Community Commentary -- Charlotte Baca

In response to “Mariners Branch Library concerns go online,” (May 10),

I would like to address several concerns.

I am in favor of a school/community joint-use library. Our Mariners

branch library is antiquated. The children at Mariners Elementary School

would have a state-of-the-art library should the library proposal go

through. I do get tired of driving to the main library when my children

have research work for school or when we have to order books that are

only at the main branch.

I understand that there may be risks, but everyday life is full of

risks. If Linda Duffy and her supporters think Mariners School is without

risk, let me tell them about an experience I had earlier this school

year. I arrived home from work at 1:30 p.m. and listened to my phone

messages. I had received a call from the Newport-Mesa Unified School

District advising me that my child who attends Mariners Elementary was

not at school and had not been excused.

I was panic-stricken knowing that I had dropped my child off at school

and watched as he entered the playground. I notified the school. What I

found out was a mistake had been made. For those few minutes, my mind ran

the gambit of, “Where was my child?” and “What could have happened to

him?” I entrust my child to the teachers and staff at Mariners everyday.

We love Mariners and are proud to say we attend.

Do Duffy and her supporters know of the incident that happened two

years ago in the first-grade girls’ restroom where a man was waiting for

girls to enter? Was the man arrested? Yes, due to diligent parents.

Other issues brought up in the article included a Newport Beach city

employee who was arrested for lewd conduct. My child participated in the

afterschool basketball program offered through the city. My sense of

security was shattered as this incident hit too close to home. Did

Newport Beach do everything possible to keep my child in a safe

environment? Yes, the city conducted a routine and customary background

check on this employee and found the employee to have a “clean” police

record.

I only bring up these issues to show that at no place or time are our

children 100% “safe.” We as parents take all measures possible to make

sure our children are safe and secure. My husband and I are confident

that the city of Newport Beach, Mariners Elementary School, Mariners

Library and all parties concerned have taken the utmost precautions to

care for our most “treasured possessions,” our children.

One last thought: Parents who object to their children going to the

new library can sign a waiver and have their children stay in class while

others go to the library. I personally like this option but only for

selfish reasons -- my child can enjoy more books.

* CHARLOTTE BACA is a Newport Beach resident and has had children at

Mariners school for the last eight years.