Back Golf Course; Oppose Initiative

The ocean view from my Ocean Terrace condominium in the southernmost corner of Rancho Palos Verdes spans from the east end of Catalina to what used to be Marineland. If I lower my gaze a bit, I can see tumbleweeds lying against a broken-down chain-link fence, left-behind sections of large-diameter sewer pipe and two sewer vents standing majestically amid clumps of dying mustard weed. A few hundred feet to the southeast is an abandoned World War II artillery bunker, full of broken wine bottles, fast-food wrappings and smelling like an outhouse--because it is an outhouse. The quiet of this remote location is frequently shattered by motorcycles and old clunkers blazing new trails across the open space, with an occasional black-and-white in pursuit.

By all means, let us preserve as much of this open space that we possibly can, and what better way than to promote the golf course proposed by developer Barry Hon, with lush green fairways, the year-round, manicured greens and shrubbery and barely audible, electric-powered golf carts. Mr. Hon’s proposal includes a resort hotel that would impair no existing or potential view nor impede traffic, but would fortify the city’s tax base and would supplant the bunker/outhouse. To compare what is with what might be is to equate the view of a landfill to the grounds of the Windsor Castle.

Of course, none of this will be possible if a so-called “view protection” initiative comes to pass. A petition to put this initiative on the ballot is being circulated by a group calling themselves the “Homeowners Council.”

I personally support Mr. Hon’s golf course and hotel and suggest that if other of your readers do likewise, they should not sign this “View Protection” petition, and that those who have signed it and wish to reconsider their action may have their signature removed by expressing that desire in a signed letter addressed to the city clerk, City of Rancho Palos Verdes, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. 90274. They must print their name and address along with their signature.

MIKE KENNEDY

Rancho Palos Verdes