City council stories usually don’t inspire...

City council stories usually don’t inspire art. While interesting

to the public, a contact being awarded isn’t often very visual. But

Newport Beach’s decision to change its coin-operated telescope vendor

after 55 years had possibility.

The telescope at Lookout Point in Corona del Mar had potential as

long as someone was actually using it. On Thursday, the park was full

of people enjoying the balmy weather. However, no one seemed inclined

to actually look out from the point.

I staked out a spot where I knew I’d get a nice silhouette, with

an ocean view in the background. It was close to the same view anyone

using the telescope would enjoy.

I waited for about an hour before Rhett Faucher, 6, of Colorado

and Noah Chantos, 6, of Northern California hopped onto the platform

and began to play with the scope. While they didn’t drop any quarters

into the machine, they did stay on there long enough for me to shoot

two frames.

-- Steve McCrank