Quail Hill’s Future Is Already Decided

* In the battle over open space, when a developer wins, he’s won. When an environmental group wins, it simply means the battle has been put on hold until some future time when there is a chance to fight over the land again.

This is the case of Quail Hill in Irvine, a parcel used by migrating Canada geese and other wildlife. As your recent article (March 26) pointed out, Irvine residents have twice voted to preserve Quail Hill, in perpetuity. Alas, in politics, this phrase really seems to mean “for a little while.” Now Strawberry Farms Golf Club wants to expand its high-priced golf club into the migratory birds’ habitat.

Golf club owner Doug DeCinces approached the Irvine City Council with a deal that smacks of back-room politicking. When the back room insisted on airing the issue publicly, DeCinces and Irvine Councilman Dave Christensen tried to squelch public opposition by postponing the issue for 90 days.

Thus, the dozens of people who turned out in opposition would have had to go home and return later when the issue was rescheduled. Fortunately for Irvine residents, as an item on the agenda under the Brown Act, the council was required to give citizens their five minutes to speak. Overwhelming public opposition was clear, with only two people speaking in favor of the golf course.

In contrast to Christensen’s attempt to quash public opposition, I must commend Mayor Christina L. Shea for her calm and even-handed approach to handling the City Council meeting the evening this issue was discussed.

DAVID SALAHI

Irvine

* Quail Hill is my “field of dreams.”

As a resident of Irvine who drives by Quail Hill regularly, my heart and soul feel joy when I see the cattle grazing in the spring and the beautiful wild look of it.

Open space is just that--open--for all to enjoy, residents and visitors. We have precious little open space left in Irvine and will have even less when Oak Creek is fully developed. Golf is recreation only for the few that can afford to pay the fees.

I am in total agreement with [Irvine Conservancy President George] Gallagher when he states, “There are certain things in life that shouldn’t be negotiated.” The people have voted--twice. We shouldn’t even be having this debate.

PHYLLIS COLLIER

Irvine