Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow

The efforts to “save” the Mugu Lagoon and to redirect Calleguas Creek (“Steering Committee,” March 31) are admirable attempts to deal with short-term problems. However, nowhere is the real problem/opportunity even mentioned; this planning is misguided on the part of the environmentalists, and near-criminal by those in authority.

Given that the consensus has been reached that the events known as “global warming” are real and will occur, problems with Calleguas Creek and the Mugu Lagoon can illustrate the kind of planning which will make mankind’s transition to the new environment a triumph for civilization. In planning for Ventura County, the following must be considered:

Mugu Lagoon will be gone, no matter what actions the Coastal Commission takes to save it. A new saltwater lagoon will be created, if the planners wish, farther inland. Any urban or commercial developments on the low-lying land will be gone also.

Calleguas Creek will have a much higher flow, due to more humid conditions on the watershed. New communities, in part formed by relocation of the existing low habitations, will have the opportunity to design new sewage and water systems properly from the ground up.

New forms of agriculture and commerce, different but more attractive if planned, can add to the importance of this region.

When planning in this light, there are some obvious points needing immediate attention. Permitting for commercial or residential development on the low lands should stop now. Methods of dealing fairly with landowners should be developed. Grandiose plans for sea walls, dikes, pump stations and so forth should be looked at with technical suspicion.

Short-range help for the Mugu Lagoon is still appropriate; this should be accompanied by the planning for future alternate lagoons serving similar purposes.

Every person living now is fortunate to have the opportunity to look ahead several generations, and to participate in making an improved future. Initial guidance from the Calleguas Creek committees can help lead the way.

WALTER R. STUDHALTER

Woodland Hills