Residents Helped Buy Parkland

Thank you for your editorial “Historic Agreement on Parkland,” Oct. 4.

Recognition of the creation of this open-space preserve is very much appreciated. Your editorial congratulates Orange County on its foresight and efforts to preserve this area. We concur with that compliment; the county has been instrumental in the creation of the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.

However, your editorial does not recognize the efforts of Laguna Beach residents who have taxed themselves to pay for the purchase of a major portion of this parkland.

In 1990, the voters of Laguna Beach approved a $20-million general obligation bond issue to purchase major portions of the property from the Irvine Co.

Our residents will be paying additional property taxes for the next 20 years to retire those bonds. In addition, the city contributed $15 million from our normal revenues. More than 2,000 acres were purchased by the city and have been included in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. We would appreciate some recognition for our residents who have participated wholeheartedly in the creation of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.

STEVEN M. DICTEROW

Mayor, Laguna Beach