Several names were missing from DP 103 list

I was reading about your most influential people of Newport Beach

and I have two nominations that I think should be considered (DP 103,

Wednesday).

First of all, I think you should consider all of the physicians at

Hoag Hospital who save lives every day. In particular Dr. Paul Kuhn,

who has recently retired after 40 years of serving our community. He

was a wonderful physician, a wonderful doctor and a great person.

Also, I would like to nominate my husband, Herman Basmaciyan,

whose vision 30 years ago as a traffic planner and engineer put

Avocado Street on the maps and the toll freeway.

SANDRA BASMACIYAN

Corona del Mar

I liked reading the 103 people you picked, but I think you should

include Mike Whitehead. I love reading the Harbor Column on Monday

and I saw Whitehead speak at a yacht club about the bay. I think he

is a person giving a lot to our bay as a volunteer with many groups.

MICHELLE PETERSON

Newport Beach

You forgot Michele Mullen. She was the driving force behind the

Aaron Peirsol Day, fund-raising and all associated Olympic activities

related to our hometown hero Olympian Aaron Peirsol for the Sydney

2000 Summer Olympics. She constantly involves herself with Newport

Harbor High School fund-raising and many other charitable causes.

D. LEPPER

Huntington Beach

How is it possible that the DP 103 selections for 2002 failed to

list and show Newport Beach Councilman Dennis O’Neil?

He has served his Corona del Mar District 6, and the entire city,

as a totally respected and dedicated council member for the last

eight years. He served one of those years as an excellent mayor.

O’Neil’s list of local community achievements, for the benefit of

all Newport Beach citizens, may be longer than your list of 103

“influencers.” He is truly a special citizen.

Those of us who know him well are completely aware of his “soon to

be” legacy (termed out).

Thank you to Dennis O’Neil, from your thousands of admirers

throughout the entire community of Newport Beach, for your incredible

eight years of service to this special community.

Surely someone “erred” with the omission of your name and picture

from the most recent DP 103 listings by the Daily Pilot. Perhaps they

have a special idea to cover you with a “one on one” story prior to

your leaving office in early December.

We sure hope so because you deserve the recognition and attention

... I and we think.

DONALD GLASGOW

Newport Beach

* EDITOR’S NOTE: Donald Glasgow chairs the Corona del Mar

Business Improvement District.

To quote your criteria for selection, “Tireless souls who make

sure the show goes on. They have timing charisma and a presence that

can’t be denied. They command an audience and bring the crowd to

standing ovations and calls for encores. Performance with second to

none who didn’t really need an audition or an introduction. Who hold

the power the prestige and the panache.”

We ask you for the second consecutive year -- why not name Carl

St. Claire, music director of the Pacific Symphony Orchestra. He

eminently embodies the above description. His leadership of the

orchestra has become world class. He presents dynamic performances

and programs to all age and interest groups.

MAUREEN AND GIL McCUTCHAN

Newport Beach