‘The O.J.’ would be better than ‘The...

‘The O.J.’ would be better than ‘The O.C.’

Ah, the blinders of the mayor and assorted parents in Newport

Beach (a.k.a. “The O.C.”) who don’t know about their kiddies’

nocturnal activities.

Sure, Newport kids don’t normally drive their big trucks around at

night with surfboards strapped to the top (it’s nighttime, and the

boards usually go in the truck bed), and you can’t drink legally on

any of the beaches (even if over 21), but other than that, it seemed

pretty accurate. I remember more than one instance of multiple

“tough-guy” Newport jocks ganging up to pick on the weak, but that’s

another story entirely.

While riveted to the TV the other night, my wife said to me, “We

didn’t used to go to parties in our bathing suits.” But other than

that, we thought it was fairly accurate. Sure, we went to high school

way back in a simpler time -- the early 1980s -- but things haven’t

changed that much. And other than being born in Newport, I was

actually raised in a totally different world -- Costa Mesa. I think

that’s where the SEC-evading next-door neighbor just might be

banished to in future episodes if he doesn’t straighten out his

business affairs.

But if Corona del Mar’s own McG and the show’s other creators are

looking for any spinoff shows, I have a great idea -- it’s called

“The O.J.” -- a lighthearted look at a bunch of wacky teenagers from

both sides of the tracks (throughout Newport-Mesa) who work at Orange

Julius down by the Balboa Pier. If those walls could talk ... .

MIKE MCNIFF

Costa Mesa

Condolences, and understanding, to Bell

Joe Bell’s article Thursday about the loss of Coco, his

long-haired dachshund that died two weeks ago, spoke for anyone that

has lost a wonderful companion. My condolences to the Bell family for

their loss.

I cried when I read his comments. Samantha, my 140-pound German shepherd, was my constant beloved companion, always at my side. She

accompanied me everywhere, filled my life with love, encouragement,

laughter and tolerance for others. Samantha’s giving encouraged me to

want to help others. She was there for me, always.

Samantha, Secret, Hobie Cat and others have given me the privilege

of their companionship and love over the years. I still miss them.

They have helped me with a 13-year medical challenge. I have always

enjoyed, loved and valued animals my entire life. They have enriched

my life and given it meaning.

I cannot believe how fortunate I am to have formed a close, loving

bond with our wonderful kitty, Precious. Again, I am very sorry for

your loss, as Coco seemed an important part of your family.

Time does heal somewhat.

PEGGY CALHOUN

Newport Beach

Costa Mesa part of development problem

This letter is written in response to Eleanor Egan’s Tuesday

letter concerning the bridges in the county’s master plan for 19th

Street and Gisler Avenue (“Who wants to buy a bridge?”). While I am

not convinced that these bridges are necessarily a bad thing, that is

not the gist of this letter. What I do want to do is point out the

flawed reasoning used in Egan’s letter.

It is ironic that she cites the bridge plans as allowing

overdevelopment in Newport Beach and Fountain Valley, which in turn

creates further pressure for these bridges. For you see, Costa Mesa’s

political machinery is not entirely blameless in this respect. Egan,

as planning commissioner, voted for and has publicly supported since

leaving the planning commission the high density 1901 Newport Plaza

condo development at the confluence of Newport Boulevard, Harbor

Boulevard and 19th Street. As a further traffic draw for the area,

the city approved, again with Egan on the Planning Commission, a high

profile nightclub yet to open at the same location. The city

“fathers,” by their own actions, want traffic in the downtown area.

The city, in its own shortsightedness, has contributed to the

cause for the bridges, particularly 19th Street. How else do they

expect the condo owners to get there? How else do they expect the

downtown patrons to arrive? It is for these reasons that her

arguments ring hollow. With or without the bridges, we won’t hear any

leaves rustling, just cars idling.

TERRY SHAW

Costa Mesa