Open Space Seen as a Key Priority for County

The future development of the Irvine Coast and San Joaquin Hills open space has produced much impassioned debate. The unique beauty of this land must be personally experienced to be truly appreciated, and I feel fortunate I have had the opportunity to do so. With the profound growth that Southern California has experienced, and will continue to experience, this unspoiled and currently undeveloped land has gained an almost mystical appeal.

The Irvine Co. doubtlessly has the right to develop the landholding, and I respect this right. Yet the Irvine Co. also has a responsibility to the residents of Orange County who, by moving here and buying Irvine Co. homes, have allowed it to become a multibillion-dollar empire. Nowhere is this responsibility more evident than in the preservation of open space. The necessity of keeping some spaces in their natural state is undeniable. The real question becomes one of how much and where.

In many ways this question has already been answered, as most of the Irvine coast development plan has already been approved. Some land however, remains uncommitted.

The creation of Crystal Cove State Park was a wonderful step in the right direction. I feel that expanding the park to include Emerald Canyon--as well as the Irvine Co. land between Emerald Canyon and Laguna Canyon Road, extending from Laguna Beach north to the proposed San Joaquin Hills Corridor--would create an exemplary preserve of open space.

For its sacrifice of land, the Irvine Co. could be compensated with expanded development rights on other holdings, as well as the accelerated but sensible construction of the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor with a greater share of public funds.

With regard to the San Joaquin Hills corridor, I believe its need is undeniable. Those that doubt this should attempt driving Pacific Coast Highway or the 405 Freeway northbound at 8 a.m. on a weekday.

Efforts should be directed at making the corridor environmentally sound by minimizing its destruction of hillsides and by directing it such that its visibility and noise production is kept at a minimum. Its size should be limited to the carrying capacity of the roads it feeds into.

It would be a terrible shame if the last vestiges of open space in Orange County are squandered for the immediate profits of developers and special interests friendly politicians. It is my hope that the goal of preserving open space is given the support it deserves.

GEORGE BASKEVITCH

Laguna Beach