MAILBAG - Jan. 27, 2000

Good detective work brings back car

On Dec. 20, 1999, I reported to the Newport Beach Police Department that

my car had been stolen from my offices in Newport Beach. The thief had

actually taken my car keys from my office desk.

An officer wrote up the report in a most competent and courteous manner.

Because the vehicle was equipped with a security system, the Newport

Beach Police Department worked with the L.A. Sheriff’s Department and, I

believe, eventually the Los Angeles Police Department from the West Los

Angeles area in recovering the vehicle.

The car was recovered and returned to me, surprisingly enough, in

completely undamaged condition -- nor was anything missing from the glove

compartment or the trunk.

I wish to commend in particular Newport Det. Doug Jones. His tenacity, as

well as the courteous and professional manner in which he worked with my

office staff, exemplified what we expect from a police officer.

I am convinced that without his dedication and personal determination, my

automobile would not have been recovered.

KARL O. BERGHEER

Newport Beach

Council should study traffic, density

In the Daily Pilot’s City Council preview, it states that the council and

the commission will have a joint meeting to review planning and

development in the past year, particularly the five major plan amendments

going through the city now.

So to the City Council and the Planning Commission, please, as you

proceed in your review, don’t just examine each of the five major

amendments individually, but study among other considerations the traffic

and density effects created by the entire package.

CLAUDIA OWEN

Newport Beach

Skate park in right place at right time

It was very disappointing to read Mike Schaefer’s criticism of the Costa

Mesa City Council’s decision in the Jan. 4 Daily Pilot.

The selection of the Charle/Hamilton site for the first skateboard park

means our youth will have a place to skate. For over 15 years, the Costa

Mesa City Council has weighed the issue of a skate park facility. I

believe this council has taken a positive step for the youth of our

community.

I commend their action and praise their diligence in addressing this

long-standing question.

The action is also popular with skateboarders in this city. A rebuttal to

Schaefer’s comments appeared in the Jan. 13 Daily Pilot. The rebuttal

indicates that the site “may not be perfect.” It goes on to state that

“it is the best solution for the residents of Costa Mesa.” The selected

site is an excellent compromise that will add to our park space in areas

that are lacking that amenity.

The homeowners from Lions Park neighborhood have a legitimate concern for

the “green space” in their neighborhood. The homeowners in Mesa Del Mar

are already significantly impacted by the activities in TeWinkle Park.

Schaefer suggests removing “green space” rather than installing new park

space. The council has not overlooked these details. They have thoroughly

reviewed the pros and cons of each site. They have listened with care to

the concerns of the neighbors.

More skate park sites will be needed, according to past city staff

reports. This will be the first and will allow time for investigations of

other locations. The Orange County Fair may be willing to discuss the

possibility of a skate facility at the fairgrounds and are just beginning

long-range plans for the future.

This council has taken a positive step toward increasing park space as

well as meeting a need of our city’s youth. The members have done the job

we expect of them. Our city’s youth need this park, and we should not

delay progress further. I commend and support the Costa Mesa City

Council’s decision wholeheartedly.

JIM ATKINSON

Costa Mesa