Close up view of cove cottages

Paul Clinton

CRYSTAL COVE -- Few people have spent more time walking through the

cottages and strolling back in time at the state park than Laura Davick.

Now she hopes to make that a monthly occurrence.

The former cove resident turned activist has scheduled monthly tours

inside several of the 46 cottages, beginning today, leading the public on

a walk down memory lane.

Davick and her parents lived at the cove for many years, stretching

back to a time, in the 1930s and 1940s, when residents there frolicked on

the sand and grilled up grub on their barbecues.

Already a familiar face in the cove, Davick has also fought to

preserve the historical look of the cottages and the heritage of the

previous residents.

As preparation for her role as tour guide, Davick brushed up on more

cove lore.

“It’s been fun to learn about the cottages,” Davick said. “This is a

more in-depth tour. What we want to do is familiarize people with the

historic district.”

Davick is giving the two-hour tours as a volunteer with California

State Parks. She is the co-founder, with Joan Irvine Smith, of the

Crystal Cove Conservancy, a nonprofit group that has raised money to help

restore the cottages.

The state is now crafting a final plan for the district. In July,

state officials evicted Davick and the former residents so they could

implement that plan, which is scheduled for release later this year.

State officials have said the restoration of the cottages could cost

between $12 million and $20 million. So far, Gov. Gray Davis has included

$9.2 million, from park bond Proposition 40, in the budget for the work.

Also, the California Coastal Commission has handed over $2.8 million.

Park Supt. Don Ito said the monthly tours are a good idea.

“Based on the earlier tours we had been giving, people were very

curious about what the cottages looked like [inside],” Ito said. “I

believe it has helped educate the public.”

The tour will begin at 10 a.m. today and is free. Participants should

bring a camera, comfortable walking shoes and water, Davick said. Parking

is free in the Los Trancos lot across the street from the entrance to the

cove.

Other tours have been tentatively scheduled for July 13 and Aug. 10.

For more information, call Davick at (949) 640-5220.

* Paul Clinton covers the environment, John Wayne Airport and

politics. He may be reached at (949) 764-4330 or by e-mail ato7

[email protected] .