State Shouldn’t Destroy El Morro Village

There are compelling reasons for Gov. Gray Davis to ask the state parks department to revise its plan to eliminate El Morro Village within Crystal Cove State Park by the end of 2004. The projected state budget deficit is staggering. Each department must do everything reasonable to raise revenue and cut costs.

There is a huge shortage of housing in Orange County. If the state parks department continues with its plan it will destroy nearly 300 small- and medium-size residences and eliminate $1.2 million or more in annual revenue generated by El Morro Village rents. Creative planning can result in a program of co-existence whereby El Morro Village remains intact and the RV and camping spaces and picnic areas projected by state parks can be accommodated easily in the ample acreage available.

Bob Flannes

Laguna Beach