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