Picture in Error

The picture you ran accompanying your story on the Jackson Drive connection to Route 52 (“Jackson Drive Extension Stirs Debate,� July 14) is totally inaccurate. That valley is precisely where the road is not going.

Jackson Drive winds its way through the far western edge of the park, out of sight and sound of this valley.

The valley shown is designated for overnight camping, family and group picnicking. According to the master plan, Jackson Drive will provide access for those unable to hike into this area, “currently the most inaccessible, and to many people, unknown area of the park.�

Jackson Drive has been in the park’s master plan and the city’s traffic circulation plan since 1960. The project was listed as one of the 12 local road projects that would be funded if Proposition A, the half-cent sales tax measure passed. Proposition A did pass, and the people expect those projects to be built ASAP.

Subsequent votes by the City Council listed Jackson Drive as a state matching-funds project. The council also voted to accelerate the project so that Caltrans will build the interchange with California 52.

Now there are those who say that Mission Trails Regional Park is a preserve, not a park with active recreational uses. In fact, it is both, responding to “the public’s increasing need for ‘close-in’ park opportunities by providing varied wilderness, interpretive and active recreational facilities.� (Master Plan, 1985).

Thus, because Jackson Drive will advance the park concept and relieve traffic congestion on I-8, I-15 and our residential streets, and because it was approved by the people with Proposition A, this critical connection to California 52 must be built without delay.

JUDY McCARTY

San Diego City Council

District 7

Editor’s Note: The Times mistakenly ran a file photograph of another area of the park.