Tunnel Vision Is Clear Thinking

* Of all the ideas and proposals put forth to solve the increasing traffic problems in the Orange County and Inland Empire area, the one described in the Oct. 5 article that would build a tunnel under the Cleveland National Forest has by far the greatest merit.

This would link Interstate 15 in Riverside County with the Costa Mesa Freeway, just south of the interchange with the Riverside Freeway. A “Y” should also be incorporated to link up with the Riverside Freeway near Green River Drive, to access the Chino Hills area and maximize this project. Certainly, a provision would also be made to incorporate light rail or another form of rapid transit, perhaps a monorail, in addition to the automobile lanes.

Some say that this tunnel would be a major undertaking, if it is at all possible. Would it be possible? Of course it would. We have only to look at the many tunnels under the Alps, connecting Switzerland and Italy, to see that this endeavor is entirely feasible.

These small countries, which are not nearly advanced as the United States, built their tunnels over 50 years ago. I believe that the Alps are just a bit more rugged than our little old foothills.

By tunneling under the Cleveland National Forest, we would eliminate practically any adverse problems with the environment on the surface. This would certainly be preferable to cutting a freeway over the hills and through the woods!

Of course, some of the “watchdogs of the forest” will proclaim gloom and doom for anything that comes near the forest, but the fact remains that it is the “Cleveland National Forest,” which means that it belongs to all the people.

JACK SMITH

Lake Forest

* As a 20-year resident of Orange County, and a native Californian, I am upset at the rapid elimination of open space.

How many megatheater complexes do we need? I look in the movie guide and the same movie is playing at two theaters in the same building. Whenever I see a multiplex, I cringe. Empty office buildings are everywhere, yet more and more open space is ravaged so new ones can be put up.

I am sure all this development helps soothe the Orange County bankruptcy and generates income, but at the expense of those of us who live here.

All this developing is causing a major storm drain runoff problem. Creeks leading to our coastline are polluting our ocean. I keep watching the beautiful foothills turning into tacky subdivisions.

I used to look at Los Angeles and ask myself how in the world anyone could live there. Now, I ask myself the same question about Orange County. Time will only tell if I will be able to stomach further abuse.

BARRY SAMUELS

Corona del Mar