Mailbag - Feb. 25, 2001

I want to thank Richard Luehrs for bringing to the readers’ attention

just how much the business community contributes to our beautiful, clean

and safe city through sales, business licenses, transient occupancy taxes

and property taxes.

And how they have provided the financial wherewithal for the many

enrichment facilities we all enjoy.

Those of us who don’t have to open the doors for business every day

can continue to contribute by shopping here in our own community. We all

benefit.

B.J. JOHNSON

Corona del Mar

* EDITOR’S NOTE: Johnson is the president of the Corona del Mar

Chamber of Commerce.

Isn’t there a better legacy than Home Ranch?

Why is Henry Segerstrom building the Home Ranch? Does he really need

the money? Do we really need one more mecca of consumerism? Ikea!? A

company that mass markets cheap imitations of original greatness?

Segerstrom’s philanthropy has inspired concert halls and performing

arts. Are they really more beautiful and valuable than the first sign of

a lima bean sprouting through the earth in springtime?

We can drive for hundreds of miles and see nothing but concrete, glass

and stucco. Where do we stop and see creation as it was intended?

Is the land so valuable that it must be destroyed to demonstrate its

worth? If so, why not tear out Central Park and put up another World

Trade Center or Bloomie’s basement?

If Segerstrom really cares about a legacy, why not create something of

lasting and eternal beauty?

A park, a place of solace for the weary traveler on the San Diego

Freeways of life.

Or, are the colors stolen from nature more valuable?

Blue of sky, yellow of sun, green and gold the color of young limas?

HERBERT SMITH

Costa Mesa

Don’t recall Cowan, make Monahan mayor again

Regarding Janice Davidson’s Feb. 20, Community Commentary.

As a recent City Council candidate [in Costa Mesa], I attended several

televised council forums. During each of these forums, I stated that

Libby Cowan and the current City Council listened to the citizens of

Costa Mesa and then completely disregarded what the citizens had to say.

Despite this, the residents of Costa Mesa decided to reelect Cowan.

I agree that during council meetings Cowan acts as if she “owns the

city and acts as a dictator.” But it is too late! The citizens of Costa

Mesa have spoken with their vote. At the present time, a recall is

inappropriate.

I am very glad to see that Gary Monahan has decided to listen to the

community and act accordingly.

Remember it takes three votes to decide an issue. With Monahan, Chris

Steel and Karen Robinson on the council, I feel that the city is in good

hands.

Instead of asking Allan Roeder for a recall, you need to ask Roeder if

it is possible to remove Cowan as mayor and return her to a position as

council person.

Monahan can then fill the mayor position. In my opinion, this would be

in the best interest of the community.

RICK RODGERS

Costa Mesa

Reagan comments were ‘simplistic’

I felt the negative comments about Reagan, “Reagan was the

president,” S.J. Cahn’s Editor’s Notebook, Feb. 6, particularly on his

birthday, were uncalled for and quite simplistic.

As to the economy, there is the cycle of prosperity that was one of

the greatest during the ‘80s, followed by a recession, and you have to

remember that the Congress was controlled by the Democrats.

Also, maybe you do not recall that the ACLU was greatly responsible

for the release of hordes of mental patients.

Although we have not heard of any more problems with Grenada, Reagan’s

greatest contribution was to help end the Cold War.

There is a saying that our memories are edited by our pride.

DAISY DIAZ

Corona del Mar