Letters

Your article (“In the eye of the beholder,” March 7) on a resident’s

use of public land (“landscaping”) brings to mind a quote from the late

American poet and friend, Charles Bukowski: “If you think I’m crazy, try

picking a rose from your neighbor’s garden.”

LEE MALLORY

Newport Beach

The 911 for Dummies edition 2001

The misuse of 911 is a serious problem (“Nonemergency calls tying up

911 lines,” March 3) 90% of calls to 911 are nonemergency? Get tough!

Here’s my solution: If these people cannot figure out what is life

threatening, then you have to do it for them.

First of all, don’t answer any nonemergency call questions -- tell the

caller that this is not appropriate (life threatening, etc.) for the 911

emergency line. Warn them that there will be a fine if this repeats

itself.

If you get another call: slap them with a fine. If it continues from

the same number, then make it a misdemeanor punishable with community

service -- maybe working in the dispatch office helping with emergency

calls. And as a public information message, enclose this crucial

information in phone bills.

Hints for you callers. Gas leak: call the Gas Co. Traffic jams: turn

on your radio and listen. Spiders: call an exterminator. The time: buy a

watch. Pipes burst: call a plumber. Pizza place number: grab the phone

book, lazy.

I say, only take real emergency calls and omit the chitchat. Charge

the caller for wasting the police dispatcher’s time and causing the lines

to be tied up for a real emergency. You know it could be you who need the

real help.

BILL KELLY

Balboa Peninsula