The Sept. 12 and 13 Coastal Commission hearings produced the usual howls of righteous indignation from our irate, talented and literate citizenry. I, too, would write in no small protest except I realize the futility of the effort. While letters full of vitriol provide an enjoyable way to use the English language -and are entertaining to some, I think we sadly are mistaken if we believe that they will change the course of events. We’ve had almost 18 months of letters since AB 988, and the commission marches on, unphased. Given what we’ve seen from the judiciary in the La Costa Cove appeal, I am beginning to have my doubts there also.
Where does all this leave us? Politics and money-and nothing else. We know that Mary Nichols, the governor’s resources secretary and a nonvoting member of the commission, brokered the La Costa Cove deal, which resulted in three wealthy donors obtaining relief from Coastal Commission development requirements by donating an access on La Costa. If you read her comments in the Sept. 14 edition of the L.A. Times, it is also clear that the governor is not going to do anything other than implement AB 988. Just like Iraq, we need a regime change. If Malibu’s political donation practices do not change; if Malibu’s voting record continues; and, if the political forces in Sacramento remain unchanged after the November elections, Malibu will have ratified the conduct of those who have caused us to write all those smoking red hot letters.
Think of it this way, folks-every dime that is donated to our current elected state leaders supports your local ESHA and consigns the Little League to who knows where. Every vote for one of them is a message that we think the LCP is just fine. Generally speaking, people get the government they deserve. If the Malibu voting record is any indication, we all should be rejoicing that the commission, Sen. Burton, Sen. Kuhl, Ms. Pavley and the governor are all taking such good care of us; we all want to have inflammable vegetation growing under our eaves; and we all want to pay for some expensive and futile litigation. Oh, it’s great to think about the great liberal causes but this issue is right here at home. Think about this before you write that check or volunteer to support a candidate.
Todd M. Sloan