def clear_alternate_style_list(self, layer_obj):
        """
        Clear existing alternate styles from layer
        (ask Matt how to delete a style)
        """

        if not layer_obj.__class__.__name__ == 'Layer':
            return False

        # clear style list
        layer_obj._set_alternate_styles([])

        # save cleared list
        self.gs_catalog_obj.save(layer_obj)
        return True