I am one among many who have attended meetings at City Hall. Most have been downers, or boring, or a total waste of time, repetitive, and without any results. Well the Planning Commission’s monthly meeting on Aug. 27 was a winner. Inspiring is a better word!

Though sparsely attended, those who came were eloquent and well-informed, having done their homework. After three hours of comments came a consensus that we have been presented a seriously flawed EIR filled with inaccuracies and doublespeak.

Chairman Estrada deserves a salute! He permitted each speaker to complete his/her remarks instead of cutting off at the three-minute marker. Members of the commission listened attentively, and asked penetrating questions of the speakers. An impressive performance it was. There followed a 100 percent agreement, by voice vote, that the EIR has to go back to the drawing board.

What struck me was the civility at this meeting. There was deep concern on both sides of the lectern. So what is the lesson here? Those who care do show up and speak from an informed base giving invaluable input. Here was a remarkable display as to why this wonderful city is such an enriching place in which to live.

The Lower Arroyo Seco is not ‘‘a park,’’ and that label should be scrapped. It is an area stretching from the stables (in South Pasadena) to the southern edge of the Colorado Bridge — a natural area for walkers and horseback riders through a reign of quiet. Those who champion restoration (the word hiding behind development) need to rethink the purpose of what we have here. This section of the Arroyo Canyon is in need of nothing other than to be left alone. Of particular note is the need to remove the cement ditch; if this can occur that certainly will alter all other aspects of the EIR. The point is: let us not fall into the trap of altering a piece of naturalness. Let us respect it by letting it be!

Barbara Dahn
Pasadena