EDITORIAL

As city officials move forward on a potential annexation of Santa Ana

Heights, they have a case to prove.

While some residents in the quaint, rural area north of the city are

happy to become Newport Beach residents, there are others who are

questioning the city’s motives.

And they have good reason. Annexation has been an issue in Santa Ana

Heights for many years, and one that has not been without controversy.

Over the years attempts have been made -- initiated both by the city and

by the residents -- but failed for a variety of reasons.

As such, there is still some deep-rooted bitterness on the part of

residents -- particularly those with long memories. They want to know why

the city is so interested in them now and if the city has something to

gain by annexing the area, they want to know what it is and be able to

capitalize on that.

There are a few reasons why the city thinks annexation makes sense for

Santa Ana Heights, and we tend to agree.

The city can provide better services than the county is providing the

area now, including library services, police and fire and recreational

programs. Residents would also receive better representation on local

issues from the Newport Beach City Council than by the county Board of

Supervisors, which oversees more regional matters.

Also, it’s good government. County islands -- as these pockets of

unincorporated land are called -- are supposed to be limited as much as

possible, according to county policy. Because the city is moving forward

on annexation of Newport Coast, it seems like a good idea to annex

everything else in its sphere of influence at the same time.

But there is a segment of the Santa Ana Heights community that doesn’t

see it that way. They fear annexation -- though it likely would increase

property values -- would change the character of their community. City

officials promise it won’t, but again it comes down to the trust issue.

Many residents feel the city has “thumbed its nose” at the residents and

their unique way of life for years and suspect that they are being played

as pawns in the elaborate El Toro airport chess game. If the city annexes

Santa Ana Heights, officials will have more control and more power over

any proposed expansion of John Wayne Airport than they would if the area

remained county land. Some Santa Ana Heights residents, who are content

with their existing situation, would rather not play that helpful role

without getting something in return.

Even if Santa Ana Heights residents and the city can work out an

agreement, there are a couple of other snags in the proposed annexation.

One is the John Wayne issue. Chances are county officials won’t be so

quick to give up the area just south of the airport -- not only in the

case of an expansion, but also because of the potentially dangerous

precedent it could set. County officials strongly oppose Irvine’s attempt

to annex the El Toro Marine base and would be hard-pressed to justify why

it allowed Newport to do the same thing with land adjacent to John Wayne.

Complicating matters further is the way the area was mapped out for

future growth -- half of Santa Ana Heights is supposed to go to Newport

Beach and the other half to Costa Mesa. While those residents who are

supposed to be swallowed up by Newport Beach aren’t sure they want to be,

the faction destined for Costa Mesa would rather be in Newport Beach. Go

figure.

The whole situation seems like a big mess that might be better left

alone. But the city is nevertheless pushing forward with its plans --

and, for the most part, we think rightly so.

But we also think that if annexation is the best thing for this

community, the burden of proof lies with Newport Beach city

leaders.Otherwise, the jury may remain out.