MAILBAG - Dec. 11, 1999

Many, many thanks for the undeserved tributes to me made in two recent

articles by Noaki Schwartz (“Sansone says ‘aloha’ to Newport,” Dec. 2,

and “Bittersweet farewell,” Dec. 7) I cannot return all the phone calls

taken on my recorder and I would appreciate your giving me the

opportunity of taking this avenue to thank all the callers for their kind

comments.

Many thanks and aloha.

PHIL SANSONE

Resident says thanks to Phil Sansone

Some years back Newport Beach laid off four developmentally disabled

adults who, accompanied by their programs job coach, were hired to pick

up debris along the beaches and boardwalk in Balboa.

I was stunned because they did a good job, so I called city hall and

asked, “Why?” The reply was, the city can no longer afford to pay them.

“Four days a week, three hours a day at half of minimum wage?” I asked

shocked.

I was given Phil Sansone’s phone number.

“I had no idea they even worked for the city,” he said. “You just stay

put and I will call you right back.”

Ten minutes later my phone rang and Phil Sansone said, “Shirley, their

jobs are intact and their program director will be notified immediately.”

Myself and many others have never forgot his caring.

Thank you again, Phil. And enjoy Hawaii!

SHIRLEY PIHA

Newport Beach

Concerned about population growth

Thanksgiving’s edition featured a smiling Sebo family giving thanks to

Habitat for Humanity and their new home (“Thanks a million!” Nov. 25).

Their pride in construction of their home and assistance in building

another home is inspiring. In light of our increasingly overcrowded

cities, I found their decision to have a fifth child disturbing. From a

global perspective the burgeoning human population is accelerating demise

of other species and consumption of nonrenewable resources. On a local

note, roads are annoyingly congested and open space is disappearing.

I wonder if they have thought about where their children will build their

homes.

DIANE BAKER

Corona del Mar

Five people don’t make a whole city

Today’s Pilot, Dec. 6, had a headline that I resent. It said “Costa Mesa

to Consider Supporting El Toro Plan.” In the article, there were similar

words used. One of the instances being, “...while Costa Mesa has been

pro-airport it has not specifically endorsed an airport plan.” Let’s get

something straight. Five council members are not Costa Mesa. Costa Mesa

is a city of about 100,000 people. This city has never been canvassed in

any way, shape or form as to how each of us feels about El Toro becoming

an airport. Those five people haven’t a clue. They speak for themselves.

And at their political peril, too, I might add. Please be more specific.

Say, Costa Mesa City Council, not Costa Mesa.

ART STANLOW

Costa Mesa

The almighty dollar reigns in Seawind issue

The “almighty dollar” -- what a pity that “almighty” has taken over so

much from the other “Almighty.”

I have lived in Newport Beach for more than 50 years, and for the last 24

years in the lovely community of Seawind. When we purchased our home at

the east end of Port Carlisle, we enjoyed looking at the beautiful hills

where the cattle roamed, and I understand now is known as “Newport Ridge

North.”

The cattle have long gone, but the lovely hills still grace our

environment and have contributed to our quality of life. Why, oh why,

must we now be faced with houses being built on the west side of this

ridge? Please leave us some uninhabited space.

HELEN PETERMAN

Newport Beach

Proposal would ruin town’s quaintness

I cringed when I read your editorial about the project to “beautify”

Corona del Mar (“Proposal could provide crucial anchor,” Dec 2).

The very quaintness you refer to comes from the fact that it is not

filled with matching tile-roofed buildings, ala Donald Bren-style

development.

Landscape like crazy, but please don’t make a downtown area with a

so-called “theme.”

ANN MERRITT

Corona del Mar