Tree policy has roots in a serious...

Tree policy has roots in a serious issue

In the Daily Pilot Tuesday, Sept. 23, I read the city is

considering a combination of two tree policies. Between my house and

my neighbor’s in the 2900 block of Cliff Drive, there’s this big

group of trees in Cliff Drive Park. So, in other words, my view and

the neighbors’ views of the bay and the ocean are blocked by the

trees.

If this wasn’t such a serious issue, it would be unbelievable. I

would like to have the City Council members come up and see for

themselves how these trees are blocking our potential million-dollar

views.

DON WILLIAMS

Newport Beach

Some city trees are viewed as a problem

I’m very much in favor of the city not planting trees that will

block views now or in the future. I would also very much like to see

the city trim the city trees that now block views -- or take them out

entirely. The majority of people who move to Newport Beach move for

its beaches and its lovely ocean views. Its ridiculous that the city

is planting trees that interfere with the view that many pay quite a

premium to enjoy.

LINDA OETH

Newport Beach

What was the Pilot thinking when it allowed this?

I do not know if I am the only one who feels this way, however, I

want to comment on the “Thinking Allowed” article by Lolita Harper

titled “Bartender, give me a shot of cardinal and gold,” which ran

Sept. 3.

I was dismayed to read this trivial nonsense on the front page of

your newspaper. There must be more noteworthy news items or human

interest stories in our community than this? A recent college

graduate cheering her alma mater -- hence the red and gold -- at a

local bar? The bartender happily pouring drinks to the thirsty crowd?

Come on, “Cocktail” was not that good of a movie, anyway. Please, I

would hope you can keep the front page free of matters that do not

have much impact on the events and happenings of this community?

The people in the sports department of the Daily Pilot know me and

know that I love sports as much as anyone (just witness me at any

local high school sporting event), but on the front page?

I would much rather read of important matters and issues that are

relevant to the residents of our area. I just do not understand why

journalism drabble like this article needs to be on page one, let

alone written at all.

Just my opinion.

RALPH ROLLINS

Costa Mesa

Skate park opponents’ bark is worse than their bite

I’ve been watching the skateboard park process for years now. Now,

I don’t have an interest in skating -- as a matter of fact, my kids

aren’t even skaters. And I am past an age where I can comfortably

skate a park. So there’s no personal interest involved in this issue,

but I feel our kids have been passed over too frequently.

When I heard about the TeWinkle Park location, I really felt we

were finally going to have a skate park in our city. Now, the dog

Bark Park people step up and try to block it. I really feel that some

of their comments are way off base, especially with this argument

about dogs attacking kids. Well, first of all, I see kids being

pulled on their skateboards by dogs in my city and riding their bikes

around dogs. If these animals are truly attacking people, I wouldn’t

want them there anyway. If I brought my kids over to play catch in

the park and we’ve brought bikes to ride, we could feasibly have a

situation where this Bark Park group is causing dangers by bringing

vicious animals.

I really don’t think that’s it, though.

I think this is just an inflated statement by some self-centered

individuals who don’t look at the youth of our city. I really feel we

should move ahead and put a skate park in TeWinkle.

Secondly, if we do try to relocate it to Fairview Park, there will

be someone -- who has an issue about some native animal, or a view or

something -- that wants it stopped. I think our city council needs to

step up to the plate face the music with the Bark Park people and put

that park in TeWinkle Park.

BOB SULLIVAN

Costa Mesa

City can’t continue to skate by without youth recreation

When will this city of Costa Mesa get serious about doing

something for our children? There is nothing for them to do in this

town. They can go to the beach in Newport or Huntington Beach, but

they must go someplace else and play. I think we need a free skate

park, free tennis courts, free basketball courts and soccer fields

that are open for them to play on.

I have lived here for 35 years, and my children have grown up

waiting -- waiting for this skate park. They are adults now. I hope

the next generation is finally going to get something fun to do here.

CHARMAINE LAURIE

Costa Mesa

Morning traffic jams are an accident waiting to happen

This is not a complaint against the Newport Beach Police

Department. In eight years of previously living in the city of

Newport Beach, I did not have any reason to complain about police

officers. However, would someone please tell me what political

influence is being used to prevent police from straightening out the

daily morning mess at the intersection of Jamboree Road and Eastbluff

Drive?

All of the over-indulged, overweight offspring of our

over-indulged citizens must be driven to school each morning. Their

respective parents -- fine examples of law-abiding citizens that they

are -- consistently block traffic on Jamboree Road, run red lights,

make left turns from the wrong lanes and, in general, provide

examples to their little darlings as to the benefits of breaking the

law.

This is a well-known daily occurrence during the school year, and

it is only a matter of time before there is a serious accident on

that corner.

Could the chief of police not spare a few motorcycle officers to

assist in the flow of traffic? Or at least to put the fear of a hefty

fine into these motorists who do not have any sense of traffic laws,

safety or courtesy in their little hearts?

If there is a serious accident on that corner, I wonder how the

police authority would testify as to their ignoring the situation.

RON RICHARD

Costa Mesa