Community Commentary -- Lennis Jones

I am a resident of the Grand Canal on Balboa Island. I continue to

read your reports on the continued pollution of the waters in the Grand

Canal as a result of the duck population, which is compounded by the

scheduled feeding of the ducks by two of the residents that live on the

Grand Canal (“Newport Beach trying to duck the law,” Tuesday). Since the

feeding began, the duck population has increased from a handful of ducks

to more than one hundred.

It is not uncommon during the summer months for the canal to be posted

as unsafe water due to the pollution. We who live on the canal have

grandchildren that visit and are unable to play on the beach or in the

water as a result of the situation. Small children drag their arms on the

sea wall and are then covered with duck droppings. Is this sanitary and

safe for our children?

My next door neighbor was raised on Balboa Island and will testify to

the fact that there was not a problem until certain residents began

feeding the ducks regularly. They expect food, stay in the area on the

docks of those feeding them, and the stench and duck droppings are

disgusting to those of us that live here and to those who visit and enjoy

walking the island.

Dave Kiff, the assistant city manager, and our Councilman Steve

Bromberg have been instrumental in setting forth a new city ordinance

that enables animal control to fine those responsible for the feeding and

watering of the wildlife, however, it has not in anyway deterred these

ladies who are feeding the ducks.

It would seem to me that the fact that children cannot go into the

water without the fear of infections and skin rashes would be of

importance to the health department and those in charge of the well-being

of the citizens of Newport Beach. It may be advisable for parents of

young children that play in the sand and water in Grand Canal to receive

a hepatitis vaccine if their children are to be in the water this summer.

The residents are trying to make a difference. Your paper prints

letters and columns from those who live inland who say that the residents

of Balboa Island should sit back and do nothing. Those people should try

to live next to these ducks and the filth created because they are now

dependent on the food supplied.

Please help the community to improve the water quality by whatever

means necessary. These ducks are not wild. They are completely

domesticated. There is no incentive for them to leave and search for

food and water. You can walk up and touch them.

* LENNIS JONES is a Balboa Island resident.