Readers respond

At issue: We asked readers what they thought should be done in the

planned refurbishing of Beach Boulevard.

The city should pass an ordinance [so that] if there were to be any new

buildings, painting or stucco, the builders would have a theme of maybe

four colors to choose from, or even a surf-related theme instead of

having every building up and down the street a different theme, style or

color. And if anyone were to repaint a building, they could do it in

blue, green or white, and then it would be a cost-efficient way to have

our own Irvine Boulevard.

BEN BASSHAM

Huntington Beach

I disapprove of the Beach median repairs or reconstruction very much. I

think there are a lot of other things that could be done with the money,

especially Shorewood and Mediterranean drives, where sidewalks and sewers

are getting clogged.

NORMAN K. JONES

Huntington Beach

I am opposed to the Beach Boulevard reconstruction until they fix my

street. Our street doesn’t drain properly, and our sidewalks look like a

mountain ridge. The kids just love skateboarding on them because there’s

just nothing but one jump after another. The trees have been tearing up

the plumbing, the driveways and the curb and sidewalks.

W.R. SPENCER JR.

Huntington Beach

I agree that there is a need for a better image for the main route into

our city. Uniform building design would certainly give the city a better

image, and welcome signs that project the image of Surf City, USA --

perhaps with palm trees -- would give the arriving visitor a feel for the

city.

While the terrible traffic on Beach in years past briefly improved after

adding additional lanes and turn lanes, the problem is as bad as ever.

As new housing developments have added to our population density, the

traffic has grown worse. Drivers find themselves on a road with a 50-mph

speed limit often going 30 mph in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Pedestrians

often delay traffic as they cross Beach, delaying vehicles that are

turning and holding up traffic behind them.

There are too many accidents as frustrated drivers race to beat lights. I

daily see many drivers run red lights as they attempt to beat the caution

lights.

Perhaps cameras at intersections that issue citations for running a light

would help eliminate this very dangerous situation.

ROGER A. JOHNSON

Huntington Beach