Pierce College Driving Range
* The Pierce College administration seems determined to build a golf driving range on the green pastures of its farmland that will inevitably destroy the school’s agricultural program (“Golf at Pierce Farm,†Valley Newswatch, Aug. 27). There will be many unfortunate consequences of such a course of action. Valuable programs of veterinary science, animal husbandry, horticultural science and general agriculture will no longer be available to students. Over the years, schoolchildren got their first experience of live farm animals at Pierce and the old farm store was a place to buy fresh eggs, fruits and vegetables. Commercial development will prevent the revival of amenities like these.
The Pierce fields and pasture are the primary source of forage for the hundreds of Canada geese that spend the winter in the Valley. A V-shaped flock of geese across the sky, honking as they go, is an exciting spectacle, rare in a big city. If the geese lose their food supply, we will lose something unique in southern California.
Have the college authorities explored other ways to raise money? Have they applied for grants from foundations, government agencies, agribusiness? Have they brainstormed with local organizations--homeowners, service clubs, youth organizations--for ideas or fund-raising? Perhaps a more enterprising and energetic approach to solving the financial problems of Pierce is required by those in charge rather than sacrificing the beautiful campus to a driving range.
SANDY WOHLGEMUTH
Conservation Chair,
Los Angeles Audubon Society
Woodland Hills
* It would seem to me that the best use of Pierce farmland would be for a renewed and expanded ag-science program. In other words, for the next century, guide Pierce into becoming an ag magnet school.
Wouldn’t this be a better way to serve society and provide for future jobs that would tie in with California’s multibillion-dollar ag industry? Surely there is more potential for good jobs in the ag-science-business area than in a golf driving range.
I would assume there would be an EIR [environmental impact report] and opportunities for the public and property-tax payers to express what they think should be done with Pierce College farmland.
EDITH ROTH
Woodland Hills
