Editorial

Everyone who’s enjoyed the Back Bay during the past 25 years owes a

debt of gratitude to Fran Robinson.

Robinson, who died June 30, and her husband, Frank, are the main and

major reason why the bay has protection as an ecological habitat. Rather

than let the Irvine Co. develop the Bay Back in 1969, the couple sued to

stop the county from handing over the land. Four years later, a judge

ruled in their favor, paving the way for the state to buy the land and

turn it into into a preserve.

Keep in mind, they didn’t set out on this fight at a time when almost

everyone at least claims a green streak and love of the environment.

Residents of the city since 1962, they were labeled “kooks,” and Fran

herself got hit with a double whammy: “birdbrained housewife.” The

implication is still clear: She had all the free time in the world, but

didn’t have a clue how to spend it.

How wrong those critics were. Fran, it turns out, had the clear,

strong sight of an eagle and was able to see how important it would be to

keep the fragile ecosystem whole and unspoiled. The Upper Newport Bay is

a beautiful haven for endangered birds. It could have been just another

tract of housing.

It was a fitting tribute that some 200 people braved a drizzly morning

for her memorial service at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center,

which sits on the northern edge of the Back Bay. A lasting tribute will

be the city’s, county’s and state’s continued preservation of this

treasured bit of land, which she helped ensure for future generations to

enjoy.

They, too, should treat it right. They should treat it as Fran did.