Mailbag - Feb. 5, 2000

Yachts of yesteryear a hit

Regarding John Blaich’s article on the steamship Louise. I am an

old-timer around here, and I enjoyed it very much. But I think I would

like to see more of it.

WILLARD COURTNEY

Newport Beach

Woman is a hero, not a ‘dognapper’

Is there so little crime in our community that you have to make up a

crime for your front page? I’m referring to the “kidnapped” Labrador

puppy. If I picked up a stray puppy at a car wash and later took it to a

vet, I would hope that I would be considered a hero, not a “dognapper.”

The only “criminal act” was the owner not keeping his puppy in a secure

environment and failing to have tags on his beloved pet.BARBARA BARNES

Newport Beach

Closer Look is informative

Your new feature, “A Closer Look,” is a great idea that is off to a fine

start. What I look for on important issues is background, perspective,

arguments pro and con, and something about the players. Noaki Schwartz’s

reporting gave me what I want on the Greenlight Initiative (Jan. 24).

An indication of the article’s success is that it stimulated more ideas

and fundamental questions, such as: What does Newport Beach want to be

in, say, 20 years, and what changes should be made at the state level to

keep cities from having to distort themselves to stay financially

healthy?

As a Costa Mesan, I won’t be voting on this Newport Beach initiative, but

what I learned from the article is useful no matter where I live. Keep it

up!

TOM EGAN

Costa Mesa