LAGUNA NIGUEL

From a distance, the 350 people who picnicked on blankets and played on swings at the Crown Valley-Highlands Community Park on Saturday resembled a gigantic family reunion. One step inside the park and the real purpose became obvious: The get-together was to fight the proposed El Toro International Airport. The picnic raised $13,000 for the cause.

Air pollution, increased traffic and noise were among the concerns talked about, but as a group, their message was clear: If they build El Toro Airport, residents will move away.

“If they build an airport, I’ll have to find a new house. I’ll find myself a new area to live in, but I’ll never find a community like this. That’s what has me so mad,” said George Somogyi, who organized the community picnic. Overall, Somogyi and his neighbors have raised $17,000 to fight the proposed El Toro International airport.