The Battle Rages at Crystal Cove

* Re: “Cove Dwellers Not Ready to Leave Yet” (Jan. 3).

Undoubtedly, the Crystal Cove Historical District cottages represent a treasured example of California’s coastal architecture and history. In fact, the state Department of Parks and Recreation spent over $30 million of taxpayers’ money (the most expensive parklands purchase in state history) to purchase and preserve the property in 1983. In that year the tenants of the cottages agreed to a 10-year lease extension in lieu of state-paid relocation costs. In 1993, the tenants were granted an additional lease extension. And now, in 1996, the tenants want sympathy and another extension because “no one wants to leave”? Shocking! Have we forgotten who the real owners are? You and me!

I am most troubled that this property, owned by California taxpayers, has been controlled by private interests for over 13 years. It seems misleading to represent the “state” as a vicious bureaucratic landlord destroying the quality of life for generations of cottage tenants. It seems more true that the citizen taxpayers of this state are the victims. Victims of denied access and the opportunity to enjoy recreational experiences that are so vital to a healthy society. Victims of the conflict of private interest gain at public expense.

The Crystal Cove cottage tenants have been treated more than fairly by the “state.” Thirteen years of quality living at taxpayer expense is certainly enough time to have prepared for the end of a lease. The tenants’ fight is not against the “state,” it is against every California taxpayer. Enough is enough. I hope the state parks department fulfills its role as caretaker of public lands. If not, we all deserve a refund on the monies spent to purchase Crystal Cove State Park.

JUDITH WINKEY

Laguna Beach

*

As a third-generation native Californian, I am very interested in the historical side of the Golden State. A few times each year, my husband and I take our four young children down the Coast Highway to Crystal Cove State Park. There we enjoy the uncrowded, litter-free beach, the quaint cottages and especially the tide pools, which my children can enjoy without a crowd of their peers vying for a look.

I have read many articles in the paper lately regarding the state’s plan to evict the residents of those quaint cottages.

If the state of California should proceed with their misguided plan, this “peek into the past,” this “respite from reality,” these tide pools abundant with life, will be lost to us and all future generations. Crystal Cove will go the way of all of our public beaches; cement parking lots congested with cars, hordes of people, tons of trash tarnishing the shoreline and tide pools trampled by the uncaring. The dolphins will no longer frolic near the shore, giant, brown pelicans will no longer land and linger on the beach, squirrels will no longer snack on leftovers to the delight of children looking on. Also gone will be the artists who frequent the area to capture, with watercolor, oils and chalk, the uniqueness that is Crystal Cove.

All Californians, especially those living in Los Angeles and Orange counties, should fight to keep this historical treasure intact for all our pleasure and enrichment.

CLAUDIA Y. HIATT

Huntington Beach