MAILBAG - Aug. 31, 2000

Mr. [Adam] Laughlin is ashamed of our city and the street sweeping

plan (“Stop Surf City’s ticketing madness,” Aug. 17). Well, I for one am

proud that the city finally is doing something about it. There are a

number of cities that have the same plan, except the fines are higher.

If you are not satisfied with the plan, Laughlin, maybe you should go

out on the street sweeping days and remind the people on all the streets

to put their cars into the garage or driveway, or better yet sweep the

area after they finally put their cars away.

I for one am sick and tired of cleaning the trash from someone else.

MARTIN BAUER

Huntington Beach

I have lived and owned my home in Huntington Beach since 1967. I am so

happy because finally our streets are being swept without cars lining the

streets during that time. If these people [car owners] don’t like it,

they can move and take their two or three cars with them.

Other cities have been doing this for some time. Why can’t people take

a little responsibility for keeping our city just a little bit cleaner.

VIVIAN NEWTON

Huntington Beach

Junior Lifeguard program a success

My son and daughter have just completed their second year in the

Huntington Beach Junior Lifeguard program. I would like to commend the

city for offering this fine program.

Dave Simcox and Mike Eich do an incredible job of managing more than

900 children, dozens of instructors and countless parents. They are

friendly, helpful and seem to genuinely enjoy their work with the junior

guards.

The instructors are a tremendous group of men and women. They provide

a powerful example of discipline, respect and hard work. Their enthusiasm

and energy seems endless. Instructors take the junior guards on trips to

Raging Waters, Sea World and on overnight camp-outs. They host a dance,

family barbecue and a graduation ceremony, many after spending the days

instructing our children.

We often focus on problems we have in Huntington Beach. I think it is

important to acknowledge some of the positive things going on in our

city. Thanks to everyone involved in making this program a success year

after year.

LINDSAY DuFRESNEHuntington Beach

Shopping center needs to cleaned up

I have been a resident of Huntington Beach for 23 years and have seen

a lot of changes. The one that upsets me right now is the property on

Brookhurst Street and Adams Avenue -- the center with the Sav-on Drugs in

it. It is a mess. There is no upkeep of that property. We pay taxes, and

I feel things should look good around us. I have tried to call the

property manager there with no success. Something needs to be done.

LINDA SOTO

Huntington Beach

Writer should open his eyes to the real issues

I am writing to object to the misinformation in “‘Garofalo bashing’

diverts people from real issues” (Aug. 24) . I’d suggest the writer open

his eyes to the real world. If he did, he’d see the true picture.

In the real world, a few wonderfully honest, courageous citizens are

trying to get an honest City Council. I’m talking about Debbie Cook, who

has served the city well for many years and has courageously decided to

run for office for the first time. She was accused by the writer of

running last time. Connie Boardman is running again, which takes a great

deal of courage when she came within 200 votes of winning in the last

election.

The mayor is doing the city a disservice by staying on the council

when he cannot participate in “the real issues” the writer is talking

about.

At the most recent hearing at 7 p.m., he was absent “because he was

helping his recently married daughter move.” What a sham.

EILEEN MURPHY

Huntington Beach