Fight For Ballona Wetlands Rages On With Protest Planned Thursday

PLAYA DEL REY, CA — The fight over some of the last remaining coastal wetlands — the Ballona Wetlands — and what comes next is pushing activists to continue demonstrations, with an upcoming holiday-themed protest planned for Thursday.

"All we want for Christmas is to save Ballona," activist and Los Angeles City Council candidate Molly Basler told Patch.

The meetup is scheduld for Thursday at 12:30 p.m. at Jefferson and Culver boulevards, with the event officially beginning at 1 p.m.

"We’re hoping people will carpool," Basler said. "We’ll have social distancing. Everyone wears masks."

The Ballona Wetlands State Ecological Reserve is home to diverse plant and animal wildlife. The site has become a battleground for conservationists and other activists.

Just where the battle lines will ultimately be drawn depends in large part on a decision by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW), which is expected to choose, possibly before year's end, from four alternatives for restoring one of the few remaining freshwater coastal wetlands in Los Angeles County.

It's unclear what the decision is yet.

ALSO:

• The Battle Over Protecting Ballona Wetlands — And If They Need It
• SoCalGas Threatens Ballona Wetlands Activist With Arrest
• Photos: Activists Protest At Ballona Wetlands, Demand Entry
• Groups Challenge Restoration Plan For Ballona Wetlands