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Many of L.A.\u2019s most stunning hilltop views can only be seen from the houses that sit atop them, shutting out the public.<\/p>\n
One such view is called Flat Top, a half-acre of grassland with a panoramic view of the city, located in Montecito Heights.<\/p>\n
But this view will remain open to all Angelenos, after nonprofit North East Trees cut the ribbon in a ceremony last weekend, securing it as parkland and protecting it from developers.<\/p>\n
Flat Top scenic view becomes public parkland, protected from developers<\/p>\n
\u201cFlat Top is more than just a hill with sweeping views of Los Angeles,\u201d said Carlos Moran, executive director of North East Trees in a written statement. \u201cIt is a cultural and ecological treasure where generations, including the First Peoples of this land, have gathered, explored, and connected with nature.<\/p>\n
“Thanks to the community\u2019s commitment and the County\u2019s support, it will remain a permanent sanctuary for future generations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tribal members will have access to the land<\/p>\n
North East Trees entered into an agreement with the Gabrieleno Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians, Moran said, where Indigenous youth and other members will use the land for traditional ceremonies and native plant gathering, as well as be responsible for caretaking of the site for fire resiliency.<\/p>\n
[Flat Top] is a cultural and ecological treasure where generations, including the First Peoples of this land, have gathered, explored, and connected with nature. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\u2014 Carlos Moran, executive director of North East Trees<\/p>\n
\u201cWe’re happy to be working with the community, which also cares for the land,\u201d said M.J. Yang, a tribal biologist for the Gabrieleno Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians.<\/p>\n
The parcel was bought with help from L.A. County\u2019s Measure A, passed in 2016.<\/a> The measure created a 1.5-cent tax per square foot of improvements in L.A. County properties.<\/p>\n