THE WEEK IN REVIEW

A textbook arrest

Costa Mesa police officers responded quickly -- and successfully -- to

an attempted bank robbery Thursday morning. The two suspects were caught

not long after they tried to make off with $3,200.

Police Lt. John FitzPatrick said that the chase demonstrated the

discipline of the officers, who waited for the suspects to run into a

wall of officers.

No one was seriously injured in the robbery or the chase, a fortunate

ending to what could have been a much sadder story.

A run for education

In a week, about 1,500 runners will take part in the 13th annual

Newport Harbor High School Heritage Run.

The race is an event that has come to symbolize Newport Beach’s

commitment to its schools -- organizers hope to raise $30,000 for an

academic decathlon, PTA programs and college scholarships. It’s proof

positive of the dedication our community has for its schools. And

something we could always use more of.

Trafficking in red lights

A report this week by the Automobile Club of Southern California found

that the intersection of Bear Street and South Coast Drive is the most

dangerous for running red lights in the county.

Residents speculated that the long wait at the light -- or a slope on

Bear Street -- might be the cause of the danger, and of the 10 accidents

at the intersection last year.

The good news is that city traffic engineers have begun a study to

figure out the reasons for the accidents. The better news will be when a

solution is found.

An aptly named wave

The Wedge claimed another victim this week as a Riverside man was

taken to the hospital with neck injuries after being pounded by a wave at

the legendary bodysurfing spot.

When the swell hits the Newport break just right, it’s a blessing and

a curse. There’s certainly no way to keep people out of the water, and so

we can only hope those in the surf stay as safe as possible

This story did have a bright side. Witnesses to the accident,

including former Junior Lifeguard Peter Finch, managed to aid the victim

and stabilize his neck until paramedics arrived.

Finch credited his Junior Lifeguard training, and so do we.