Equestrian Meeting - Approved
January 13, 2010
Time: 7:00 PM
Secretary: Pat Updegraff

The regular monthly meeting of the CNC Equestrian Committee was held on Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at the Old Train Depot (Hal Bernson Community Room) in Chatsworth.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m., by chairman, Steve Columbus.

Roll was taken and members present were: Dorothy Allison, Charlotte Brodie, Steve Columbus, Jan Eddy-Languein, Bill UpdeGraff, Alan Glazer, Mary Kaufman, Pat UpdeGraff, Andre van der Valk, and Linda van der Valk.  Not excused was: Dan Huffman.  For a list of the attendees please see the secretary.

Chairman's Report:

There is still an illegal cement bridge over Mormon Canyon.  Complaints have been made to code enforcement but they have referred the matter to Fish and Game.  They did not plan to take any action to remedy the situation.  The CNCEC needs to keep an eye on it.

Steve has not heard anything yet, on our request for fire safe zones at Mason Park and on the southeast corner of the 118 and DeSoto west of Rinaldi.

Pierce College response letter from the interim president was received by Steve and e-mailed to all members. Per Mary, she is not really interested in public comment and input regarding the situations at the college. There is a question whether or not there is a written contract regarding horse evacuations.  Millie at Supervisor Mike Antonovich's office is continuing to do what she can.  There is a need for a letter of understanding from the board of trustees.  There is a need also for the support of all of the county supervisors.

Backbone/Mission Trail.  Steve had a conversation with Mitch Englander.  He said that Sierra Canyon High School is starting to raise funds for their gym.  Upon completion the trail would be open to the public.  Steve has given Mitch the background of the issues.  The issue is all tied into their CUP so there is no current legal way to have it opened. The school is actually built on top of the old trail. 

A targeted trail ride was discussed and it was decided that there will be a targeted trail ride to draw attention to the problem on Saturday February 20^th at 10:00a.m., starting at Rinaldi and Independence.  It will be an approximately 3 hour ride.

Steve announces that he would be retiring from the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council board at the end of this term.

Shareholder and Public comments:

Mary announced that a young man was riding his horse east on Chatsworth Street, just across from Ride On, when his horse was struck by a vehicle traveling westbound.  Luckily no one was hurt, but the car did hit the horse.  There is a need for more equestrian safety on Chatsworth St.  It was suggested that we talk to Mitch at the Coordinating Council Meeting on February 23, 2010.  Steve also noted that in a letter delivered to Mitch about three years ago this same location was identified as a major safety issue for horses and riders and that an accident would be a "when rather than an if", at this location.

Motorcycles have become a problem at the top of Canoga and on several of our trails.  Complaints and calls need to go to the Sherriff's Dept. Lost Hills Station.   There are a few officers patrolling on off road motorcycles.  The Sherriff's Dept. and the Rangers are patrolling the area as best they can.  Jan said she would provide members of the committee the phone contacts for the agencies, so that riders can make cell phone calls when motorcycles are seen.

There is a cavalry school in Acton.  They do demonstrations and training on the third weekend of the month.

Approval of the minutes;

Mary moved and the minutes we approved.

Old Business:

Day of the Horse:

Do we have money for day of the horse?  Maybe, per Alan.

Steve stated that due to his work requirements, he would not be able to chair day of the horse again. Mary proposed that Jan chair the event.  Dorothy seconded.  Jan will chair the 2010 Day of the Horse.  It will be April 17th.  Jan will check with Gayle Paperno/Bryan McQueeney regarding using Ride On's old property.  Peppertree Ranch will be a back up facility.  A new theme was suggested.  "Having fun Safely with Horses".  The school's art posters will be due by March 22ns.  On March 24^th at 7:00p.m. we will be judging the posters.

Germain, Superior and Chatsworth, Dorothy will contact. Alan will contact Sierra Canyon, and Mary will contact the rest.  They will be judged: kindergarten, first and second grades, third through fifth, and sixth, seventh and eighth together.   Linda proposed that no monetary prizes will be awarded this year, but ribbons for all who participate.  The committee agreed Dorothy has minis lined up.  Jan has the Blue Shadows and an Icelandic pony.  We will see about Guinness or a shire, traveler and Valley Vaulters.  We would like to have a costume class.  Need to clarify all details between CNCEC and Ride On.

New Business:

A motion to approve up to $1,500 for a traffic speed meter on DeSoto at Rinaldi was presented.  These funds are in conjunction with Public Safety transportation Committee's $2,500 already approved by its committee.  Additional funds from other committees will be required.  A final figure for the cost of the meter is pending from PST committee.  The motion, as submitted, was approved by the committee.  One abstention, Steve Columbus.

Dorothy made a motion to adjourn.  It was seconded by Mary.

Meeting adjourned at 9:18 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Pat UpdeGraff, Secretary