long Beach Sunday night after being away, I learned of the [red letter, caps] HORRIBLE, ILLEGAL demolition of subarea #23 of SEADIP!...City leaders, agencies and DeLong did not act as necessary to stop this illegal demolition...Pleading ignorance is no excuse for the landowner and city employees...

March 23, 2009, 4:01 p.m.
From: Ann Cantrell
To: Multiple Council district offices and Mayor's office

I am requesting an investigation of the City of Long Beach's possible involvement in Friday's bulldozing of the 10 acres of wetlands on Loynes Drive, next to the Mobile Home Park.

This triangle is listed on the City's SEADIP website as Parcel 23 and its designated land use is wetlands. If Mr. Sean Hitchcock, the current owner, was told by City staff that this area is zoned "Commercial Open Space...I would like to know who gave him this misinformation Even the city manager was quoted as saying this land has "underlying commercial use."

Other questions that need to be answered are:

Why did it take so long for the stop work order to take place?

Did the asphalt/gravel that has been dumped on the site come from the city yard as Mr. Hitchcock claims?

When will it be removed?

Will Mr. Hitchcock be fined for this destruction of habitat during nesting season, and for not obtaining a Coastal Permit for destruction within the coastal zone?

Will he be required to restore the land back to the way it was?

I am hoping for a prompt response to this tragedy.

Tuesday March 24, 2009, 4:33 a.m.
From: [two LB doctors]

To: All Council offices

We agree completely with Ann Cantrell's letter regarding the unpermitted clearing of the 10 acres of wetlands on Loynes Drive...and we also call for an investigation of the city's role in this.

All of the questions that Ann pointed out need to be answered. Specifically, we want to know if:

1) The owner will be fined for this destruction of habitat during nesting season, and for not obtaining a Coastal Permit for destruction within the Coastal Zone?

2) Will he be required to restore the land back to the way it was?

If the city does not take strong action on above questions we fear that the city will send a devastating message that it is ok to ask forgiveness rather than permission in issues of development.

March 24, 2009, 9:42 a.m.
From: Gabrielle Weeks and Coby Skye
To: Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal

Suja,

I am writing to urge you to take immediate and comprehensive action, in your capacity as both a Councilmember and a member of the Coastal Commission, to hold accountable those that are responsible for the unnecessary destruction of the habitat adjacent to the Mobile Home Estates South of Loynes Drive...

...We also expect a full restoration will be provided...to restore the land to equivalent or better habitat, as it was prior to this illegal destruction.

Tues. March 24, 2009, 3:25 p.m.
From: Joseph Toney to Councilman DeLong

FYI -- from the Audubon Society.

[Forwards email that was sent to all Council offices]

March 23, 2009

Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers:

We are shocked and outraged at the destruction of habitat at the Los Cerritos Wetlands...We do not understand why it took the city so long on Friday to stop the work, since certainly a number of calls were made to City Hall on Friday morning. The destruction of habitat continued through most of the day before the work was stopped...

...Damage has been done to this sensitive open space that helps to sustain the wetlands habitat...On the positive side, it can be restored to the state it was prior to last Thursday, as it had been for an extremely long time.

We ask that the City and the Coastal Commission issue a "order to restore" to the landowner. We hope that the Coastal Commission and the California Dept. of Fish and Game investigate this as well.

s/ Mary Parsall
Preservation Chair

Tues. March 24, 2009, 9:35 p.m.
From: Jill Brennan [member City Hall appointed Sustainability Advisory Commission, signing as "Concerned Citizen" and Member Ponds, Lakes, Wetlands Taskforce]
To: Councilman O'Donnell

...I believed that you were a strong supporter of acquiring and restoring all the precious remaining 2% of wetlands in Long Beach. I began to doubt your commitment when you let the City illegally rush a motion through the Council for the ridiculous "Wetlands Land Swap" without an appraisal...How anyone would make a real estate contract without examining the land in question...has boggled my mind. The fact that the true cost of relocating the City's maintenance yard has not been determined is another essential factor...

March 26, 2009, 7:25 a.m.
From: Jill Brennan
To: Councilman O'Donnell

...This travesty of destruction of Wetlands brings up the largest question of the recent Wetlands Swap Deal. This must be brought back to Council for re-evaluation...Our citizens, our City, and our environment deserve much better government than we are being given. The more Mayor Foster talks about transparency, the less we as citizens are able to see...

March 28, 2009, 10:34 a.m.
From: [LB husband and wife]
To: Councilman O'Donnell

...We are outraged and sickened by the City of Long Beach's complete lack of protection in regard to this property. Gone are dozen's of Palm Trees...gone are animals and birds that once lived there...Now, all we have to look at is DIRT, where once wild flowers and vegetation grew...Whom ever is responsible for this mess should be dealt with swiftly and firmly...As an elected official, you have a duty to uphold the laws and to protect the citizens of Long Beach...

March 23, 2009, 9:16 a.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Councilman DeLong

...How could this happen? On whose authority was the work done?...I hope the council will take swift action to penalize the companies and associates involved in this illegal and unacceptable actions.

can you pls let me know.

March 24, 2009, 11:06 a.m.
From: [3rd dist. resident]
To: Councilman DeLong

...Please punish [the landowner] and save our egrets and other wildlife from extinction.

I am a taxpayer, I vote and I live in your district.

March 24, 2009, 6:29 p.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Councilman DeLong

...I urge you to require that the owner mitigate for the damages and stop all activities.

March 25, 2009, 8:03 a.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Councilman DeLong

...It is not right that such incidents can happen without some type of fine or repercussion beyond bad press...

March 25, 12:50 p.m.
From Gary DeLong to Melinda Cotton:

...[acknowledging receipt of materials from a third party]...I had heard that there was an interest by Mr. Hitchcock in purchasing the land, however, I am surprised it happened as fast as it did. Also, I'm surprised the purchase occurred because staff's initial response to Mr. Hitchcock was that it would be a lengthy process, with no guarantees, to attempt to build a soccer [sic] field (or fields) at that location.

However, if you are aware of any non-profits (or anyone else) that might be interested in purchasing the land for preservation purposes, I am certainly willing to make an effort to bring the parties together for a discussion. I don't know what Mr. Hitchcock paid for the land (but I'm sure we can find out by a search of public records), but I wouldn't be surprised if he was willing to sell it "at cost". I have not had any discussions with Mr. Hitchcock, so it's speculation on my part.

March 26, 2009, 6:22 p.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Councilman DeLong

I hope that you are not such a friend of business that you think sacrificing any of the Los Cerritos Wetlands to development is a good thing...Why can't the city hold firm to its zoning for once instead of sending out mixed signals?...

March 26, 2009, 5:14 a.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Councilman DeLong

I wonder how something like the destruction of the wetlands was allowed to happen. It is truly an outrage, a sad day for the city I've called home for 51 years.

March 27, 2009, 10:31 a.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Councilman DeLong

I am writing to express my outrage and concern that those responsible for the illegal destruction of wetland habitat are held accountable. Please inform me as to what actions the city is planning in regards to this matter.

March 28, 2009, 10:34 a.m.
From: [LB husband and wife]
To: Councilman DeLong

...We are outraged and sickened by the City of Long Beach's complete lack of protection in regard to this property. Gone are dozens of Palm Trees...gone are animals and birds that once lived there...Now, all we have to look at is DIRT, where once wild flowers and vegetation grew...Whom ever is responsible for this mess should be dealt with swiftly and firmly...As an elected official, you have a duty to uphold the laws and to protect the citizens of Long Beach...

March 29, 2009, 8:24 p.m.
From: [3rd dist resident]
To: Councilman O'Donnell

I want to thank you for being present at the demonstrations at the site...I am deeply concerned that the city continues to accept random development despite zoning and coastal commission protections. We shouldn't have to fight for every inch of preserved land. We live with the city's past mistakes. They are apparent in every neighborhood... s/ [signature]
(My council person was NOT present)

March 30, 2009, 12:51 p.m.
From: [LB resident]
To: Councilman O'Donnell

First I want to say thank you. I was at the vigil last Friday night and I heard you speak...

This site would make an excellent restoration. It could be made into a "wetlands nature park", all with native plants typical of wetlands, trees for nesting birds, and a few small wetland pools...eco-friendly walkways...If we could just get past cleanup I bet this is very do-able. I bet a lot of people would volunteer to help too. I would.

Introductory note: The Loynes-south parcel and adjoining wetlands are in the Third Council district. Councilman DeLong's office replied to a number of incoming emails with composed responses in three basic versions from staffer Joseph D. Toney. The three versions were: