From the Monterey County Herald
Serving Monterey County and the Salinas Valley

March 19, 2005

L E T T E R S

Editor:

We hear a good deal about private property rights, but very little about the responsibility, incumbent upon ownership, to society as a whole.

For example, the Pebble Beach Co.'s latest development proposal will radically diminish the Del Monte Forest as we know it. Who stands to lose?

The stockholders? Since the Del Monte Forest provides the singular environment for the primary assets of the company, its preservation should not be compromised.

The residents? Since they bear the major burden of taxation and, by virtue of home ownership, have a considerable financial as well as emotional investment in the environmental integrity of the forest, its preservation should be unquestioned.

The voters? Since Measure A was promoted as a vehicle to preserve the Del Monte Forest in perpetuity, the voters who supported the Initiative should be assured of the Company's compliance.

The community? Since the Del Monte Forest is the natural resource signature of the Monterey Peninsula and a recreational asset open to all, its preservation must be honored.

The forest? Since the Del Monte Forest is the single largest remaining stand of native Monterey pine forest in the world, it is an international treasure that must be preserved for posterity.

Janice M. O'Brien
Pebble Beach