Bolsa Chica Caldron Still Bubbling

Re “More Work Needed on Bolsa Chica Plan” (Editorial, Jan. 21):

What is the value of wetlands? What is the value of open space, clean air, bird and animal life in their natural setting?

Immeasurable: That is what it is worth!

Life is hectic, complicated and stressful. We need a respite; a place where we can unwind, contemplate nature in all its beauty; a place free of pollution, noise, and the commotion of daily living. We need to be able to restore our souls.

Those of us who have discovered the Bolsa Chica wetlands and mesa know where such a place now exists. Unfortunately, the state Coastal Commission (absent staff who think otherwise) and the Koll Real Estate Group have other plans for this recognized natural “jewel.”

The Times is correct in suggesting that the entire 1,750-acre ecosystem known as the Bolsa Chica should be preserved for posterity. This is a simple and clear message: Numerous ways exist to reach such an agreement. First, the Koll Co. must be willing to set a reasonable price for the wetlands; next, all funding sources (Interior Department, local ports, environmental and corporate trusts, etc.) must sit down together and map out a strategy that acknowledges the desires of the public.

This is a win-win situation for all concerned. The Koll Co. makes a handsome profit while acting in a socially responsible manner; the public is blessed with the last available coastal open space and a renewable wetlands ecosystem. Truly, the citizens of Huntington Beach would be grateful. As members of a civilized society it is clearly our duty to preserve precious natural resources for future generations.

RICHARD M. SAX

Huntington Beach

* Re the editorial of Jan. 21 concerning the wetlands in which it was stated, “The battle to develop Bolsa Chica has gone on for over a decade.” It’s taken so long because it’s wrong!

VICTORIA NESS BLOOM

Huntington Beach

* In its editorial of Jan. 21, The Times states that it is true that no development at all at the Bolsa Chica is the best plan but that it is unrealistic. Let me respond with what many of us believe to be unrealistic:

That Koll’s Area Transportation Improvement Program, with over 40,000 new car trips per day, will improve the gridlock on Pacific Coast Highway, as Koll claims.

That the county Board of Supervisors can approve this project after their own staff financial report states that the project, after all fees and tax income, will still cost the taxpayers of the county over $400,000 a year forever.

That the over 600 million gallons of water per year demanded for this project will not cost us all dearly.

That we can continue to pave over Orange County and not recognize that our quality of life is disappearing while the developers move on to other open areas.

The Bolsa Chica Land Trust offer to acquire the entire Bolsa Chica is not unrealistic. It is entirely practical and possible.

FLOSSIE HORGAN

Huntington Beach

* The Jan. 21 editorial regarding the Bolsa Chica area sent a breath of fresh air blowing through the county. It spoke to the real issues regarding our environment, especially in regard to the fact that 9O% of our wetlands in California have been destroyed.

As we pass through this world we are stewards of what is here. It isn’t really ours for all time; we must keep it for all of the generations still to come.

I realize that our corporate organizations require that some profit be made for the shareholders. And the company chairman, Donald M. Koll, seemed to be saying after the Coastal Commission vote that now he could do something for the company’s shareholders.

It seems to me that because of the opposition in the community, and not just in Huntington Beach, that it would be in the interests of his shareholders for him to sit down with the Bolsa Chica Land Trust and see what could be worked out.

There are many ways to finance acquisition of the wetlands and the mesa, but a willing seller is the first requirement. As long as he chooses to play hardball with the environment and with the community it will be difficult to accomplish anything.

Come to the table, please, Mr. Koll.

NANCY DONAVEN

Huntington Beach