Faulkner on the ball in column on...

Faulkner on the ball in column on winning

I want to thank Barry Faulkner for his column “Victory without

honor.”

Coaches are potentially one of the best role models our kids have

in learning to make good decisions and keeping things in perspective.

With very few exceptions, our kid’s athletic experiences provide, at

best, the opportunity for character development and teamwork

experience. Let’s keep that in perspective and realize that victory

with honor has tremendous value.

MARIANNE SCOTT

Newport Beach

Redevelopment should be argued rationally

Daily Pilot letter writer, H. Millard, has alerted us to the new

politically correct pejorative: “Industrialists,” who apparently rank

-- if repeated often enough -- somewhere between “terrorists” and

“child molesters.”

Facts seem to be irrelevant to someone like Millard. Facts, such

as that many of the dreaded “industrialists” are small businessmen

trying to make a living and contributing to their community. Many of

them do live in Costa Mesa, and have for a long time. Many maintain

needed payrolls, and not all at “low-end jobs.”

I also take exception to Millard’s inflammatory rhetoric: those

with whom he differs are “a mob,” and the hated industrialists

“squat” on the “view bluffs” (squatters, of course, by definition,

have no right to be where they squat, and deserve to be forcibly

ejected by “big brothers,” such as Millard). He also makes reference

to a murder some years ago that has no relevance to this issue.

I have no ties to either side of this issue, other than that my

wife and I are longtime Costa Mesa residents and homeowners. The

community might well benefit from some form of redevelopment or

renewal of the Westside, but it should only be done reasonably,

rationally, and fairly -- not hysterically.

GORDON MARHOEFER

Costa Mesa

Spanish parishioners show support for pastor

On Friday night, from 7 p.m. to midnight, the St. Joachim Spanish

prayer group, Grupo de Oracion, conducted a prayer vigil for Father

Joseph Robillard and for unity among the Spanish community at this

parish.

The community was recently divided over claims by some that

discriminatory actions have occurred at St. Joachim Parish. A small

vocal minority takes exception with Robillard, and his policies, and

insists on changes -- some changes that are virtually impossible to

institute. Robillard has met with this group numerous times within

the last two months to address any concerns but has been unsuccessful

in satisfying the group.

Hundreds of people from the Spanish community gathered Friday

night to show their support for the parish and to pray for strength

for Robillard, as he attempts additional negotiations, to pray for

accord among the Spanish people, and to pray for those who chose not

to join the vigil.

The prayer vigil began with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

and sacramental blessings of all present in the church. As Robillard

knelt with outstretched arms in adoration before the Blessed

Sacrament, he was surrounded by Grupo de Oracion and other prayer

participants, who each individually took turns holding his arms

outstretched. For nearly two hours as song and prayer continued.

Others held his hands symbolizing that he was not alone but

continually supported by the people. Grupo de Oracion then invited

all participants to come forward and embrace him as a sign of

solidarity between the community and their pastor. Many cried.

This emotional and spirit-filled vigil showed the devotion of the

people to this man and respect for him and the decisions he has had

to make over the past several months. The silent majority spoke with

compassion and love.

ANASTASIA DESAUTELS

Costa Mesa