Water District’s Planning All Wet

* Re “Ruling Backs Development Deal,” Nov. 4:

I am vehemently opposed to the Serrano Water District’s attempt to sell Barham Ranch to SunCal Cos. for the development of 600 homes.

I believe Barham Ranch should be preserved for environmental reasons and for the benefit of future generations. Barham Ranch is an environmental keystone linking Santiago Oaks Regional Park and Irvine Regional Park.

This land is home to wrens, hawks, owls, rattlesnakes, laurel sumac, live oaks and sage. Developing this land will cause irreversible damage to the ecosystem. The current inhabitants will perish.

Additionally, the extensive grading required to build homes on the property will cause direct damage to the surrounding parks. It seems ironic that the Serrano Water District wants to sell this land to developers. Do they understand the severe environmental consequences?

Without the plants to hold the soil together, rain will erode the topsoil. The silt that is carried will pollute water sources and damage riparian habitat. Construction of 600 homes on this land will also draw increased air pollution and traffic to this area that is already one of the world’s leaders for worst air quality and traffic.

As a citizen, I vote that we do not let anyone construct a road on the public land surrounding Barham Ranch. The developers are going to have a tough time building and selling homes without any connection to the roads.

THEODORE SCHEEL

Cupertino