Clouded Vision

Apparently it turns on The Times that Preston Leete Smith has such “vision” (“Looking for a Gold Mine: Top U.S. Ski Operator to Run Southland Resort,” Jan. 22). In 1955, with his penetrating insight, he could envision a ski resort “where others saw only a steep, wooded hillside like so many others in central Vermont.” Now he is “bringing his vision to Southern California,” acquiring a ski area near Big Bear Lake that is “under-used.”

I wish he’d go back wherever he came from. I’m one of those “others” who once could see only forested hillsides, unspoiled beaches, deserts and coastal plains covered with wild flowers, livable cities, small separate towns, farms, ranches and groves. A Southern California that was “under-used.” Now, if you can bear to look, all you can see is the work of some visionary of unbridled greed who has made his or her vile dream come true.

Even leaving aside any consideration of natural beauty, wildlife or serenity: In that area the highways and sewers are already overloaded, the air itself not what it used to be. For us “others,” this is really rotten news, and The Times’ gushy approval is intolerably offensive.

RICHARD G. BARNES

Claremont