Mailbag: Director is a protector of California’s coast

Director is a protector of California’s coast

I am one of three individuals who founded the Quality of Life Residents’ Coalition, a group comprised of Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach residents dedicated to protecting our coast and neighborhoods and working together to raise awareness of the health and safety impacts of the proposed Banning Ranch development.

We are watching the machinations underway to remove the state Coastal Commission’s executive director, Dr. Charles Lester, in utter astonishment and deep disappointment.

The California Coastal Commission has done a remarkable job in protecting the California coast for the public while balancing the needs and desires of those who wish to develop along the coast. Without these checks and balances, our coastline could easily be slowly walled off from the public behind high-rise buildings and gated stairs. Instead, the public has maintained their access to enjoy our spectacular coastline.

This balancing act does not receive accolades from everyone. Indeed, many developers chafe at the restrictions placed on their projects from the Coastal Commission. It is these moneyed interests who are behind the push to terminate Lester, presumably to replace him with an executive director more malleable and protective of their interests.

California beaches belong to the public, and it is incumbent on the Coastal Commission to maintain a fair and balanced approach to both the development and the protection of our coast. As the executive director serves at the pleasure of the commission, it is inherently obvious that an undeserved termination initiated by commissioners sympathetic to developers will serve as a poignant warning to the next executive director where his or her priorities should lie.

By firing Dr. Lester without cause, the Coastal Commission undermines its own mission and creates an unmistakable message to California that money and influence trump the public good. We can only hope that good sense prevails.

Dorothy Kraus

Newport Beach

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Turning the page on Lido revival

I am thrilled to hear that Lido Books is not only staying in Lido Marina Village, but moving to a larger space (“Lido Books shop is getting new a cover,” Jan. 29). I have enjoyed browsing through this bookstore for years, which is one of the only places around that carries the magazines I enjoy from across the pond.

As I have watched this area languish in recent years, it is exciting that additional businesses are coming to the village. It appears the Lido Village is finally becoming the great place is was always meant to be!

Juli Hayden

Newport Beach