READERS RESPOND

So the chairwoman of our parks and recreation commission doesn’t really know how many athletic fields we need in Costa Mesa. Wendy Leece’s commentary on May 11 clearly points out that she is not in touch with what we need in Costa Mesa. Does all of Mesa del Mar object to the lights? I would expect my city leaders to be far more knowledgeable about the needs of the athletic community than what Leece clearly admits in her commentary. It takes a lot more than just having kids in the programs to know what is needed.

Talk to any board volunteer of any of the athletic groups and Leece will clearly understand how many fields are needed. I do not believe she has done that. Sure, she listened to them at commission meetings, then proceeded to read her comments. Sounds like she had her mind made up prior to these involved parents speaking about what was needed. It takes a lot more than being a “soccer mom,” her words, to be supportive of youth sports.

As far as promises made, I was on the parks commission when the Farm Sports Complex was finished and the lights were put up, so I believe I speak from experience. I can honestly say that I did not promise, nor do I recall any promise made to the residents about future lighting. What I do remember (more than just recalling as Leece says) is meeting on the fields with lighting consultants, city staff and residents over the effects of the lighting. I do not recall any resident voicing concerns over the lights that were put in. As a commissioner, I made no promise to not light the other fields.

Regarding this attitude (most recently promoted by Chris Steel and now Leece) that Newport Beach should light fields for Costa Mesa kids: I do not expect the city of Newport Beach to handle the problem that we have created in Costa Mesa. Leece must also not be aware that there are Costa Mesa kids playing in Newport Beach sports on lighted fields. Newport Beach has done a tremendous job in providing excellent playing fields, we should not expect them to carry our burden.

I guess Leece and those who think like she does just don’t understand how beneficial sports and recreation are to our kids. As she told the sports groups from the commission dais, and in the paper, it is more important to respect the wishes of taxpayers, i.e. the Mesa del Mar folks, than those of young athletes. Without the ability to participate in year-round sports, Leece and the other “more important tax payers” will have more to worry about than just lighted fields. A little disruption with lights beats having kids with nothing to do. Believe me: They will find things to do.

The City Council needs to, no, must support all it can toward more athletic facilities. Remember, their parents pay taxes too, and they may also vote.

MIKE SCHEAFER

Costa Mesa