‘Civilization’ Is to Blame

The article regarding the closing of Playa del Rey Stables completely missed the point (Times, April 25).

The horses, although a minor disturbance to the wetlands, are not the cause of the deterioration of that habitat. Encroaching “civilization,” with its penchant for development of every piece of open land in the entire city, is what is shrinking and endangering the natural environment. It is Summa Corp.’s wish to build a housing center on the land that is the cause for the stables’ eviction; the horses have been ridden on the existing trails throughout Playa del Rey since 1911 and the wetlands habitats have been respected by the riders ever since there has been an awareness of the sensitivity of that environment.

There will be no effect on the financial, political or social life style of the surrounding community with the closing of the stable, but (there will be) a very traumatic negative effect on the lives of 90 families who board their horses there and now must move or give up their horses. If Summa “can guarantee protection of the plants and animals on the wetlands only if it shuts the stables” what protection is it going to give against 20,000 new people, industries, shops and a 700-boat marina?

SALLY BATES

Playa del Rey