LETTERS NEWS LACKING ON VALLEY'S MANY SPECIES UNDER THREAT.

The Santa Clarita Valley is home to many threatened, endangered, or ofspecial-concern species. I am wondering why there has not been coverage on the many endangered species present in our valley particularly along the Santa Clara River and the tributaries.

For instance, the North Valencia II and Westcreek projects are potential habitat for the endangered least Bell's vireo, the California gnatcatcher, the Southwestern willow flycatcher, the willow flycatcher, the Peregrine falcon and other birds in serious decline.

Birds of prey are in decline in the area because of loss of habitat and the introduction of nonnative species such as the domestic cat which is a huge problem for ground nesting and ground feeding birds, mammals, amphibians and rabbits. In addition domestic cats also have introduced feline disease to our wildcat population such as the bobcat and mountain lion. The mountain lion is present is North Valencia II and Westcreek.

There has not been enough coverage of these issues and our general public is not being educated on the loss of habitat and how it contributes to the further decline of rare or endangered species.

The Santa Clara River and its tributaries have been recognized by the California Audubon Society as being a continentally important bird habitat. Why haven't we recognized their importance and made provisions to protect it?

The buffer zones along these areas are clearly not enough. These areas are designated Sensitive Ecological Areas and yet we approve building smack in the middle of these habitats. Developers will put up 6-foot fences to keep out people and domestic animals (any cat I know can scale a 6-foot fence) and then they will post signs that state ``Sensitive Ecological Area, please keep your voices down.''

Clearly this is not efficient and I hope that soon our valley learns to appreciate these rare species and demand that our local and county governments make better choices in preserving what little habitat is left so that future generations have the opportunity to see our beautiful and so rare species.

In many surveys taken across our country, people clearly support conserving endangered species and their habitats. By not protecting these habitats, our local and county governments are failing to serve the public at large. Perhaps our public is not aware that there are so many rare and special species present in our rivers and creeks. Perhaps our papers can do a better job of educating our public.

-Teresa Savaikie

Saugus

Proposal for water tower is all wet

As a resident of the Canyon Country community and a member of the Canyon Country General Beautification Committee, I am very concerned regarding the proposed placement of a 32-foot-tall and 30-foot-wide water tower adjacent to Soledad Canyon Road. I do not feel this is an appropriate place for such a large structure which would clearly be visible from both Soledad Canyon Road and the Antelope Valley Freeway.

This would be the first ``improvement'' the Castaic Lake Water Agency has performed in our area after having purchased Santa Clarita Water Co. As you know, many of the local residents had grave concerns regarding that acquisition. Placing something like this along one of our main corridors will serve to verify that our fears were justified.

Canyon Country is valiantly trying to improve its appearance and image. This placement would be very detrimental to this effort. Please reconsider the placement of this water tower at this location. As a Canyon County resident, I am sure you are concerned about the area in which you live. Please be our ally in our efforts, not our foe.

- Berta Gonzalez-Harper

Canyon Country