Developing Vacant Land in Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach

What a godsend to read in the newspaper earlier this month of the details of the Richard King Mellon Foundation’s rescue and subsequent donation to the federal government of several wildlife refuges and historic sites for preservation in perpetuity.

The Mellon Foundation president said the foundation hoped its gift would inspire others to buy and preserve properties. May the Richard King Mellon Foundation indeed be a trend setter and an inspiration to all of us! Listen up, Donald Bren!

I cannot think of an area more in need of inspiration and tender loving care than Orange County. The people in my hometown, Laguna Beach, truly appreciate beauty and nature and tranquility.

But we, alas, are now well into the third decade of our struggle to save Laguna Canyon from the jaws of the bulldozers of the mighty Irvine Co. Unfortunately, the amount of money we can raise by taxing our residents $100 a year for 20 years cannot begin to satisfy the landowner.

I say, Donald Bren, give us a break! Isn’t it feasible, reasonable and appropriate for the Irvine Co. to donate Laguna Canyon to the City of Laguna Beach? Isn’t it time to help save the habitat and natural environment that has been so wantonly exploited and overdeveloped?

JEAN K. JENKS

Laguna Beach