Danny's Farm: Parting Thoughts
We need to consider that county zoning laws are not giving Altadenans the lifestyle they want ... and we have to figure out what to do about that.
Common wisdom says there’s no sense shutting the barn door when the horse is gone. And I agree. I think we should keep the door wide open and take a good look around.
Danny’s Farm in Northwest Altadena has been closed for failing to conform to zoning regulations (as reported on Altadenablog). For three years it was a small petting zoo, open to the public, but specifically created to meet the needs of disabled adults and children.
And I’m sad--for the animals, for anyone who enjoyed the small menagerie, but most particularly for the special-needs adults and children who found comfort, company and, in some cases, gainful employment caring for animals that cuddle, snort, honk and nuzzle.
Cathy Gott started the farm, named for her son Danny, in 2007. In an e-mail, Gott said she took full responsibility for whatever zone/code misunderstanding occurred. “Jim [Gott’s husband] and I made many trips downtown--speaking w/ [County Supervisor Michael] Antonovich's aides, the very top people of zoning, etc., and everyone was very nice about the whole thing, but truly the stables is zoned to be a boarding home for horses and a place for horse lessons--and that's IT. No petting farm, no after-school care program, no birthday parties, no field trips.”
The larger animals have found new homes; some of the smaller ones will move to a scaled-down petting farm of mainly rabbits and guinea pigs, located at the Almansor Center in South Pasadena.
I stable my horse next door to the erstwhile Danny’s and made a point--actually, it was my pleasure--to visit from time to time. A gentleman who worked there would show me around. He had a fairly severe speech impediment, so mostly we talked in gestures. And, as I was leaving, he’d give me a hug, which is a language I always understand.
He, along with the other workers, kept the facility immaculate. Not to cast aspersions on my dining habits, but I could eat off the floor at Danny’s Farm–it was just that clean. But, obviously, when it comes to the county, a horse is a horse, a goat is a goat, and a code is a code.
So, what is it with zoning? Hard and fast? Immutable? And is it one-size fits all? We who live in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County are pretty diverse: Marina Del Rey, Walnut, East Compton, Avocado Heights. … I’ll admit I don’t know what the rules are. Perhaps they’re specific to each and every un. But that would make sense, so perhaps not.
Yesterday, I talked to my neighbor Courtney Scrabeck (she of the photo credit, with a picture of her son at one of Danny’s Farm events held for local moms). Apparently she knows someone nearby who has been trying to make a small addition to his house and is still in the zoning/permit stage after three years. Tell me about it. I, too, wanted to build a small structure on my property (really small, 300 square feet), but eventually gave up. There was the possibility I could buy my way into compliance with a variance, but ultimately couldn’t justify the expense.
I’m not saying that zoning rules and codes haven’t a place in our town. No one wants to see a lovely view blocked or a street of McMansions. Overdevelopment is always a danger.
Many of us live in Altadena because we appreciate open space, the trials and tribulations of growing our own fruits and vegetables, the ability to have, yes, cats and dogs, but more than that: harvest fresh eggs from the backyard should we so choose, or make our own goat cheese from the goats we feed on organic produce.
To save and judiciously improve what we have, is there something we should be doing now? Is there anything we can do now?
Let’s not wait and see. Let’s open the doors and take a good look around. Let's make sure we continue to hold our horses. And goats and chickens. And quality of life.
So, good by for now, Cathy and Danny. Maybe with some understanding and common sense, we’ll see you back in the high Dena before too long.
What are your best memories of Danny's Farm? What do you think can be done to preserve the more rural parts of Altadena?
Tell us in the comments.
Angela Odom
8:47 am on Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Ahhh, Danny's Farm, I will miss them. There's a long story with me and Danny's Farm. Long story short, the roosters helped me, early one morning, see the beauty in simple things. Their going off that morning took me to a happier time in my life on my aunt's farm in Virginia where I discovered chickens (and ducks) are full of mischief. Initially I hated going south every summer but, over time, I looked forward to playing with those mischievous chickens and ducks, being chased by sows, and walking a long country road to visit with cousins living on a dairy farm. Looking into the big soft eyes of a cow is truly special, particularly when they start talking and you can't understand a moo they're saying.
I hate this place is leaving such a beautiful location, particularly for children. Nestled against the mountains as close to wilderness as one can get can't be beat. But, I know when one door closes another opens. They did such good work something will open for them though it is my hope they can return here to Altadena.
I'm grateful I had a chance to finally meet my favorite roosters last year around Halloween. The farm helped this big kid too.
Cathy Gott
9:25 am on Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Thank you, Angela! We loved our sweet place at the Stables and are so grateful for the Stables' opening their doors and their hearts to us - for that matter, the entire Altadena community. Thank you for your kind words - I agree, we will be different at Almansor, but we're bringing "the heart" with us. Warmly, Cathy Gott
Dan Abendschein
8:58 am on Tuesday, January 11, 2011
@Angela- Thanks for the thoughtful comment and the photo. If anyone else has shots of Danny's Farm, please consider uploading them.
Cathy Gott
9:26 am on Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Thank you Dan! Great photo! Warmly, Cathy Gott
PJ
12:16 pm on Tuesday, January 11, 2011
I think Angela could melt the resolve of the strongest zoning enforcer and her photos are excellent proof of her warm and heartfelt convictions.
I particularly like the photo of wee Mr Scrabeck and the tiny McBunnerson! It's so important to teach compassion and caring for animals at a young age, I hope Danny's farm rebounds and finds a place to call their own once again so they can continue enriching the lives of so many.
Cathy Gott
9:27 am on Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Thank you so much PJ - you haven't hear the last of Danny's Farm! Best, Cathy Gott
PJ
2:28 pm on Tuesday, January 11, 2011
PS If you want a small building look into a "tiny house" on wheels. It's sometimes the one and only way to get around any zoning ordinances involved.
Karin Bugge
3:26 pm on Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Another vote for Angela's comment and photos. Lovely.
Ron Rosen
5:09 pm on Tuesday, January 11, 2011
So is the Zane Grey Estate zoned for goats? Could there be a petting zoo there?
Cathy Gott
9:34 am on Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Thanks Ron - I'll look into it. Warm wishes, Cathy Gott
Gloria
8:16 pm on Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Hi Ron (and Cathy), I don't think "zoned for goats" is the issue, although I'm considering it as the name of my new rock band. Any residential property in Altadena can have goats or other hoofed livestock, the number depending on the lot size. But these animals are for personal use. Its the use (petting zoo) that would cause a problem, even if the animals are allowed.
Ron Rosen
11:30 pm on Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Hi Gloria: "Zoned for Goats" as the name for a band. I love it. And I want my cut. Are you really in a band? Thanks for explaining how the Altadena animal laws work. Years ago I knew a woman who was having some problems with Altadena neighbors about two llamas and an alpaca (which is the name of a movie.) I understand that a petting zoo is different.
Lori A. Webster
9:32 am on Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Couldn't say anything more eloquently than Angela, so we'll just say we'll miss Danny's Farm very much and hope they return someday soon!
Cathy Gott
9:35 am on Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Lori - you're the best! We love Webster's!! We're busy creating a fun farm area at The Almansor Center & your awning is hanging proudly! Your support has meant so much to us! Hugs, Cathy Gott
Lori A. Webster
9:42 am on Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Thanks, Cathy....we'll continue to do so!
Camille Dudley
12:10 am on Thursday, January 13, 2011
I thought that Desdy Kellogg and others in that area gain a special zoning back in the 70's that could not be changed that allowed for various farm animals on the properties in that neighborhood. Has that been changed?
Camille
Desdy Baggott
3:20 pm on Wednesday, April 6, 2011
You are right, Camille. We are officially an "Equestrian Zone", which essentially notifies new buyers that if they don't like animals they better buy elsewhere. However, right across the same private street from our stable and (ex) Danny's Farm it is perfectly alright to have a house full of recovering drug addicts. Somehow, in the strange rationale of the zoning officials that is somehow preferable to little children playing with bunny rabbits. I think somewhere along the line an ingredient of common sense and perspective should allow a lenient interpretation of suitable activities in rural Altadena. ONE objection hardly justifies dislodging a delightful enterprise!
Desdy
Jean Spitzer
6:45 am on Thursday, January 13, 2011
Sounds like it was a special place. As is Altadena. Another problem caused/exacerbated by Altadena being under county rules.
Karin Bugge
7:49 am on Thursday, January 13, 2011
Cathy could better answer, Camille, but as I understand it, what everyone came to learn was that the permit granted to the stables allows for one enterprise (horse boarding and horse lessons), and not another.
Cathy Gott
7:58 am on Thursday, January 13, 2011
Hi Karin & Gloria - The updated article spells out the specifics of the zoning issues. Thank you for your tremendous support. This is all happening so fast, and we are doing our best to focus on the positive aspects of our move - our staff and clients are very sensitive and confused. We are fortunate that Almansor has opened its doors to us, so that we can operate our after-school program and continue to employ our very special workers. Thank you - Cathy Gott
Rebecca
12:18 pm on Thursday, January 13, 2011
So sad that this happened - my older daughter loved visiting there and I was hoping to take her and the baby again soon. I'll keep checking the website for updates!
Cathy Gott
5:56 pm on Thursday, January 13, 2011
Definitely check the website for updates! The LA Times has been at the Stables for the last two days interviewing us and photographing our departure from the site. We are very dedicated to our cause and hope to be back soon. Thank you for your support. Warmly, Cathy Gott
Karin Bugge
8:20 pm on Thursday, January 13, 2011
Hey, or hay; fingers crossed, my friends.
Jose Canyou
11:19 am on Friday, January 14, 2011
There's not one person here who wants a farm in their back yard? Shame on all of you.
Laurie Allee
9:09 pm on Friday, January 14, 2011
I wondered about this when I saw that South Pas was inheriting the little animals. Wonderful piece, Karin.
Susan Estrada
4:32 pm on Tuesday, January 18, 2011
I saw the article in the LA Times on 1/16/11 and wanted to share my thoughts with the Gott's. I've been bringing my granddaughter, Emily to Danny's Farm since June 2008. She absolutely loved going there. We are going to miss the total experience and visiting with the animals. She wants to know if the kittens are ok (last time we saw them they were kittens, but I'm sure they're grown by now.) Best wishes to Reynard. He is very knowledgeable about the animals and is gentle with the children. I'm hoping we can see you all in your new home. I have more photos if you would like to see them. I can post them or send them some other way.
Cathy Gott
7:25 pm on Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Thank you Susan. Let Emily know that the kittens (now cats) are staying at the Altadena Stables. We slowly transitioned them over to the big barn area & the Manager, Marcy, is caring for them. They are doing great & she can go visit them. I will pass your kind words to Reynard. We are so proud of him! Thank you for your support! Warmly, Cathy Gott
Karin Bugge
5:07 pm on Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Susan, we'd love to see your photos of Danny's Farm. Saw the LAT article on Sunday, too; made me sad and wistful all over again. Dan, where's the best place for Susan to post the photos?
Dan Abendschein
5:52 pm on Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Susan - You could post them right to this article like you did the other four, or if you wanted to put up a lot of them I could start a new entry for a photo gallery with just your pictures. If you want to do that, let me know, and I can give you more specific directions on how we could do that. Thanks for posting!
Dan