A Victory in the Battle of Bolsa Chica Mesa

Re “Coastal Panel is Upheld,” Aug. 26:

The California Coastal Commission barred Signal Landmark from overbuilding on the environmentally sensitive Bolsa Chica mesa. Signal appealed the ruling, saying the commission had unlawfully taken the land.

The article said Superior Court Judge Sheridan Reed agreed with the commission’s decision on how much of the mesa could be developed without harming the wetlands--65 acres.

Signal will probably try another appeal, crying it’s not fair to protect our coastline at their expense. The fact is they bought what they knew was the largest wetlands south of San Francisco for $20 million. Why did they get it so cheap? Because the previous owners knew it was unlikely to be developed because of what it was. So they paid what turns out to be about $300,000 an acre for waterfront property in Southern California. Wouldn’t we all like to be able to make a purchase like that?

Bill Halpin

Huntington Beach

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It was great to read that the courts have once again helped save Bolsa Chica and affirmed the Coastal Act. This time, the court has upheld the Coastal Commission ruling on preserving the lower bench of the Bolsa Chica mesa from development. Now is the time for the developer and the community to work together. The $2.1 billion in Proposition 12 park-bond money we voted for in March 2000 is available. Why not get some of our taxpayers’ money back here in Orange County and preserve this jewel in our midst?

Flossie Horgan

Huntington Beach