Twenty groups that offered comments on the draft environmental impact report for Farmers Field have used their prerogative under SB 292 to request mediation with the city and with AEG about it. That mediation's already underway. Kind of interesting: this isn't something that CEQA normally provides. This is part of the hurry-up of SB 292. "Within five days following the close of the public comment period, a commenter on the draft environmental impact report may submit to the lead agency a written request for nonbinding mediation," the law says. Starting now, and ending "no later than 35 days after the close of the public comment period."
Mediation for Farmers Field is meant to head off litigation. "A commenter who agrees to a measure pursuant to this subparagraph shall not raise the issue addressed by that measure as a basis for a petition for writ of mandate challenging the lead agency's decision to certify the environmental impact report or to grant one or more initial project approvals," says the law.
My DJ's got the cuts and the beats are on
We're comin with the limericks and we're comin' strong
And the rhythm's on time to every word and rhyme
When it comes to keep it real I keep it really wrong
At the risk of sounding crass I would like to mention
That I am well aware of your wack intentions
To usurp my prose you so and so
It's my primary bone of contention
I tell you everybody I've had it
With all these people with static
I'll go insane if it don't rain
Sucker MC's are problematic
The Natural Resources Defense Council is in on mediation. So is the Play Fair at Farmers Field coalition, which says it's looking forward to the fun. Physicians for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Community Action Network, Comunidad Presente, and numerous other community-based organization are part of that coalition. On their behalf, Legal Aid Staff Attorney Zahirah Mann says, "We are concerned that the Draft EIR fails to properly identify and, to the extent feasible, mitigate the environmental impacts of the proposed project on nearby low-income residents. We hope the mediation process will result in substantive changes and improvements."
Mediation's being run by the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine, the 8-time champion in the US News & World Report rankings for dispute resolution. In their honor, as well as in honor of the LA City Planning Department, the commenting parties, and AEG, here's the song of the week this week: "Negotiation Limerick File," by the Beastie Boys.
We're giving you soul power
I like it sweet and sour
When it comes to rhymes and beat designs
I'm at the control tower
Tell me what makes you so afraid
Of all those people you say you hate
Just give it one time for your mind
And let's try to negotiate
Let's try to negotiate
Let's try to negotiate
