Bodysurfer finally makes it into the...

Bodysurfer finally makes it into the Pilot

I wanted to give thanks to the Daily Pilot for coming out to The

Wedge and, after 30-some odd years of riding that place, I made the

Aug. 27 paper on the wave.

I wanted to give a tip of the hat to Judge Robert Gardner and his

book from I think 1972, which basically brought me down to The Wedge.

I didn’t know I was going to stay there but anyway, thanks to Judge

Gardner and thanks to the Pilot and, thanks to after 30 years, I’ve

made your paper riding a wave. I can’t believe it.

The boys at Blackball down there always appreciate the Pilot’s

help in our endeavors to keep the body-surfing flame alive down at

The Wedge.

KEVIN “MEL” THOMAN

Newport Beach

EDITOR’S NOTE: Kevin “Mel” Thoman is a member of the Wedge

Preservation Society.

Good riddance to the web-footed fowl

Hooray for the smart folks over there in Newport Beach (“Duck --

duck -- vamoose,” Aug. 23). Let’s hope their “solution” to the duck

problem works.

My wife and I are frequent Balboa Island walkers -- have been for

years. The ducks have been an interesting part of those walks -- and

not always a pleasant part.

In recent weeks, since this most recent dust-up began, the ducks

had been concentrated at one house, and their residue was

concentrated there, as well.

Traversing the 50 feet where the ducks congregated was a real

adventure. Imagine trying to tippy-toe through the wall-to-wall

splats of duck poo while holding your nose because of the stench.

Believe me, there have been no clogged sinuses along that part of the

Grand Canal for weeks.

So, a big thank you to all those responsible for the clean-up. We

look forward to being at full stride and breathing free on our next

visit.

GEOFF WEST

Costa Mesa

Every human being deserves equal rights

I’m calling about Patty Livingston’s letter in the Aug. 28 Pilot

in which she is asking about the gay march (“Gay rally response

doesn’t offer a satisfying answer”). My answer to her is that with

her attitude, black people would still be riding in the back of the

bus and women would still be working for minimum wage.

This is the year 2002 and every human being in our country should

have the same equal rights. Livingston probably is able to walk down

the street holding the hand of her spouse or boyfriend with nobody

making jeers or cheers and my child should be allowed to do the same.

SANDRA BASMACIYAN

Corona del Mar