SAY AGAIN

“It started out kind of as a rebuild of what was there. Then we added the

pool, we expanded the gymnasium, we added this, we added that.”

-- Gary Monahan, Costa Mesa’s mayor, on the reason the city needed to

commit $1.7 million more for the reconstruction of the Downtown Community

Center.

“Guido thanks you, too. He’s a happy dog.”

-- Dodie Braun, a user of Costa Mesa’s Bark Park, on the City Council’s

decision to allow grass at the park, and on her Chihuahua’s reaction to

the news.

“I’ve known this place since I was a kid. It’s hard to believe that

Newport would lose such an important landmark. It’s going to save a lot

of controversy and hard feelings.”

-- Bill Hamilton, longtime owner of the Cannery Restaurant, on news that

the restaurant will remain open rather than be torn down and replaced

with condos.

“Those that know how to read aren’t being challenged in other areas.”

-- Debbie England, a parent of former College Park Elementary School

students, on concerns about the education being provided at the school.

She pulled her children out of the school last year.

“Know what they call me in class? Mr. Reader or Mr. Book. All I do during

recess is read.”

-- Corey Sandler, 11, who helped put together the “Starlight Cafe” to

promote reading at Davis Elementary.