READERS RESPOND -- Homes not-so-sweet homes

How does none sound for the number of homes that should be built on

Bolsa Chica? Bolsa Chica is one ecosystem: the mesa, lowlands and

wetlands. Things done to any of these parts affect the whole. The

developer should say they’re a willing seller, accept a fair and

equitable selling price and move on.

EILEEN MURPHY

Huntington Beach

Ideally, zero.

This piece of open land should be saved, and returned to its natural

state. It would be appropriate to build a reasonable number of trails, or

an interpretive center on its edge, but to develop it would be a shame.

MARIA HATZ

Huntington Beach

I am a 21-year-old college student from Huntington Beach. I wish to

express how deeply concerned I am that all of the Bolsa Chica wetlands be

preserved and that no houses are built on it. I hope enough people can

have the insight to see that preserving this area now creates a national

park for tomorrow that we can be proud of.

When money is the issue, the struggle is difficult but I know that the

decision to preserve all of the Bolsa Chica will be a decision that reaps

endless benefits, not limited to its mere financial value.

I want my children to appreciate nature, to understand that we could

not survive without it, and to see that other people realized these

truths during the most critical of times.

CHRISTI SANCHEZ

Huntington Beach

The question, “How many homes on the mesa?” could only be a rhetorical

one in a community that has fought so long and so hard to preserve this

coastal jewel.

No homes belong on the mesa unless the question includes the homes of

burrowing owls, rabbits, herons, squirrels and other true native home

builders.

ROBERT LINDSEY

Huntington Beach

I am writing in regards to the editorial in the Huntington Beach

Independent concerning development on the Bolsa Chica Mesa (“Again, it’s

time to end Bolsa Chica battle,” Aug. 23)

I strongly support the opinion expressed that the developer

“Hearthside should settle for the 387 homes and abide by the wishes of

the majority of this town, which does not want to see precious pieces of

open space lost forever.”

As a resident of Huntington Beach, I also “urge the city to redouble

its efforts to find a way to buy and preserve the land.” A successful

outcome would be appreciated for generations to come.

So my answer to the question of the week: “How Many Homes Should Be

Built on the Bolsa Chica?” is 370 houses only.

KATHLEEN MELVIN

Huntington Beach

I want all of Bolsa Chica preserved. No houses should be built on any

part of the land because the infrastructure that is needed to support

houses would disturb the environment necessary to maintain and enhance

the wetlands.

We and our ancestors have already destroyed more than 80% of the

wetlands that once existed in California.

Shame on us if we don’t save the little that is left.

ARMIDA H. BRASHEARS

Huntington Beach

I think zero houses should be built on the Bolsa Chica Mesa.

JON KORIAGIN

Huntington Beach

As a resident of Huntington Beach since 1967 (the year I was born), I

am in favor of preserving the Bolsa Chica Mesa in its entirety. Many

times I have walked the mesa to bring a peace of mind and body.

This is one area of Huntington Beach that must remain open and

natural. My children and their children should be able to experience the

wonder and calming effects of the Bolsa Chica wetlands for years to come.

Huntington Beach is different than other cities and it is amazing how

many people remain here from their childhood. We have a culture, a beach

culture, where open space and peace of mind are more valuable then more

cookie-cutter housing tracts. This is what vacationers want to experience

and this is what makes “HB” “HB”.

ANNE MASON

Huntington Beach

In response to the question on the homes being built on the Bolsa

Chica, my answer is: none. It should be left to the birds and wildlife

that call it home and have nowhere else to go.

It should be left for the generations to come so they can appreciate

the wetlands and understand their environmental importance. It should

belong to nature.

However, the current owner of these lands must be compensated

completely, whatever the fair value may be.

I am not an environmentalist, but I have very strong feelings about

the mesa and the fight over its future. We must preserve as much as we

can.

COLLEN COFFEY

Huntington Beach