EDITORIAL

Well, is everyone happy? They should be -- at least regarding the 2002

Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade.

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce announced last year that it

would scale back the 94th annual event this December, decreasing the

amount of days from seven to five and shortening the route. That way,

boaters would remain interested throughout the route, the chamber

contended.

But the changes to the route drew fire from residents, many of whom

watch the parade each year from their waterfront homes.

Then, the news came earlier this week that yet another change has been

proposed. The chamber, which will play host to residents on Wednesday to

discuss the latest plan, suggests the amount of days remain at five, but

that the route take two different courses. On three days, it will remain

shortened, and on Friday and Saturday, it will return to its previous,

longer version.

The changes were made, again, to appease as many residents living

along the route as possible. Residents along the West Lido Channel and

the tip of the Balboa Peninsula are excluded in the shorter route, but

will enjoy the parade for those two key nights. Both Friday and Saturday

will be prime for their parade-viewing parties.

But, as always, it turns out that a few residents are still unhappy.

After all, the first day of the parade -- the third Wednesday of December

-- will still be shortened and will leave out homes along the West Lido

Channel and the tip of the peninsula. Those residents argue that the

first day of the event is the best day for viewing.

However, the chamber and its commodores club has made a wise and

thoughtful compromise that should please all since everyone -- as before

-- will still be a part of the parade.

But stay tuned, there’s a good 10 months until the parade and things

go as they have, we probably haven’t heard the last of the planning for

this year’s parade.