Visions, Studies of Soka Land

* As the executive director of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, the public agency currently attempting to acquire the Soka property adjacent to Malibu Creek State Park, I concur wholeheartedly with Dave Brown’s articulate explanation (Commentary, May 16) of the importance of public purchase of the property to protect for all time its spectacular natural and historic resources.

Many in the community would also agree with Mr. Brown that the Soka property should ultimately serve as a central visitors’ center and headquarters in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

When the time comes, the courts willing, for that land-use decision to be made, I know that Dave will strongly advocate that proposal. But other people have other visions for that land and they will all be fully studied before any decision is ever made about park agency use of the land.

Soka is an essential acquisition regardless of whether dreams for a visitors’ center ever come to fruition. The sole goal right now is to acquire Soka and preserve it as is as the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains.

JOSEPH T. EDMISTON

Malibu

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority consists of two agencies in Ventura County and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, of which Edmiston is also director.