Saving Open Spaces: First, Think Quality

It’s quite ironic that The Times’ quasi-endorsement of removing the O’Shaughnessy Dam (“Another Yosemite, Maybe,” editorial, Aug. 17) was pages behind the headline “Thieves, Vandals Chipping Away at Hard-Pressed National Parks,” which, evident to anyone who enjoys the outdoors, is rampant on all our public lands.

While spending billions to right a past wrong done to a wondrous valley may seem noble, it also ignores the present problem of neglect, vandalism and mismanagement of what natural beauty we have left.

It would be better for future generations if the flooded Hetch Hetchy Valley was made a flagrant, public example of “never again” and have billions spent on positive, proactive management of all our public lands before they’ve all been debased. Think beyond quality over quantity--because as our population grows, a quantity of tranquil open space will be a rare quality indeed.

Daniel Nauman

Long Beach

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Whatever one may think of the idea of restoring John Muir’s beloved Hetch Hetchy to its original state, your editorial on the subject was the usual hypocritical claptrap.

Your inane comment that the Owens Valley was preserved as a “recreational paradise” because the land is owned by Los Angeles was incredibly offensive and an insult to the hundreds of people who have suffered decades of serious respiratory ailments as a result of the Department of Water and Power’s grand theft of the water from that area. This outrageous conduct was spurred by good old “there it is, take it” William Mulholland, his supporters and the ownership of your newspaper.

If the Hetch Hetchy dam was in Southern California, feeding the thirsty lawns of L.A., would you be so eager to tear it down? We all know the answer to that question.

Michael J. Harley

Laguna Niguel