New Route Needed

Imagine my disgust this morning, when, returning from my favorite surf spot in Del Mar, I stopped at the Ralphs grocery store on Del Mar Heights Road for breakfast makings and saw a volunteer soliciting signatures to stop the construction of Highway 56!

Environmental concerns seemed to be the theme of this opposition--this, taking place on a spot that until last year was barren of strip malls and grocery stores, providing a natural habitat for small creatures that have been displaced by larger creatures wearing neon lycra and driving Bavarian cars.

Of course, no one complains when construction serves their interests and provides a new grocery, fast food or poster store in their neighborhood.

I wonder if these nouvelle environmentalists were gathering petitions to stop construction of the homes they live in now?

We in San Diego are fast approaching gridlock on our highways, realizing our greatest fears of “Los Angelization.” Inland North County residents are faced with few options when trying to get to Interstate 5 and points north.

Highway 56 will provide a corridor for thousands of commuters that otherwise resort to Black Mountain Road (a two-lane dirt road that the city claims no responsibility for) and other equally inaccessible and congested routes.

This highway was planned long before North City West (or whatever it is called now) came along.

It is time to put these selfish interests aside and open up North County to the growing inland areas for all to enjoy.

WILLIAM C. PATTEE

San Diego