The big ‘thumbs down.’ Supervisor Pam Slater-Price (left) and Gerri Retman-Opper show their displeasure with a rendering that illustrates a hotel planned for the Gateway Property in Solana Beach. With Retman-Opper’s help, the property has been purchased for open space. Appearing next to Retman-Opper is her husband, Ira.
SOLANA BEACH–In a ceremony filled with goodwill and mutual congratulations, county Supervisor Pam Slater-Price recognized Solana Beach resident Gerri Retman-Opper for her contributions toward the recent purchase of premium property for preservation at the city’s northern entrance.
“In her dogged effort to preserve the property as open space, Retman-Opper rallied and educated fellow residents, attended dozens of marathon meetings and testified repeatedly before the City Council,” Slater-Price told a crowd of nearly 100 well-wishers.
Slater-Price noted that support from Retman-Opper, other private donors and from the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy led to the successful purchase of the 3.4-acre lot in December. The property overlooks the San Elijo Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean.
During the mid-1980s, plans to build a hotel on the Gateway Property prompted a successful campaign for Solana Beach to incorporate as a city in 1986. Retman-Opper fought against subsequent development proposals, which threatened public views, community character and the fragile ecology of nearby San Elijo Lagoon.
While the lagoon conservancy has taken title to the property, the organization must raise funds to keep it. To learn more about the fundraising campaign, visitwww.sanelijo.org/gateway
