Congresswoman Sanchez tours the mesa

Angelique Flores

The Bolsa Chica Land Trust gave Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Garden Grove) a

tour of the Bolsa Chica mesa on Monday afternoon.

The Land Trust invited Sanchez, who represents Fountain Valley, to visit

the mesa to give her insight into the importance of the habitat and its

preservation.

About 17 representatives from the Land Trust, the Bolsa Chica Stewards,

Amigos de Bolsa Chica and Native Americans guided Sanchez along the

trail, pointing out the birds, animals and plant life.

“It’s really important we have representatives from the inland areas to

be exposed to these areas, which are not just for those on the coast, but

for all people,” said Thierry Kolpin, director of the Bolsa Chica

Stewards.

To the shock of Land Trust members, three trucks were also spotted

trespassing and off-roading in the wetland area.

“I know it’s getting to a crucial point in the issue, and I need to have

more information about what’s going on,” said Sanchez, who has previously

walked the trail for leisure.

Developer Hearthside Homes hopes to build more than 1,200 houses on the

mesa. Environmentalists have been fighting the plan for years, and last

month the Coastal Commission staff said it is recommending to slash by

more than half the area that Hearthside is allowed to build on. The

commission will hear the matter in April.

Sanchez has taken a stand on the issue but said she plans to hear both

sides of the debate. Still, she said she recognizes the importance of

open space and the preservation of natural wetlands.