There are few issues in Huntington Beach that have been as contentious as development in the Bolsa Chica Wetlands and on the Mesa. Over the past 30 years many projects have come and gone. What we see today is a greatly reduced version of what was once envisioned for this beautiful habitat. In the past few years a serious effort has been undertaken to raise the funds needed to acquire property and restore the habitat. Currently the wetland portion is being rehabilitated and provides an amazing habitat for all sorts of unique birds, fish and other critters. If you have never gone for a walk on the trails out there I highly recommend it!

What remains for consideration right now is 10 acres of land near the end of Bolsa Chica Avenue. It is very close to an Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area or ESHA and is on top of several important archaeological sites. The tragedy of these two sites is that the City is moving forward a plan for housing on these sites which ignores precedent in the area. It does not have a thorough environmental review and ittakes away currently zoned Open Space!

As a Planning Commissioner I have fought hard to require additional environmental review. I have worked hard to try and preserve the Open Space. As a Council member I will work equally hard to keep sensitive area open for future generations!

What do you think? Do we need more homes up on the Bolsa Chica Mesa? I would love to hear them... email me!