Development Plan Threatens Monasteries, Environment

Dear Editor,

I am a local resident who is concerned with destruction of our natural environment in Southern California. The project that I am especially incensed about involves a real estate development between two old monasteries in Trabuco Canyon area.

The developers seem intent on maximizing the profit potential of the property at the expense of these monasteries. The developers, by means of some unethical behavior, along with their considerable financial resources, have been able to get their project approved despite the pleas for compromise from the monks of these monasteries and their advocates.

These monasteries are ideal because they are out in the country, and the peace and tranquillity lends itself to a contemplative life. For over 50 years, these monasteries have been able to maintain this tranquillity because of their remote location. However, as you may know, urban sprawl in southern California is rampant, and here in Orange County developers have dominated the political environment.

This Saddleback Meadows Project involves building hundreds of luxury homes on a piece of land that separates these two monasteries. We had hoped that the county would either not permit the building of these homes or at least get the developer to scale back the project. However, the county is very pro-business/anti-environment, and it seems like this project along with all the other huge development projects in this area will get approval. We (perhaps naively) thought that since one of the monasteries had donated hundreds of acres nearby to the county for a public park, they would at least take under consideration their concerns with this development. Not so.

The monks of these monasteries, along with a group of local residents, have tried to make their case, but the developer has considerable financial resources. We tried to point out to the county that the property had some special considerations. First, the developer wants to level the hilly terrain, thereby destroying the natural environment. Being in a geologically unstable area, mudslides could easily inundate our neighboring monastery and other homes nearby. In addition this property has 50% of the known vernal pools, which are homes to two endangered species, and these would mostly be destroyed.

Currently, we are down to the "final hour." The developer has obtained approval in the permit acquisition phase, and now it is up to the County Board of Supervisors to approve the development in approximately 30 days. Since they are pro-development, our only hope is that perhaps a "ground swell" of public opinion directed at these supervisors will influence their decision. If by some miracle we can get them to vote the project down, we may be able to either get the developer to scale back the project or sell the land to a nature conservancy organization.

If the project goes through, the beautiful, peaceful atmosphere of these two monasteries will be lost. For decades, these two monasteries have been a refuge to spiritual seekers as well as the thousands of people who come every year to enjoy the natural setting for walks, bird watching, picnicking, etc. In this day and age, it seems like the only thing that is sacred is money, but I believe we will all ultimately pay a price when we have exploited and destroyed the natural gifts God has given us.

It also seems worthwhile not only to protect the endangered species but the endangered way of life of the religious. I hope you can appreciate what difficulties they have in trying to live a life of poverty and chastity, especially in southern California. Their greatest support is to live with the very few who share the same convictions in a place separated from the world and where the presence of God is regularly practiced. I believe these religious communities are needed in our society because they show an alternative way of life, especially to those who find the world's carnality and materialism unfulfilling. Without people who will "stand in the gap" with us, their way of life and the beautiful sanctuaries where we live will be sold to the highest bidder. I urge all my fellow citizens that share my concerns contact The Orange County Board of Supervisors and let them know your views. Contact information follows.