Tujunga Wash Golf Course

Re “Claim Filed Against City Over Rejected Golf Links,” Aug. 1.

I can speak with experience when it comes to the pristine beauty of the canyon as it comes down the mountain from Tujunga Dam. I am an area native and spent many weekends as a child playing in the “creek.” However, that time was spent up above the Mt. Gleason junction where the real beauty lies. I have kids now, but you can bet I don’t let them play in the area that is in conflict. If the members of the council had looked from Oro Vista and seen in one direction the beauty of the canyon and in the other the Tujunga Wash, they might have seen the difference.

I have lived in Riverwood Ranch on the north side of the site for 10 years, and my property overlooks the riverbed. I can’t count the number of times I have had to call the Fire Department because of ignorant people lighting fires in the canyon (maybe I’m the stupid one, because if I hadn’t called, we might not have had the spineflower to worry about).

Red Tail has made nothing but concessions, and I think it’s time the council made a concession to the people who live here, instead of fighting the battle for the union that has nothing to do with current events. If they can’t see fit, I can only hope the project [developers] fight the city in court and win big.

I think this vote is just another shipment of tea in the need for secession.

BILL ARNOLD

Sunland

* Open space and the right for nature to exist, versus short-term gain for a few people. This is the issue as I see it. People have the right to make money, but not at the expense of rare species and the unique environment. Indeed I stand to gain an equity advantage if the golf course goes in, but that’s not why I bought my house and moved my family to this area.

My wife, Alice, and I wanted to get away from the over-built-up, man-made, urban concrete, pollution-infested habitat. We take our two children to the wash to walk and study nature. My family believes in the interdependent web of all living things.

I believe the [city] has a unique opportunity, and indeed a responsibility to affect future generations in our community.

Look hard at the San Fernando Valley and the whole L.A. area; where did nature go? What urban problems might have been erased if 50 years ago the L.A. Planning Commission had established adequate open space, natural parks and lower-density housing? No water shortages? Less pressure on resources? Less smog? Reduced gangs?

Please do not allow the trend of urban degradation to continue. Please help us keep out this artificial illusion of nature for the privileged few. A golf course in the wash is not in keeping with our rural community. The downstream runoff will pollute Hansen Dam.

Wildlife cannot write letters and speak up for itself. Wildlife cannot buy its right to exist. Only intelligent people can.

MIKE STOCKTON

Sunland