Community Concern for Pierce College

* Re “Thoughtful Plan for Pierce,” Valley Edition Editorials, Oct. 1.

While I agree that Pierce College’s new president, Rocky Young, is doing a great job of looking at alternatives and options for the future of Pierce, I take exception to your insinuation that the community is motivated only by “nostalgia” in its love of Pierce.

You fail to realize that if there had been no community outcry or protection of Pierce for over the past 25 years, there would be no Pierce College left to protect. It is because of community involvement and concern that there now is no huge condominium complex, no golf course, no selling off of “excess” property by the community college district.

Concern for Pierce and its future goes far beyond the immediate community. Can you find another precious resource, both in academic potential and large land mass, like Pierce College / farm in the middle of an urban setting? It is precisely this shaky status that has moved hundreds and hundreds of people to remain vigilant and watchful for so many years.

We are involved in discussions and decisions with Young that will provide the best use and future for Pierce. It is to his credit that he realizes the altruistic motives of so many citizens, and it is to the credit of the community that Pierce continues to get such careful scrutiny. The community does not deserve to be maligned or discounted as your editorial suggests.

SANDY ENFIELD

Woodland Hills