Proposed Project in Laguna Canyon
Laguna Laurel. The gift. But what form? Will it be mostly open space where development is permitted, or just open space? Some have proposed that the Irvine Co., owner of the Laguna Canyon property, donate it. No homes, no golf course, no business. Just a place for the critters to live.
This reminds me of the local sportscaster who, after the earthquake, proposed that all the World Series proceeds from tickets, concessions, TV salaries and prize money be donated to the Relief Fund. His fellow announcers congratulated him on his thoughtfulness and extreme generosity. Now he didn’t propose that he donate one dime of his or his fellow workers’ salaries or even the revenue from one commercial. Only the other guy’s property. How generous!
The opposition to Laguna Laurel proposes a 100% donation of the Irvine Co.’s land. Not their own home for the homeless. Not their land for the birds and opossums. but all of the other guy’s property.
Where do property rights begin? Should those who haven’t developed their property be denied their rights by others who have? One of the cornerstones of our system is the right to own property. The denial of this will result in a lower standard of living for all of us. If you don’t believe this, just ask someone who has lived behind “The Wall.”
TOM L. O’DONNELL
San Clemente
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