Saying No to McMansions

McMansions, the suburban blight sweeping the rest of the nation has finally arrived in the San Fernando Valley but LA isn't taking it sitting down. The City Council passed an ordinance that effectively limits the building of exceptionally large homes on lots not meant for that size. Several other local communities expect to put into effect similar ordinances. Charlotte Laws, Valley Glen's Councilperson, has some specific non-aesthetic reasons to limit mansionization.

A bonus for fans of open space and better uses of space is the passing of Senator Feinstein's Rim of the Valley Corridor Act last week that will hopefully pass in the House as well. The bill would look at the environmental impact of adding parts of the San Gabriel and Verdugo Mountains to the Santa Monica Mountains recreation park hopefully leading to protection of the foothills from suburban sprawl.