Citizens of San Diego,
The following is a clarification of my presentation to the La Jolla Parks & Beaches organization on Jan. 28 for the need of a small park and improved facilities at the dead end of Marine Street.
My presentation was timed out and my rebuttal to the protesters was heckled and finally shut down. The protest group consisted of homeowners in the Barber Tract. The protesters had the following list to deny consideration for any part of my proposal: • Money can be better spent on other LJ projects; • Increase in loitering by homeless; • Fire lane path is too narrow for emergency vehicles and places responders further away; • The city sewer access would be restricted or it would have to be moved; • The beachside features will not withstand the storm high tides; • Statues and benches provide target rich area for graffiti; • White Sands trash removal will be hindered because they use the site as a staging area.
My responses are: • This project is self-funding, so there will be no money to spend elsewhere. • The area is regularly inundated by individuals and groups. As a park it will be more patrolled. The benches are close-ended 4 feet wide, to accommodate two people sitting, so they will not be suitable for homeless to sleep on as claimed by protesters.  • Instead of the current 16 to 19 narrow steps (depending on sand level), an elevator can transport injured bathers to be comfortably brought to street level where they can be rolled via a handicap ramp to an emergency vehicle.  • None of the utility installations will be affected. The vault with metal grating doors in the middle of the street are left unimpeded. Stormwater system will be vastly improved from the current mess of sandbags and massive openings under awkwardly high curbs at the northwest end. • The platform planned for beach level is specifically intended to withstand the high tides and prevent waves from deteriorating the sea wall.  • Statues and benches will not be exposed to graffiti any more than other areas.  • White Sands has 5-plus acres to deal with its internal requirements. Do the residents really prefer to have a garbage truck marshaling operation rather than a small park? It is I who should be insulted for the rejection of my design in favor of garbage bin operations.
None of the purported “reasons” against this small park by local homeowners are valid. They are merely concocted attempts to prevent something to be developed in their general area for the public to enjoy. 
There is consideration for a vote to be held at the next LJP&B meeting whether my concept should be trashed. I suggest the matter should be put to a general vote of the public whether or not to provide proper and safe access to the beach (including handicapped), state-of-the-art lifeguard and safety facilities, restrooms, and a wonderful space for people to relax and view the ocean in a surrounding of art forms and colorful foliage. Sincerely,
Erik Holtsmark 
[email protected]