Hard Rock Cafe was a rarity at...

Hard Rock Cafe was a rarity at Fashion Island

It is very sad to see the Hard Rock Cafe go; I loved that place.

It was also one of the few places where you could take the whole

family and have a lovely evening and good food and enjoyable

atmosphere. I’m very, very sorry to see it go. What we don’t need is

another over-rated, over-expensive place at Fashion Island. We need

some more family places.

SANDRA DASMACIYAN

Corona del Mar

How about a skate park at Triangle Square?

I think Costa Mesa should take a close look at the Block at Orange

and see how that turned around with the Vans Skateboard park. Maybe

the city should consider a skateboard park at Triangle Square to

bring in some action there.

RICHARD MORIARTY

Newport Beach

Council needs to deny church expansion

I have lived in the Newport Heights neighborhood near St. Andrew’s

Church for more than 25 years. I have watched the city narrow our

setbacks from five feet to four feet. I see expansions to houses so

large that buildings darken the doors of their neighbors.

Still, Cliffhaven and Newport Heights is one of the most desirable

places to live in the city. Before the City Council considers making

more traffic for neighbors, consider that the church’s expansion and

its underground parking garage grossly affects two quiet

neighborhoods.

The appropriateness of land use is up to the elected officials.

The majority of the people, my family and me included, don’t want

this project. The majority of people in a 300-foot radius do not want

this project.

Who does want it? The answer to that is, the applicant, St.

Andrew’s. The applicant. Does the applicant always get what it asks

or pays for? Consider that the yes votes within those two areas, that

number about 2% of two neighborhoods, probably are all St. Andrew’s

members. Otherwise, it would be nearly unanimous. No one wants this

project. Approximately 40% of St. Andrew’s 2,200 members are city

residents, and a large and growing portion of them don’t want this

project.

If the council turns against our neighborhood, the other neighbors

are watching. The talk of referendum will be another Marinapark

landslide, and the current incumbents’ seats in the council will be

better suited to members who pull for the quality of life in the

communities of the city.

Thus, we say to any member who would abandon us, “Kindly save us

the money and your own council seat.” Please deny the expansion.

MARLA HICKEY

Newport Beach

Columnist, story coverage earns a thanks

I really enjoy Peter Buffa’s column. It’s so well-written and

funny. “Loud ornery neighbors” on June 19 was incredibly funny.

Thank you for your coverage on Sister Mary Vianney of St. John the

Baptist Church and highlighting Harry Stickler. Thanks again, and

keep up the good work.

RACHEL PEREZ-HAMILTON

Costa Mesa