After it appeared that Los Angeles (Calif.) County would give the Pasadena, Calif. course to the city of Pasadena, to be turned into a park, residentswere preparing to voice their concerns at a June 11 meeting. citing fears that the property would become a haven for the homeless and lead to an increase in crime. But the day before, a Los Angeles County Supervisor said the county would retain ownership of the course, citing recent improvements made by a new management contractor.
The June 11th meeting of the Lower Hastings Ranch Association in Pasadena, Calif. that was expected to be dominated by protest against the proposed hand over of the Eaton Canyon Golf Course to the City of Pasadena will now be a lot quieter than originally anticipated, Pasadena Now reported, after Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger announced on June 10ththat the County of Los Angeles will retain ownership of the Eaton Canyon Golf Course in Pasadena, and will “work to ensure that the facility is maintained at the highest possible standard.”
Tensions had been running high in recent weeks over the issue, Pasadena Now reported, with those involved with operating the golf course itself intimating that homeless would overrun the possible new city park if the County gave the property to Pasadena. Links on the “Save Easton Canyon Golf Course!” site led to news stories about homeless suspects in Pasadena committing crimes.
An e-mail that the golf course sent to its members a week before the meeting said, “We need as many of you who can, to attend and voice your opposition to the transfer of the golf course to the City of Pasadena, [which] has said they will close it.”
When Pasadena Now first reported the possible hand over of the golf course to Pasadena, a Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation spokesperson pointed to the golf course’s diminishing revenues over the years.
“Furthermore, Eaton Canyon Golf Course is located only 3.6 miles away from the Altadena Golf Course, also owned by Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation,” said Department Public Information Officer, Terry Kanakri.
Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek said at the time that it was his understanding that the county was reviewing the financial viability of all its golf courses.
“Golf as a sport is declining nationally and it’s an expensive proposition to maintain a golf course,” Tornek said. “So if the county doesn’t have a financially successful course, it looks for alternatives.”
But Barger’s announcement means the county will now allow the Eaton Canyon more time to operate, Pasadena Now reported, because of encouraging signs that she cited about its improvement under a new management contractor.
“Our new reputable operator at the course has enabled us to not only provide a valuable recreational resource for the community but also attract a new clientele for the future,” Barger said.
Barger’s office said that course management, maintenance and the overall quality of the facility has improved dramatically under CourseCo., who will continue as the operator through a contract with Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, Pasadena Now reported.
“I am very encouraged by the input I have received by all of the stakeholders and I support giving our golf course an opportunity to succeed and flourish,” Barger said in the statement.
“I want to invite the community to utilize this course as much as possible,” she added. “Your patronage as regular golfers and diners at the restaurant helps keep the facility vital, and helps us attract a new generation of golfers.”
Neighbors reacted with high praise for Barger and the decision, Pasadena Now reported.
“This is great news for homeowners and golfers in Pasadena and the area,” said Katherine Guarino. “I am so glad our elected representatives heard the concerns expressed by their constituents and responded to them.”
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