Readers React: Malibu beach-front homeowners, meet King Canute

To the editor: One is reminded of legendary King Canute, who in response to his flattering court had his throne brought to the sea’s edge, where he commanded the incoming tide to cease, to return, to ebb. Of course, he did not prevail. (“Dustin Hoffman, Ray Romano and Pierce Brosnan all hope to restore this prized but battered Malibu beach,” Oct. 26)

The planned $31-million expenditure by the 121 owners of Broad Beach parcels in Malibu to replace the sand being taken away by the daily tides is likely to be no more successful than Canute’s egomaniacal action. Perhaps the desire for isolation has kept these homeowners from the reality of a changing climate, which is affecting how seasides erode, flood and subside as the Pacific Ocean acts to reclaim the land known as Broad Beach.

First, they would prevent the public from the beach; now, they would prevent the tide from doing its work.

Carleton Cronin, West Hollywood

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