Pleading for proper paving on Placentia Am...

Pleading for proper paving on Placentia

Am I the only driver using Placentia Avenue every day who is fed

up and disgusted with the condition of that street, from Wilson

Street in Costa Mesa to Hospital Road in Newport beach?

There are holes, deteriorating street surfaces, bad patches --

which are almost as bad as the holes -- poorly covered man holes,

etc., etc. I noticed that 17th Street off Placentia Avenue was

finally repaved, but when will Placentia Avenue be resurfaced? It is

heavily traveled, and I am wondering if anyone else is as frustrated

as I with the condition of that street.

It is a disgrace and a poor reflection on our city.

ELEANORE TRIGHER

Costa Mesa

Officials should know there’s no free lunch

Over the last three years there has been a growing “shortfall” in

the city of Costa Mesa’s budget.

Over the last three years there has been an increase in “program”

spending.

Anyone seeing a trend develop?

Recently, many Pilot readers have spoken out in an attempt to save

the burgeoning social programs implemented through the

“Administrative Services” department (my particular favorite is

“flute lessons.”)

These programs are being protected by City Council’s refusal to

act. This inaction may have the exact opposite effect. Had the

council acted in November, when it was clear that the problem of

“budget shortfall” was recognized, or, in July 2003 when the budget

was adopted, the council could have implemented minor corrections.

Now the choice will be cut expenses or use emergency reserves. Had

these cuts been made five months ago or a year ago, the effect could

have been spread over a much longer period and less drastic action

would be necessary.

MIKE BERRY

Costa Mesa