Harman hopes for proposed bill to raise awareness regarding the

mesa

Tariq Malik

HUNTINGTON BEACH -- Environmentalists are lauding Assemblyman Tom

Harman (R-Huntington Beach) for his efforts to find state funding to

purchase the Bolsa Chica mesa.

The former Surf City councilman announced the bill proposal last week

that would appropriate about $25 million if passed.

“I am obviously very pleased,” said Councilwoman Connie Boardman, who

is also a member of the Bolsa Chica Land Trust, adding that a having an

assemblyman backing Bolsa Chica at the state level is encouraging.

The mesa, consisting primarily of more than 230 acres, runs along

Warner Avenue and is adjacent to state-owned wetlands along Pacific Coast

Highway.

“All funding bets are off with the energy crisis in effect,” Harman

said of the proposal, adding that there are still major hurdles for the

bill proposal to overcome. “If nothing else, I hope the legislation will

increase the awareness of the need to try and preserve open space in

major urban areas.”

Evan Henry and Linda Moon, presidents of the land trust and Amigos de

Bolsa Chica respectively, agreed that the mesa is one of the largest

ecological prizes in private hands.

Mesa landowner Signal Landmark, and developer Hearthside Homes, hope

to build homes on the land, though the California Coastal Commission,

restricted development to only 65 of the 183 acres last November. The two

have since filed suit against the commission.

Harman said Signal and Hearthside officials have never clearly stated

that they would willingly sell the land, but it would be more likely if

they knew there was a qualified buyer with available funds.

Harman added that he is also seeking matching funds for the bill and

hopes to offer fair and just compensation for the property owners should

the legislation be passed.

Henry and Moon said their respective organizations are interested in

contributing to those matching funds, though that may still not be enough

to purchase all of the land.

Lucy Dunn, Hearthside’s executive vice president, did not return phone

calls Tuesday on whether selling the mesa is a possibility.