MAILBAG - Dec. 16, 2000
The recent John Wayne Airport incident involving a jet blowing a tire
and the subsequent airport closure exposes one of the many fatal flaws in
the reliance on John Wayne Airport to serve the future regional airport
needs (“Flights diverted, delayed after tires blow in landing,” Dec. 9).
With John Wayne Airport’s single 5,700-foot runway becoming
unavailable, thousands of people, both in the air and on the ground, were
put at risk by leaving all the incoming flights no alternative place to
land. The horrific consequences of jets running out of fuel with nowhere
to land is a recipe for disaster. In contrast, had the same incident
occurred at El Toro, three additional runways would have rendered this
potential catastrophe into a nonevent.
All the rhetoric in the world could not have stated a more clear case
for the absolute necessity for converting El Toro into a commercial
airport.
TOM ANDERSON
Newport Beach
Environment best served by getting rid of Crystal Cove cottages
Your recent article on Crystal Cove focused on the proposed resort and
suggested that several environmental groups were working with the
proposed developer of the cottages to find low-cost funding so that room
rates would be more affordable (“Possible alternative plan for Crystal
Cove in the works,” Dec. 9).
It is the position of the Newport Beach chapter of Surfrider
Foundation that room rates have nothing to do with the environmental
aspects of the proposed project.
The most environmentally sensitive approach would be to strip the
cottages of their historical designation, raze them and leave a beautiful
beach for everyone to enjoy. What could be more appropriate for a state
park?
“Everybody” insists this can’t be done, but it is hard to imagine that
the combined forces of the public and the state couldn’t find a way to
get this done if they worked together.
Retreat is impossible in most places. We have a unique opportunity
here, and we should make the most of it.
NANCY GARDNER
Secretary, Newport Beach chapter, Surfrider Foundation
Council members should do there own jobs
It behooves the intelligent job applicant to investigate the
responsibilities of the job for which he applies (“New councilmen get a
helping hand,” Dec. 7).
Indeed, as Councilman Gary Proctor observes, the position of Newport
Beach City Council member is a part-time job. Having had the privilege of
serving in that position, I would find it politically disadvantageous, as
well as a dereliction of duty, to delegate reading, research or
responsibility to a non-elected aide.
If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
LUCILLE KUEHN
Corona del Mar
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