Why all the rage about ‘The Passion...

Why all the rage about ‘The Passion of the Christ’?

I don’t know why there is all the outcry about Mel Gibson’s movie

“The Passion of the Christ.” When I was a little girl, my mother took

me to see “Return of the King,” “Ben-Hur,” “The Ten Commandments” and

“Notre Dame” and all of them were violent.

As I remember, the crucifixion of Christ was portrayed the same

way it is now. I guess when I was growing up we didn’t have the

hatred of one another that people seem to have now.

I don’t know why they aren’t bringing up the pictures that were

filmed before.

All of those religious pictures were based on the hatred that was

felt in those days.

No one thought it would betray the Jews, it was just the story of

Christ. My mother explained it to me. I don’t know if any of my

girlfriends got to see those movies but my mother was very liberal. I

never heard the word hatred used, toward humans or animals.

We all go through trials and tribulations and these movies

illustrate the same. To me, people are making something out of it

that shouldn’t be.

NADINE ADREEN

Costa Mesa

No one is looking out for residential neighborhoods

What would you do if your next-door neighbor decided to rent their

home to a business? And how about that business “recruiting” drug and

alcohol addicts from all over the United States were to be next door

to you and all those patrons your neighbors while receiving drug

treatment and counseling? That is exactly what is happening all over

the city.

And Newport Beach zoning ordinances don’t seem to prevent this

from happening to current residents. Dozens of rehabilitation centers

are operating in homes in residential neighborhoods, particularly on

the Balboa Peninsula. And many more are on their way.

Neighbors to these businesses report problems of noise,

overcrowding, parking, traffic, profanity, trash and cigarette butts

everywhere. Two current city zoning ordinances could seemingly help,

but the city has chosen to ignore code. The city has allowed these

rehab corporations to reap big profits at the expense of residential

Newport citizens.

First, City Zoning Code 20.10.020, requires an approved use permit

for all of these rehabilitation businesses prior to operating out of

residential properties.

This involves a public hearing and detailed review of the effects

of a proposed business in a residential neighborhood. Approval by the

city Planning Commission is required.

Second, City Zoning Code 20.66.030, restricts the number of beds

on each property based on off-street parking. The current city zoning

code allows only three beds per one off-street parking space for

these kinds of businesses.

That city code seems to also be completely ignored by our city

leaders. One rehabilitation center in the 1800 block of West

Oceanfront operates 27 beds for addicts with only three parking

spaces, according to city documents from the fire marshal.

With only three parking spaces, this rehab center should only be

allowed nine beds.

The dramatic increase in drug and alcohol addicts, and these

businesses, in our residential communities in the direct result of no

city action. In contrast, the city of Irvine enjoys a well-enforced

city zoning code (similar to Newport’s), resulting in no

residentially-based rehabilitation centers. What a difference a

little city leadership makes.

Hundreds of Newport residents have been ill served by the city’s

capricious decision to “do nothing.” It makes one wonder: If the city

won’t respond to residents’ complaints to enforce and regulate

current zoning code on drug rehab centers; what trust can we have

that city leaders will lead with integrity on the proposed new hotel

development on the peninsula? Capricious leadership?

Residents of the city deserve, and should be demanding, more.

As city leaders study their options, one rehab center makes

$250,000 per month. City council’s failure to enforce the law is

profiting these businesses and costing residents the peaceful

enjoyment of their homes.

Welcome to Newport Beach: drug rehabilitation’s favorite city.

LINDA C. OROZCO

Newport Beach