Ahmanson and Soka Projects
I was most interested to note that among the financial supporters of the election campaign by Rep. Anthony C. Beilenson (D-Los Angeles) was Joseph T. Edmiston of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.
The conservancy has been aggressive in its attempt to take over the facilities owned by Soka University. I am concerned that conservancy bureaucrats will take the place of college students, as well as promised cultural and artistic activities.
In addition to Beilenson, several public officeholders, including state Senator-elect Tom Hayden (D-Santa Monica) and Assemblyman Terry B. Friedman (D-Encino) appear to be beholden to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. I hope their judgment has not been influenced by special-interest contributions of the conservancy.
I know of no small liberal-arts college in California history that has failed to be a source of community pride and a local cultural resource. I prefer to take my chances with higher education than the traffic congestion and litterers often associated with campgrounds in densely populated areas.
J. JERRY DOMINE
Woodland Hills
Domine is president of the San Fernando Valley Arts Council .
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
