By Doris Sosin
China, my sheltie, and I walk the neighborhood every day. On the way we stop to speak with other dog owners, parents of small children, and people working in their front yard gardens. I feel camaraderie with these neighbors. Part of the pleasure of the daily ritual is the friendly people. We discuss gardening, crossword puzzles, dog care, and the beauty and delight of babies and small children. Most days, when we meet, time permitting, we enjoy a polite chat.
Recently, with the advent of the “YES on A” lawn signs, I have been talking with these same neighbors to ask why they favor this ballot measure. Although saddened by the changes and the loss of the character of the neighborhood, they are frightened for their finances. They tell me they are convinced that their property values will go down if the city continues to have the discretion to landmark a property. They are anxious that all of north of Montana will become an historic district and that every house 40 years or older will lose its property value. The elderly homeowners (my age group) are the most worried. This is their nest egg. I try to alleviate their anxieties by giving them, what I believe to be, truthful answers.
No, the rumor of all of north of Montana becoming an historic district has no basis in fact. No, every house over 40 years old does not warrant landmarking. Very few do. In the 26-year history of the Landmarks Commission, only 16 homes have been chosen. No, our landmark’s ordinance is no different in its duties than many other cities’ ordinances throughout the United States. No, in the very rare chance that your house could have landmark status, you can change a landmarked home. It can be remodeled, added on to or have a second story built. No, prices of landmarked homes do not go down in value. In 26 years, property values have soared in the city, especially north of Montana. Values in the only residential historic district (Ocean Park) in our city are distinguishably higher than in neighboring areas.
I want to maintain my friendly relationship with my neighbors, even when we disagree. It is a comfort to have caring, concerned neighbors. I wonder if this is like the nursery tale of “Chicken Little” who thought the sky was falling when an acorn went keplunk upon her head. She told her barnyard friends, “the sky is falling.” They all believed her fears and marched to tell the King. On the way, they met a wicked fox. He talked in a smooth, convincing manner, urging them to follow him on a shortcut to the Palace. They went, instead, to his den. Luckily, the king came by and rescued them. In the future, Chicken Little carried an umbrella.
Next time I take my walks, I’ll hand out umbrellas. (Doris Sosin lives north of Montana.)
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 12, 2003. Read the original PDF.