Crystal Cove Plans Have Fans and Detractors

Re “State Plans to Renovate, Rent Historic Crystal Cove Cottages,” Oct. 16:

Congratulations and thank you to the state parks system and advocacy groups such as the Alliance to Save Crystal Cove for their tireless efforts and good work. It is a win-win situation for California’s coastline, residents and tourism that the 1920s bungalows, sheltered along the coastline below Coast Highway, will be renovated and restored rather than replaced.

The backdrop to these quaint, unimposing cottages was once a rolling auburn hillside cut by canyons of lush green foliage and has since become the grotesque development of multimillion-dollar homes. The upscale shops and rows of white houses with tile roofs have destroyed the once picturesque mountainside and stripped it of much of its charm and beauty. Restoration and remodeling of the Crystal Cove historic area will preserve the integrity of this scenic, peaceful beach community and protect our coastline from further desecration.

Dee Anna S. Behle

Dana Point

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Planning for only 60 camp sites at Crystal Cove State Park is a poor use of land. Rusty Areias, director of California Parks and Recreation Department, said last fall there is a shortage of thousands of camp sites in California. From the Crystal Cove Historic District to the northern boundary there is room for at least 1,000 camp sites. The location is much better because that land is on the ocean side of Coast Highway.

Most El Morro Village residents are taxpayers and senior citizens with no place to live in two years. No one seems to care about them, including The Times.

Crystal Cove State Park is now open to the public with parking for beach use, hiking and with more than enough land for more public parking. The Sierra Club really wants nothing but open space and hiking trails.

J.B. Crowell

Santa Ana