Newhall Land Development

Re “Newhall’s Open Space Plan Locks Out the Public,” May 17.

When we moved to Valencia 11 years ago, my husband and I had searched many areas for a safe, economical place to raise a family. There has not been one day that I regretted our move. Valencia and the Santa Clarita Valley, but especially Valencia, is a safe, family orientated community.

I have been a stay-at-home mother for 7 years. If we had chosen 11 years ago to stay in a higher-priced area, not only would I be working but my children would be in private schools.

Newhall Land & Farming Co. has given my family a safe place to live; bicycle paths run throughout our community. Parks are abundant and clean with safe new play equipment and lots of trees.

Our public schools continually receive distinguished school awards--not just our own elementary and junior school but the other schools in the area as well. I feel that my children are receiving a first-rate education.

If you trash Newhall Land & Farming, you are ultimately trashing the American way of life--the safe public schools, parks, the affordable family community that is the ideal. Newhall Land & Farming has provided this for our family and for others also. Come out some day and enjoy our beautiful community. Perhaps then you will see that the prospect of Newhall Land & Farming building another community like ours is a welcome prospect.

EILEEN PARK, Valencia