Standing Firm Against Building at Bolsa Chica

Re “Crying Foul Over Choice to Protect the Fowl,” Jan. 26:

Bob Polkow writes in his letter, “This lady is running amok to pursue her personal goals ... “ referring to [Huntington Beach] Mayor Connie Boardman’s efforts to save the Bolsa Chica mesa from development.

It defies understanding that anyone would advocate further development of environmentally sensitive areas. Humans have been the last globally influential species to “evolve.” It is incumbent upon us to care for the species over which we hold dominion, not to hasten their extinction. People like Mr. Polkow require environmentalists to take the aggressive positions they do.

And, as far as personal goals go, who stands to gain more monetarily, developers or environmentalists? Every day, more and more of our environmentally valuable habitats are being sold to the highest bidder. It is critical we realize that the value of our remaining habitats must be measured in something other than dollars.

J.B. Litvak

Costa Mesa

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Polkow’s attacks on Boardman are unsubstantiated, lack reason and do not represent the majority of Huntington Beach citizens.

The FAIR Districting Initiative was funded by a few wealthy interests who hope to take control of Huntington Beach government by reducing the number of seats on the City Council. Most of the signatures for this initiative were obtained by paid gatherers. This is big money trying to defeat democracy. Will it pass? This depends on how much more special-interest money is dumped into it.

The Wal-Mart rezoning initiative Measure I failed by just 4% nearly three years ago only because it was denied (by the former City Council) the special-election status for which it qualified. Ninety percent of the signatures that were gathered for the initiative to put it on the ballot were via Huntington Beach volunteers. It fell victim to the $430,000 that Wal-Mart dumped in to defeat it. This is still the most expensive election in city history. Once again, is this democracy or special interests?

Polkow also is out of touch regarding the Bolsa Chica mesa. Proposition 50 money is being sought to purchase it. This proposition was passed by a majority, and was even supported by Hearthside Homes, the potential developer. Most Huntington Beach residents do not want homes built on the Bolsa Chica mesa. Nearly all of California wetlands have been developed.

Huntington Beach is finally getting some balance, common sense and honesty on the City Council. It was only a year ago that Dave Garofalo was forced to resign -- someone who did have a “personal agenda.” Boardman, on the other hand, is an intelligent, hard-working member of our City Council who considers the overall picture and quality of life for the current and future citizens of Huntington Beach. It is refreshing to have someone of integrity, who believes in the democratic process and does not succumb to special interests and the almighty dollar.

Marvin Josephson

Huntington Beach