PIPELINE:Activists' wetlands research looks solid

I've been reading about Mark Bixby for the last few months. He's the computer engineer- cum-environmental activist who has spent the last five years walking softly and carrying a big camera, documenting one of the last significant open spaces in Huntington Beach (on the northeast border of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands). The 50 acres he patrols is called Parkside, and while Brea-based Shea Homes is looking to construct up to 150 homes here, Bixby (and others) are fighting the construction in the name of protecting precious coastal wetlands. The debate centers on whether or not this truly is a wetlands area and, if so, how much of it warrants protection.

In this city rich with historic wetlands battles, this may be the last great stand. Shea disputes how Bixby is defining the area, while he is adamant that his thousands of hours of personal documentation and study bear out his points.

In particular, his photo studies of local raptors, plant life and other indigenous aspects of the land have so far proven invaluable as the battle of Parkside escalates. Shea says it has allocated enough open space and forfeiting more would hamper development.

Last week, at a showdown before the California Coastal Commission, Bixby and his Bolsa Chica Land Trust compatriots came up big. They presented evidence relating to birds, water and plant life. But the trump card came in the form of photos and information they revealed, which they say offer proof that Shea is responsible for illegal land filling that took place on some of the property. Pointedly, they accused Shea of doing this to hide the fact that wetlands existed on the property.

"You can't let them cover up a wetland and say the wetland does not exist," Jan Vandersloot, a Bolsa Chica Land Trust board member and co-founder, said dramatically. You can't let them get away with that!" And they swayed the commission enough to force the issue to another round, which will happen in July up in San Luis Obispo after the charges can be fully investigated. When you speak with some of the senior Bolsa Chica players, you get a clear sense that Bixby plays a huge part in taking this fight into the late rounds. Vandersloot told me Bixby's efforts are, "Truly amazing — for a citizen to take such copious data in this manner is unprecedented. What he has accomplished is nothing short of remarkable."