Mailbag - May 31, 2001

Trimming trees only promotes their growth

Newport Beach Councilwoman Norma Glover needs to take some

horticultural classes at Orange Coast College (“Ficus preservation

efforts take root in Newport Beach,” May 15). To think by “snubbing the

toes” of the ficus trees on Clay Street it will keep them from doing more

damage is an ignorant and an irresponsible way to spend the city’s money.

Trimming tree roots or trunks will only promote growth.

Ficus trees are one of the most invasive trees there are and should

never be planted next to homes or streets. There are many beautiful and

environmentally friendly trees that could be planted instead.

I live in Newport Heights and do not find new homeowners cutting down

many mature trees as Glover claims. To the contrary, I find new

homeowners planting many beautiful trees and many times building around

an existing mature tree. I myself have planted five trees on my property.

To expect the city to pay an additional $60,000 after spending

$220,921 on these trees is ridiculous. As time goes by, these trees will

continue to be a problem not only for the poor homeowners but the city as

well.

This is money that should have been spent to take out the trees and to

plant less invasive trees.

CHRYSAN OWENS

Newport Heights

Resident wishes she could take back vote for Steel

This is regarding the article Friday titled, “Backers contribute to

Steel’s defense,” by Jennifer Kho.

Once again, I see Chris Steel’s position on the City Council defended

because of his stunning “victory” at the polls in November after nine

previous losses. Is it just me, or does this strike anyone else as odd?

In my ignorance, I was one of those who voted for Steel last fall. His

name came attached to many fliers from respected Republican associations

and, having recently joined that party, I voted for him without

researching any further.

Much to my chagrin, I find he appears to be disturbingly biased

against certain members of our community. He sets a frightening precedent

with his beliefs and attitudes -- a precedent that history has shown to

be downright dangerous. I, for one, wish I could take my vote back.

DIANE GOMEZ

Costa Mesa

Learning center should be located in Shalimar

I was reading your article in the Friday paper about the Shalimar

Learning Center (“New learning centers planned for Westside”). I’ve been

a volunteer at Shalimar for six years and am a retired kindergarten

teacher from Santa Ana Unified School District.

The Shalimar Learning Center has added a great deal to the community.

I believe they function better when being located in a neighborhood such

as Shalimar. Thank you for giving us publicity, which we appreciate a

lot.

NANCY TRACY

Corona del Mar

Parents must remember to support their children

I’ve lived in Newport Beach for about 30 years. I’m calling in

response to Steve Smith’s column on Saturday, “Danger of narrow thinking

in today’s society hits home.”

I know he might not have thought of this, but you know there are women

who are not employed, but they’re not necessarily with children that

much. They spend a lot of time playing tennis and having their nails

done, and their kids are raised by nannies and things like that.

There are all kinds of ways to reach children, I guess. Whatever it

is, you need to be with them when they get home from school and know what

they’re doing and know what their problems are and their good points, and

encourage them and give them help if they need it and all kinds of

things. Support them.

JANETTE MAHONEY

Newport Coast

Rodman’s parties are just events that need permits

Dennis the Menace Rodman and his lawyers may not be the sharpest tools

in the shed, but Rodman is certainly a celebrity. The Newport Beach City

Council seems to have a lot of trouble dealing with celebrity. The

punitive ordinance being contemplated, however, is blatant overreaction,

which will affect all citizens of Newport Beach and undeservedly so

(“Rodman’s case for noise falls on deaf ears in Newport,” May 23).

The facts are that if a typical citizen was involved, it would be

circa 1960, and the police would politely ask those involved to “stop the

madness” immediately. By the time the police returned the third time,

someone would be going to jail. Yet for Rodman and many others in our

fair city, deference is given, and one could argue too much deference.

The reality is that more celebrities will move to Newport Beach, and

let us pray that Britney Spears or Ricky Martin aren’t looking for real

estate here. The thought of Spears and her mom spending six months in

jail seems slightly overreactive.

Let’s get serious. If Rodman wanted to land a helicopter on the beach,

he needed permits. If Rodman wanted 300 people at his home for a party,

he needed permits, police protection and traffic control -- as any

celebrity might. If Rodman wanted 200 people at Josh Slocums for an

afterglow party, he needs permits -- not jail time. The Newport Beach

City Council needs to think “event” not “prevent.”

For once, wouldn’t it be nice to have our City Council act with elan.

Can anyone imagine what might happen if O.J. Simpson decided to stick his

beak into Newport Beach?

RON AND ANNA WINSHIP

Newport Beach