Proposal for 19th Street bridge should...

Proposal for 19th Street bridge should be suspended

As residents of West 19th Street, we are appalled to learn of the

proposed study to reconsider the 19th Street bridge. This proposal

constitutes an extravagant waste of money at a time when the city,

and the Westside, clearly have more pressing fiscal and

infrastructural necessities.

For anyone familiar with the daily conditions of this part of West

19th, such a proposal, as a stalking horse to legitimize the project,

is a complete nonstarter. A bridge would only inundate the area with

additional vehicular traffic and compromise, perhaps irredeemably,

its residential character.

The existing problems of road traffic and noise and pedestrian

safety would not be alleviated with construction of a bridge. Many

area residents are working families with small children who travel by

foot and bicycle to Whittier Elementary School via West 19th,

exacerbating the safety issues that would come with a higher volume

of traffic. And any supposed economic benefits would not likely

accrue in a meaningful way to those in the impacted area.

We commend the sensible conclusion reached by Councilman Gary

Monahan and his fellow council members with regard to this issue. The

area of West 19th Street has real problems that need addressing, but

the bridge proposal in no way contributes to a solution of any of

them.

WILLIAM BILLINGSLEY

AND COLLEEN TUCKER

Westside

Here comes the judge,

here comes the judge

It is such a joy to get up Tuesday morning knowing that when I sit

here at the dining table with my tea and toast and read the paper,

I’m going to have a laugh, either a full-blown laugh-out, like I did

this morning, or at least a chuckle about the way Judge Robert

Gardner portrays and relates to stories of his life. He is a gem, and

the way he puts things on paper just makes me break out in laughter,

and that’s a good way to greet any day.

Judge Gardner, keep on writing, man.

MONTY SNYDER

Newport Beach

Westside improvement

has to start somewhere

Since the “Westside” seems to have been a recurring theme during

the campaign, Costa Mesa City Council members should take

responsibility for making improvements in the aesthetics of the

Westside.

While driving today, I noticed numerous shopping carts littering

Victoria Street, vagrants napping beside the soup kitchen, graffiti

painted on buildings and uneven pavement on Placentia Avenue. I

realize the core problems will take longer to correct; however, a

small “face lift” may convince the people who went to the polls and

voted that their voice was actually heard.

JUDITH BERRY

Costa Mesa

Add endangered species

to protect Fairview Park

After attending the Costa Mesa City Council meeting on Nov. 18 and

reading many letters and articles, I have come to this conclusion:

The east side of Fairview Park seems to be settled without destroying

the natural setting. A sincere thanks to the council.

For all of us in Mesa Verde who are vehemently opposed to any

upgrading of the west side of the park, I offer the following:

A few burrowing owls, some black tail gnat catchers, some

endangered species of lizards, a bunch of native grasses and plants,

all to be located in the low, north end of the park. California Fish

and Game will then not let anyone disturb the only natural park in

the area. No paving of trails, no parking lots, no horse trailers, no

cars and no disturbing of the natural habitat.

Perhaps the money saved could be used in a more sensible way, such

as street and school repairs.

DUKE F. GALLEGHER

Costa Mesa