Mailbag - Dec. 6, 2001

Habitat for Humanity idea could save cove

Your article said that state budget troubles will put off work on

Crystal Cove cottages till mid-2002 (“Plans for cove restoration

defended,” Nov 6). I’m sure it will probably be longer. This project is

probably not high-priority. But how about this.

With our renewed feeling of community and helping each other, I bet a

program like Habitat for Humanity could be worked out. The state could

pitch in to hire project managers (people like retired building

inspectors). Skilled workers and other volunteers could do the work for a

reward of free rent when the project was finished. A designated number of

hours of work could add up to an overnight for the workers’ families. I

understand there is a dedicated working committee in existence now. They

could handle the clerical work and other details.

MITZI SMITH

Newport Beach

Columnist could edit his wish list

As a teacher with 28 years of teaching kids, may I change Steve

Smith’s wish list to read four wishes (“A concerned father’s simple list

of wishes,” Saturday). “I want school boards everywhere to establish and

enforce a dress code for teachers and students.”

At Pacifica High, my professional home for the past 20 years, I don’t

see too many teachers dressed in “gangsta” or tramp clothes, so I wonder

what Smith intended by wanting only a dress code for teachers.

On the other hand, I see a lot of students who do. I am frankly

embarrassed by the low-cut tops, the slit skirts, the tight pants and the

jeans slung so low that underwear is the only thing covering someone’s

derriere. I have called parents at home to complain about their child’s

dress -- or lack of -- and have asked students to leave my classroom and

find something with which to cover up.

Never, ever, have I felt that way about a teacher. Most of the male

teachers at Pacific, especially the younger ones, wear shirts, ties and

slacks. The ladies all wear tastefully selected outfits. Fridays are

“dress-down” days for all the staff, since we enjoy wearing outfits that

show a lot of school spirit -- jeans and school sweatshirts, etc.

By amending Wish No. 4, Smith would also eliminate the need for Wish

No. 1. Then Smith and his daughter could go shopping together.

FLO MARTIN

Costa Mesa

Kudos to Pilot for Radio Hour review

Many thanks to the Daily Pilot for reinstating the critic’s reviews of

local playhouse productions (“‘Swing!’ struts its stuff at the Center,”

Saturday). My wife and I attended “The 1940s Radio Hour” performed by the

Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse on Friday night.

What a great evening of entertainment. This is a wonderfully

entertaining musical trip filled with nostalgic music and patriotic

spirit. Great performances abound. Your recent review was spot-on, and I

think the Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse is a gem of a resource for our

community.

PATRICK AYRES

Costa Mesa