NOTABLE QUOTABLES

“We had posters that were tasteful, fit the style of our store and

didn’t offend the neighbors. When we took everything down because we

didn’t want to get a ticket, people thought we were out of business.”

-- David James, owner of Noise Noise Noise, on why the record store

has plastered its front window with fliers. Costa Mesa city code says

signs may not cover more than 10% of a business’ windows. James contends

that the code does not apply, as the handbills are for punk concerts 10

to 15 years ago.

“There wasn’t a lot we could do. We aren’t allowed to spot zone and

people want us to spot beautify. We can’t decide what is beautiful.”

-- Chris Steel, Costa Mesa councilman, on the council’s 3-2 vote July

2 to limit the height of a 17th Street retail building to 18 feet after

community members complained. The decision overruled Planning Commission

approval of a design that soared to 25 feet in spots.

“My brothers were joking about it -- that it’s the best excuse they’ve

heard so far -- studying worms.”

-- Liz Sullivan, a member of the Smith family, on why her grandson did

not attend “2001: A Smith Oddity,” the family’s five year reunion in

Costa Mesa, on July 7. The grandson, a biologist, was studying worms in

the Philippines.

“The heart of the cove is the community; it’s a family community

that’s lived here for generations. It’s like a family being splintered

apart.”

-- Erica Killen, on saying goodbye to her Crystal Cove cottage.

California State Parks gave Killen and other residents until 5 p.m. July

8 to leave the historic buildings.

“If I were to advise somebody in my position, that’s what I’d tell him

-- ‘take the plea.’ But I’m different. I want to go forward with this on

principle.”

-- Chris Steel, Costa Mesa councilman, on being torn between taking a

misdemeanor plea and going to trial on felony charges for alleged perjury

regarding nomination papers. Steel’s arraignment has been continued until

July 31.

“It’s almost like constructing a small city.”

-- Steve Beazley, deputy general manager of the Orange County Fair, on

what it takes to get the midway built.

“I know that pretty much everyone here is not happy with this, but

there are 70,000 people in this city, and hopefully the vote will come

from that.”

-- Stephen Sutherland, a developer who plans to build a 156-room

luxury resort at Marinapark, after being asked whether a straw vote on

the development should be taken from the people attending a July 9 public

forum.