Readers Respond -- Boat parade compromise floats

There is no doubt that it was a result of your timely, thorough,

fairly presented, ongoing and superb coverage of the boat parade problems

that an excellent compromise has been offered by the Newport Beach

Chamber of Commerce (“New plan launched for boat parade,” Tuesday).

Following your publication of my open letter of Sept. 13 to the chamber,

I received many congratulatory phone calls and reports. I received only

one negative letter.

As a result of this publicity, I know many people wrote their concerns

to the chamber. I personally know several people from as far away as

Crestline, Lake Arrowhead and the Big Bear Lake area, plus Pasadena and

Los Angeles County, that voiced their displeasure with the original plan

to both shorten the parade route and have fewer days.

I received an extremely nice letter dated Feb. 1 from David Janes,

2002 Christmas Boat Parade chairman. In this letter, he thanked me for my

“constructive feedback,” outlined the proposed compromise and invited me

to attend the meeting on Feb. 13, when these proposals will be discussed.

Certainly I’ll attend.

None of this would have happened without the Daily Pilot. I am very

grateful to you.

MICHAEL MILLIKAN

Newport Beach

I don’t think the 2 1/2- to three-hour parade route is what

discourages participants. I believe it is the seven-day commitment. I

think the parade route should remain the same but the number of days the

parade takes place be limited to three days. Friday, Saturday and Sunday

night is when most people view the parade anyway.

DEBORAH IRISH

Balboa Peninsula

Richard Luehrs, president of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, is

a wise and patient man. But he’s been sleeping less lately. Why? He has

to put up with all our water worries.

The latest plan seems close to a winner. In addition, how about a few

minor modest modifications:

* Since it is the event that counts, why not divide the boaters into

two groups -- such as the Blue Fleet and the Red Armada. Have them

alternate days. For example: Blue on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday; Red

on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

* Instead of parades for seven days as in times past -- or five under

the new plan -- make it six days.

* Return to the original, longer route.

The disadvantage would be fewer boats per parade -- not really a

hardship or deal breaker for most viewers, diners and party-goers.

The advantages are many:

* Boaters could participate in three, rather than seven or five,

parades. Parades would be a little shorter. A win-win for the

participants who could still remain involved.

* Six days is a fair compromise. A win-win for the merchants and

viewers.

* The longer route would be offset by fewer boats per night. A win and

a wash for homeowners and viewers.

* Expenses would be reduced for boaters and the chamber. A win-win.

* Brett Hemphill could both sail a boat and sell a carpet. A win-win.

* Boaters, viewers and merchants would all love one other again. A

win-win-win.

All this, plus Richard Luehrs could sleep in peace once again.

MICHAEL GLUECK

Newport Beach

Speaking as a paid captain, I feel this was a good decision by the

parade organizers to cut the parade to five nights.

Even though it would be more profitable to me to run seven nights, I

would rather lose the extra income and see a safer parade. I have

operated vessels in both the Newport and Huntington Harbor parades since

the ‘60s and have seen many problems in the last two or three nights of

the Newport parade that I feel were caused by too many nights on the

water.

If any of the residents think this is unfair, perhaps they should get

out of their nice warm rooms some night and help out the owners of these

boats that spend 10 to 12 hours a day and thousands of dollars to put

this great parade on.

And regarding the person that threatened to harm Brett Hemphill’s

business, I wish I knew where he or she lived so I could point out the

house and tell the story to my passengers.

CAPT. BOB WILSON

Costa Mesa

Congratulations to the organizers of the boat parade for coming up

with a great solution. Sounds like a great idea.

PEGGY MAROTTA

Balboa Island