MAILBAG - Sept. 23, 1999

In my opinion, the residents of Newport Beach are extremely

fortunate to have one of the very best law enforcement agencies possible.

For the most part it is taken for granted and not properly appreciated by

most of us -- until we need their assistance!

The Newport Beach Police Department provides many services to the

community. One of the least known is the Citizens Police Academy. This

12-week program is offered to local residents to increase their

understanding of the department’s numerous operations. Chief Bob

McDonell’s highly proficient officers and civilian personnel who staff

the academy do a truly outstanding job in their presentations and

demonstrations.

I feel very fortunate to have been one of the 22 members of Class No.

3 permitted to participate in this invaluable program. To experience

firsthand some of the everyday activities and problems faced by our

officers, to say the least, is sobering but also eye-opening. It

certainly makes you realize the value of their services. One cannot help

but appreciate the professional character of these officers -- their

formal educations, their advanced training, their alert dedication to

duty, and their service-oriented attitudes and public relations demeanors

-- all resulting in the highest level of crime prevention and law

enforcement.

My heartfelt thanks are extended to the NBPD and to our City Council

for sponsoring such a valuable program. It should be noted that

additional classes are being formed (call 644-3662 for information).

CHARLES D. GRIFFEN

Little Balboa Island

Council’s decision on Brewing Co. was ironic

Norma Glover voted to overturn the Planning Commission’s decision to

not allow hard liquor sales at Newport Brewery (“Brewing Co. can serve

hard alcohol,” Sept. 15). Her stated reason was to prevent another

business failure. How ironic! Glover voted to deny an earlier Planning

Commission permit to continue live entertainment at the Cannery. Her lack

of support became a major cause of our demise and the end of an era in

Newport Beach.

BILL HAMILTON

Corona del Mar