2002 campaign could hurt Crystal Cove

Paul Clinton

CRYSTAL COVE -- The 46 cottages dotting the rocky beach here may lose

their biggest booster.

California State Parks Director Rusty Areias, by signaling his run for

a state Senate seat on Wednesday, could be forced to resign his cabinet

post next month.

The outspoken Areias has taken a high-profile role in the future of

the historic buildings, promising to find money in state coffers to pay

for their restoration.

On Wednesday, Areias filed a “declaration of intent” to run in the

12th Senate District, which stretches from Merced to Salinas.

Areias, who will square off against Gary Condit’s 34-year-old son,

Chad, in the March 5 primary, said he could be an equally valuable ally

to the state park in the elected ranks.

“If I should go over to the Senate, it will help” the historic

cottages, Areias said. “As an influential member of the Senate, I will be

able to help” locate funds.

Activists who have taken a leading role in the effort to craft a

project with State Parks officials say they aren’t concerned about the

prospect of Areias leaving his post.

Heiress Joan Irvine Smith, who co-founded the Crystal Cove Conservancy

with activist Laura Davick to help raise money for the restoration, said

other parks officials would grab the baton from Areias.

“You have people in State Parks who support this just as strongly as

Rusty does,” Smith said. “I’ll be sorry to see Rusty go, but I don’t

think the policy will change.”

Jeannette Merrilees, a Laguna Beach activist who has been deeply

involved in the plan for the cottages, said funding for the project

wouldn’t be derailed, because it is high on Davis’ priority list.

“The Crystal Cove policy comes from the governor’s office,” Merrilees

said.

Areias said he was serious about running for the seat. However, he

isn’t a formal candidate until he files another round of paperwork Dec.

7.

Until that time, Areias won’t have to step down from his post. As a

member of Davis’ cabinet, Areias is prohibited from campaigning on the

public dime.

“The governor has made it very clear he does not want his full-time

employees involved in politics on state time,” said Garry South, Davis’

senior political advisor. “He’s not officially a candidate. At that time,

a decision will have to be made about what he does with his position.”

Areias said he has already discussed the matter with Davis. He plans

to discuss it further.

“At some point, I have to talk to him about that,” Areias said. “He’s

asked me for a recommendation for who would be appointed” as a successor.

* Paul Clinton covers the environment and John Wayne Airport. He may

be reached at (949) 764-4330 or by e-mail ato7

paul.clinton@latimes.comf7 .