(March 20, 2009) -- LBReport.com has further on our story earlier today regarding the area south of Loynes Dr. between the Los Cerritos Channel and the Mobile Home Estates that was cleared March 19 and part of March 20.

View south from Loynes Drive, Mar. 20

The area is within Subarea 23 (map below) of the current SEADIP ("Southeast Area Development and Improvement Plan") which City Hall is in the process of revising/updating.

Map image source: City of LB current SEADIP plan

Under "Specific Development and Use Standards" regarding subarea 23, the current SEADIP text states:

SUBAREA 23

a. The two wetland concepts generally outlined shall include a 8.3 acre brackish pond on Area 23 provided that the Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission determines (i) in addition to the setback for buffer, the elevation and setbacks between development and wetland edge shall be sufficient to ensure stability during liquefaction events caused by the maximum credible earthquake; (ii) that the location and operation of the proposed wetland are acceptable to the Regional Water Quality Control Board, the State Department of Health and to the Local Mosquito Abatement District.

b. If approval from these agencies results in reductions to the net size of the proposed wetland, restoration at this site shall only occur if the remaining area is sufficient to create a wetland at least the same size as the existing brackish pond at the Marketplace.

The area isn't part of the Bixby Wetlands (large area south of Los Cerritos Channel) initially proposed for acquisiton by LB city management in November 2008 from an entity involving Tom Dean.

Area is north of Los Cerritos Channel. Image: City of LB presentation

At early evening March 20, responding to an inquiry from LBReport.com, Mike Murchison, speaking for Mr. Dean, confirmed (that as previously reported by LBReport.com) Mr. Dean (or an entity involving him) sold the property roughly a month ago.

Mr. Murchison said that prior to the sale, Mr. Dean (or his ownership entity) had received a weed-clearing fire-abatement notice and conveyed it to the new owner.

Mr. Murchison said that he isn't speaking for the new owner and can't provide specifics on what subsequenty took place regarding the grading.

Asked by LBReport.com about other elements of the sale (price, plans other aspects) Mr. Murchison [on a cellphone about to enter an event] said he didn't have the information available.

As previously reported by LBReport.com, City Manager Pat West said earlier today that the area is zoned commercial...and also said that a permit for the grading hadn't been issued by the City. City Manager West said discussions between city management and the new owner are scheduled for early next week.

Efforts by LBReport.com to contact the new owner have proved unsuccessful as of early evening but are continuing.

Further as we learn it on LBReport.com. Click reload/refresh on your browser for updates.