(letter from Don Fong to Metro Santa Cruz, June 28, 1998)

Editors:

Despite Ron Goodman's obfuscations (6/24), the facts remain
as I stated.  People Power has consistently supported paving
a direct path thru Arana Gulch, putting the interests of
bicyclists above the needs of endangered species.

Goodman protests, "People Power still has no resolution in
favor of our own plan."  But he conveniently neglects to
mention that People Power *has* passed resolutions backing
*other* plans that cut thru the Gulch and that would be
just as destructive.

Goodman says People Power remains "concerned" about
ecological damage.  That's about as useful as Bill Clinton
saying, "I feel your pain."

Goodman cites People Power's support for the Harbor Bridge
option that would spare the Gulch.  Yet despite pleas from
other supporters of the Harbor Bridge, People Power obstinately
refused to rescind their support for a direct path.  Their
two-faced support effectively undercut the Harbor Bridge
and ensured its demise.

Goodman says People Power's new plan avoids areas where the
tarplant has been found.  That shows about as much ecological
sensitivity as a logger leaving one tree standing because it
has a spotted owl's nest in it.

I doubt People Power's position even represents their
own grassroots membership.  In my experience, most People
Power members are the kind of folks who want to be models of
environmental responsibility --- not the kind who'd want to
pave over endangered species habitat just so they could get
to Capitola Mall a little faster.

--- Don Fong