Locating the Nixon Library

I read Tiffany Richardson’s letter to the editor (Aug. 16). She wouldn’t really want to deprive Yorba Linda of the proposed Nixon Library, would she? That is where he was born, and the house is still there. He and Mrs. Nixon spent little time in San Clemente, and the house they had here no longer exists.

The library would not be a museum as such. It is the archives of the Nixon presidency, where school classes can come and study the Nixon years. The Nixons were not really connected to San Clemente. The ladies of San Clemente asked Mrs. Nixon to be honorary president of the Ladies Guild, and she refused. Two places, including the San Clemente Inn, tried to have small museums of the Nixons, but no one came, and they closed them down.

My big concern is the proposed site of the building--right on the cliffs. I think the 16.7 acres should be used as a park for the people. At present the plans are for a park of less than 25% of the total acreage. I also question the $30 million the homeowners of San Clemente will have to pay.

An article in The Times about two months ago said it would be paid by a city sales tax and bed tax. I wouldn’t buy a stick of gum in San Clemente if it meant more taxes.

RICHARD E. VAUGHN

San Clemente