Councilman, Horse Riders Hit New Aliso Canyon Park Trail

Councilman Mitch Englander rode along with a group of horse riders over the weekend at the recently-open equestrian area at Aliso Canyon Park in Porter Ranch.

The member of Chatsworth's Corral 54 set up the ride and led the way. The equestrian area had its grand opening in March.

Click here to watch a well-made video about the Saturday outing.

To read more, here's a full account of Saturday's event written by Charlotte Brodie, who helped lead the ride.

On June 22, riders started gathering at Aliso Canyon Park for a 10:00AM ride with the Councilman. It was a beautiful day, not too hot and no wind. There were a lucky 13 of us to enjoy a morning in the saddle enjoying the great outdoors. Joining Councilman Englander were Megan Cottier and Stephanie Saporito from his office, Diane Brewer, Helene Coverston, Toni Daniels, Mary Jones, MaryKaufman, Bryan McQueeney, Marilyn Ruzicka, Sharon Ryerson, and Dave Tuttle from the Corral and community.

I led the group up Aliso Canyon to the route taking us up to the Palisades Trail. After safely crossing Reseda Blvd. with the help of Dave Tuttle stopping the downhill traffic, we followed this ever winding trail westward over to Tampa and the Limekiln Trail. We took Limekiln north to the Sesnon Trail were we headed back to the east and rode around the northern boundary of Porter Ridge Park (ET Park) to get back to Aliso Canyon again. As we rode south through the canyon we encountered more and more Oak trees, finally reaching the “woodlands” where there is a long stretch of trail that is completely shaded by the trees. This is such a beautiful place, and it makes me think of Robin Hood and his Merry Men. This is what I imagine Sherwood Forrest would be like. We all “made it back alive” to the staging area just after noon.

While having the Councilman on the trail with me, I queried him on a few issues. First, for a much needed solar crossing light on Reseda Blvd. to get us safely across the street between the Palisades and Aliso Trails. The light should be placed north of the southbound curve and trail crossing with a sign stating, “When flashing horses crossing XXX feet ahead.” Second, I explained the Park Watch Program to him (more info in this newsletter) and how it would be so beneficial to all the Park agencies and trail users. Third, for the safety of hikers and equestrians we need signs saying “No bikes” with the ordinance number on them at the major entrances of all City trails. Fourth, if commercial, manufacturing, and industrial properties remain designated as such, even when vacant for years, why does horse property revert to non-horse property after three years when no equine is licensed to it? Horse property should remain horse property regardless of the presence of a licensed equine on the premises. He was supportive of all these issues.

After tying up the horses and stretching our legs, we gathered under the Christine Smith Pavilion for lunch. Mitch was thanked for all the support he and his staff have given us and the equestrian community. He in turn thanked us for fighting for the needs of the community. We then gave him a “brick” of thanks. Mitch was supposed to be getting a hand decorated mug that Cindy Strauss and I decorated for him, but it wasn’t out of the kiln yet. I didn’t want to give him an empty bag, so I wrapped up a broken brick with a note attached saying that something better was coming. The “brick” did its job of creating a lot of funny and sarcastic comments.

I want to thank Megan Cottier, Marilyn Ruzicka, and Mary Kaufman for each of them pre-riding the trail with me on separate occasions; the Recreation and Parks Department for repairing the section of trail between Aliso Canyon and Reseda Blvd.; Roy Brodie for picking up the lunch and having it all set out for us; Steve Ford and Carol Locus for once again taking pictures of the riders along the trail route.  Mark Haroter shot the video and edited it.  Please take a look see. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIqYeT-5Vt8

We're very fortunate to be living in a district where Mitchell Englander is our Councilman. Thank you for being our Councilman and supporting/protecting our equestrian heritage and lifestyle.