Notable Quotables

“Overweight women are still sitting in the back of the bus. In the

arts especially, they’re really treated as second rate . . . Why? Because

it’s an acceptable prejudice -- it hasn’t been covered by the non-PC

police.”

-- Sue Ann Jaffarian, author, on why she chose make the main character

of her first published mystery novel, “Too Big To Miss,” an overweight

paralegal. The book is set in the Newport-Mesa area.

“Because of its location, it just can’t succeed. It’s become a hangout

for all kinds of crime elements. We want to be fair, but we just want

this to be a place where we can feel safe.”

-- Michael Dilsisian, a Mesa Del Mar homeowner, on why he thinks El

Camino Shopping Center in Costa Mesa should be rezoned into a residential

area, allowing developers to build homes on the site.

“The shopping center is fully past its prime.”

-- Libby Cowan, Costa Mesa mayor, on why she voted on Monday to

approve rezoning the El Camino Shopping Center from commercial to

residential use. The council approved the plan.

“It’s really dark back in the bathrooms. We didn’t know the lights

were going to go out. Then, poof, they did.”

-- Christina Castro, sales associate at Macy’s in Fashion Island, on

the rolling blackout that hit Newport-Mesa on Monday after soaring

temperatures and the loss of two Southern California generators

contributed to the state’s power crisis.

“Sure, we’ve got a lot of sand. We should be taking advantage of it.”

-- John Heffernan, Newport Beach councilman, on a proposal to bring a

sand-stamping machine into use on city beaches. The machine would stamp

an anti-litter message.

“I want to attract people who can really afford to live here. It would

improve our property values, improve our schools. That’s been my goal

from day one. I’m not in favor of subsidized housing or affordable

housing. We’ve got to get serious about the people we’re letting live

here.”

-- Chris Steel, Costa Mesa councilman, addressing a community meeting

held by Mesa Verde Community Inc. The Thursday meeting was the first of

three set up to give residents an opportunity to ask city officials

questions.

“This looks like the final chapter in the ongoing resort saga.”

-- Laura Davick, founder of Alliance to Rescue Crystal Cove, on news

that the California Coastal Conservancy OKed $2 million for California

State Parks to buy out the contract of developer Michael Freed, ending

plans for a luxury resort at Crystal Cove State Park.

“The scientific way to lose money on Wall Street is to buy when

everyone’s excited and sell when investors are in a panic.”

-- Mitch Aase, financial consultant at Smith Barney’s Costa Mesa

branch, on why selling stocks now could be a major mistake.