Soka University

I was delighted to read that Soka University of America will be keeping its beautiful campus for all of us, Soka’s neighbors, to enjoy. Their settlement with the Mountains Conservation and Restoration Authority represents a great victory for property owners fighting eminent domain. Let’s hope the MCRA learned its lesson in its failed attempt to seize this land at taxpayers’ expense.

As a longtime resident of Calabasas and frequent visitor of the SUA campus, I can attest to the fact that the property has never been so well-maintained as it is under Soka’s management. Only a private institution like Soka has the funds necessary for the upkeep that this unique site requires. I fear to think what would have become of the King Gillette mansion and its adjacent gardens in the hands of the cash-strapped conservancy. With Soka in charge, my family and I can enjoy peaceful promenades along the lake or stroll through oak woodlands just as we would in a state-owned park, except we don’t have to pay for parking!

My only regret is that my community will not be allowed the expanded cultural and educational opportunities that would have accompanied the full-blown liberal arts college originally planned for the site. But a smaller Soka University is better than no Soka University.

BARBARA WRIGHT

Calabasas

Wright is a co-chairperson of the Friends of Soka University.