Santa Barbara County Squashes a Dream

Re “Dream Ranch Forsaken,” Column One, Feb. 12: The great story of Jose Luis Bonilla and his dream of freedom of expression denied by a Santa Barbara County edict brought tears to my eyes. Such expressions of art and culture should be encouraged and not dashed.

That is probably the loneliest road in Santa Barbara County, and such a monument to a man’s heritage and background should be welcomed and supported.

His drive and determination that brought about such a wonderful transformation to a barren piece of the county should be assisted not disparaged.

What a showplace this could be to the concept of free enterprise.

What a story of what can be accomplished in a free democratic society -- a dishwasher becoming a chef, then owning his own market and developing a genuine replica of a Mexican village -- what an example of vision and determination.

I hope the county of Santa Barbara wakes up to the potential of this man’s dream.

Tom Joyce

Pasadena

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The story of Bonilla’s Asi Es Mi Tierra was very touching. It is a shame that the Santa Barbara County officials don’t let creativity and imagination build a wonderland. It also makes you think that too many laws and restrictions don’t let you think outside the box.

If he had started his work after seeking permits and approval, I am sure his work wouldn’t have become a masterpiece.

It is the originality of his artistry that paved the way for something so fascinating.

If there were too many of such laws and restrictions, I wonder if there would have been a Taj Mahal.

The county officials should know that once people come to know the story behind this magnificent work of imagination, more and more people would want to visit this village and thus bring money to the county.

Bravo to Bonilla, for such unfailing zeal and tireless dedication to work that inspires a lot of people like me.

Veena Mathew

Corona