A Crystal-Clear Outrage at Cove

When I moved to Orange County in 1972, I first began my serious running along Crystal Cove, aptly described in your Aug. 5 article as “one of the most scenic coastal parks in Southern California.”

Returning from travels, I would find myself at water’s edge taking part in a ritualistic, near-spiritual experience: my easy, loping run followed by an invigorating swim. At low tide the beach’s wide expanse attracted many other runners, walkers and tide-poolers.

In time, their ranks thinned when the few parking slots adjoining the residents’ trash bins were closed to us. A short-term reprieve followed when a parking lot was constructed on the other side of Pacific Coast Highway, along with a tunnel leading to the cove. There were even bathrooms and outdoor showers. Alas, this was closed shortly thereafter for reasons none of us understood.

Throughout these times I usually steered clear of the cove residents, a group I felt to be privileged, elitist and with an attitude. Once, asking for a drink of water from a hose, I was refused; similar incidents were relayed by others.

Now to read that public parkland has been secretly negotiated to become a “boutique” resort with 60 to 90 units renting for between $100 and $400 is beyond the pale.

Only a select few will be able to consider staying in this “posh place.” But, how many of the fat cats in Sacramento have already made reservations to be opening night guests? How many of them have taken Investec-sponsored junkets?

I call on Orange County residents to express their feelings at the indignity of having this perpetrated on us, without a single hearing, no public input.

ALEX WALDER

Irvine

Re “Posh Plans for Crystal Cove,” Aug. 5:

What a shame: a gem of a beach, owned by all of us, to become a playground for a fortunate few who can afford the proposed rates. And not one or two but three swimming pools--at beach side, no less!

JOHN YERGAT

South Laguna

You have revealed that a deal was made to give a for-profit company a 55-year monopoly to charge outrageous prices for seashore rentals on our public parkland. What kind of stupid or sleazy deal have we here?

Within 10 to 20 years these resort operators will have high-rise hotels built or approved, plus another mile or so of seashore “to bring finer amenities to more Californians.” Add on a row of fast food joints, a boardwalk and you have Venice Beach South.

ANDRE KERR

Laguna Hills