Mailbag - Nov. 1, 2001

Home Ranch the right project for Costa Mesa

I am taking the time to write this letter to you to express my support

for the Home Ranch project. As a longtime resident of Costa Mesa and

someone who follows local issues, I can say that I fully support this

project and its associated communitywidebenefits.

The Segerstroms took the time to listen to the community and put

together a project that is not only compatible with their needs, but more

importantly compatible with the community’s needs.

Instead of industrial buildings lining the freeway -- which we all

agree we don’t want -- they are proposing high-end corporate centers.

These are the kinds of projects we should welcome with open arms in Costa

Mesa. We will have high paying professionals jobs in our city as a

result.

I also believe that the tax benefits generated from Ikea, the more

than $8-million being forwarded toward traffic solutions and the

preservation of the historic family home are all benefits our city can’t

pass up.

Please consider my thoughts when making your decision on this project.

JACK FAULKNER

Costa Mesa

Newport Fish Co. doing its best for the city

I read your article (“Residents fear bad buzz back at Lido Marina

Village,” Oct. 15). I had to read it a little at a time. The headline to

the story was the first thing that started my blood pumping just a bit

faster than it had done so all day. Then, after reading each paragraph, I

had to set the paper down for a few moments just so I could calm down in

order to read the next paragraph. This is not a critique on your

reporting. It is, however, my reaction to what was said by people in my

community you interviewed and my personal thoughts on the subject of the

Newport Fish Co./The Buzz/The Warehouse.

1. Even our worst criminals get a second chance.

2. Before it was The Buzz it was The Warehouse. Let’s not forget all

the good times we real longtime residents had for many years when it was

The Warehouse.

3. Ed Eaton, although I do not know him personally and is “probably

the nicest guy you would ever want to meet,” has not lived in Newport

Beach long enough to be called “a local.”

4. Not that his thoughts on the subject are invalid or overly

judgmental, but what about Dennis Rodman and his “restaurant?” No trouble

there now for a few weeks.

5. New businesses need local support and the benefit of any doubts.

All new businesses need that. Not many would survive without it.

6. I would like to challenge all Newport Beach residents and

businesses to pay a visit to Newport Fish Co. to actually see with their

own eyes the transformation that restaurant has gone through and

continues to do so to be a better place for all to enjoy before passing

judgment. Speak with the management and staff.

These are just few of my thoughts. I have more to say on each of the

thoughts above.

ELAINE CARVER

Newport Beach

Judge wrote a fine column about bodysurfers

I thought Judge Robert Gardner’s column on Monday (The Verdict --

“Surfin’ George was king to bodysurfers”) was great -- my sentiments

exactly -- about the ease of which boogies have in getting waves and what

not. Tuesday was the last day of blackball (in which board surfers are

banned from The Wedge during the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). That was a

great column. Three cheers to the judge. While I was too young to know

Surfin’ George, I do know some of the best body surfers in the world down

there, and I’m glad to be a part of it.

Unfortunately blackball’s come to an end for another year -- until May

1. That’s the way it goes. Even though it was not the greatest of

summers, we had a pretty good fall season. We’re pretty stoked all

around, and we’ll keep the fires of body surfing kindling and the art

going forward as best we can. Anyway, great job, and three cheers to the

judge.

MEL THOMAN

Corona del Mar

EDITOR’S NOTE: Mel Thoman is a member of the Wedge Preservation

Society and The Wedge Crew Body Surfers.