Editorial

Since 1972, the Diedrich family has been roasting coffee beans and

serving up the hot stuff to Newport-Mesa residents hankering for a good

tasting cup of Joe.

And anyone who has ventured to the popular and homey coffeehouse on

17th Street has never been disappointed. And for that they largely have

Carl Diedrich to thank.

Diedrich, who died late last month at the age of 86, was the patron of

a family of five boys. He and his wife, Inga, settled here after a life

of travel to several continents and countries, the last of which was the

family’s coffee bean plantation in Guatemala.

While the success of Diedrich coffee is hardly debated in Newport-Mesa

quarters, the company has had a more difficult time on Wall Street and

existing in a world of such corporate java giants as Starbucks.

But Carl’s hometown folks know what’s best. Just look at the lines

that form at his store everyday for proof.

So we salute Carl Diedrich and his vision. He certainly gave our lives

more pep. We hoist a cup in his honor and know that his family, friends

and community will surely miss him.