Preserve Claretville

Eminent domain is a most powerful right we have given ourselves in our democracy--the right of the public to take, with just compensation, that which belongs to another for the benefit of all. This right has been commonly used in the areas of public transportation, utilities, national defense and education. Now it is to be used in acquiring parkland.

The (Soka) property has long been considered the best of the Santa Monica Mountains. I can tell you that because I lived there, in what was Claretville, from 1967 to 1972. As a Claretian seminarian I enjoyed the tranquillity and beauty of this world apart, with its seasonal creeks, tranquil lake, magnificent oak trees on flowing lawns, abundant wildlife, historic buildings and the spectacular vistas from Inspiration Point.

When the 20th Century Ranch and the Reagan Ranch were purchased by the state, I was excited about Claretville becoming the showcase of the park. However, the state moved slowly and the opportunity was lost.

Since the inception of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, the importance of the Claretville property has been well documented. If they performed any due diligence in purchasing this property, Soka administrators would have known that the urban uses they wanted were foreign to planning in this peace-filled valley.

The question in my mind has never been whether Soka is a university, but whether the Claretville property would take its rightful place as headquarters and heart of the mountain park that millions love. The only question in this condemnation should be the price. The rights of the public to eminent domain remain sacred in our democracy.

GLEN PETERSON

Agoura