Coach should get trophy, not a ticket...

Coach should get trophy, not a ticket for ‘illegally’ practicing

I have worked in the mental health and youth-development field for

28 years. All the research I’ve read on developing healthy,

well-balanced adolescents cites the need for caring adults in their

lives -- adults who model compassion, fair play and altruism (doing

something for others with no gain for self).

Along comes Rick Campo -- a caring father, a dedicated coach, a

family man with many friends -- who wants to help his neighborhood

kids realize their dreams of going to Cooperstown to play baseball.

Instead of applauding Rick for his unselfish mentoring of these young

boys, the city of Costa Mesa kicks him off its fields and then

tickets him for “illegally” practicing at Adams School/Park (“Cited

Youth Coach pleads common sense,” Wednesday).

We should be giving this man a trophy for his dedication to youth

instead of hauling him in front of a judge to defend his actions.

Yes, there are rules, but was the “intent” of requiring a permit

really meant to cover this type of situation? Couldn’t the city have

made an exception in this instance for a once-in-a-lifetime

tournament?

I am disappointed in the city of Costa Mesa for not trying harder

to make this a win-win situation for Rick Campo, who spends hours of

his own time helping our youth. If we truly believe that children are

our future, why are we hindering someone’s ability to work with kids?

LINDA KEARNS

Costa Mesa

If fairgrounds move, Costa Mesa reader will stay put

I have lived in Costa Mesa since 1959 and have seen many

improvements in the fairgrounds. I think the property gets used for a

lot of things. I go to the fair, which I attended five times this

year. I go to Sugar Plum Boutique, Scottish Festival, Marketplace,

Heritage Farm, and a friend had a horse boarded there.

I am proud of the fairgrounds, and I hope it stays where it is. If

it is moved, I will probably never go to anything. My daughter-in-law

will also be upset, because she likes to go to the Marketplace when

she visits me.

DIANA TODD

Costa Mesa