MAILBAG - Sept. 21, 2006

Woman’s life worth more than swan’sI was wondering if anyone noticed that a woman was found dead the same day that Rupert died?

I was amazed that the two stories were even boxed together on the cover of last Thursday’s Daily Pilot; and the article in the Los Angeles Times’ California section is headlined “Newport’s Black Swan Is Killed” without a reference to the real loss of human life.

Are we saying that Rupert and this slain woman have equal value? I am sad that Rupert is gone and acknowledge that he put a smile on many faces, my family’s included. But to devalue the life of a human being by giving so much coverage to a swan just isn’t right. What is this woman’s family and friends to think?

I am also amazed that the Harbor Patrol is being criticized for its response to an emergency call. Please realize that when a call comes out, the officers do not have the benefit of hindsight that there is not the opportunity to save a life. If it were my family member, I would want to know that every effort went into saving the life of my loved one or stopping any other tragedy from occurring or apprehending a criminal. It is unfortunate that Rupert swam in front of the boat; it was an unavoidable accident.

Did anyone note that the driver was unable to swerve to miss the swan due to a channel marker? If he could have avoided the swan, he would have. But to slam a boat into a buoy to save a swan while responding to an emergency seems a bit ridiculous.

Please give the proper respect to the life of the woman and the seriousness of the crime that occurred.

KELLY FISCHBACHER

Costa Mesa

Rupert the black swan was fearsomeI am a 17-year-old who has lived on Balboa Island since I was 4. I have also participated in Balboa Island Yacht Club, a local yacht club that is run off of the south bay front of Balboa, since I moved to the island.

Rupert the swan was famous around the yacht club, not as a local mascot, but as a terrifying bird that seemed to enjoy attacking children. There have even been people who have had to receive stitches after attacks from him. Many might say that any wild bird would attack if provoked or threatened, but in all of my years around the yacht club, I have never seen anyone provoke him or even remotely threaten him. He often charged the shallow water where children as young as 3 and 4 like to play.

The way Rupert died is sad, but I am not sad that he will finally butt out of the bay. I’m glad that he won’t be there to make little children so afraid that they won’t go into the water.

PAIGE STEPNICKA

Balboa Island

Restrictions would help area’s safetyI strongly support restricted overnight parking in Corona del Mar. I visit Corona del Mar often; my step-daughter lives there. I worry for her safety with the recent crime, vandalism and partying in the streets. Corona del Mar is a lovely family neighborhood that should not have to deal with all of these serious issues, and if parking were restricted overnight, all would likely be eliminated.

HEATHER MADDEN

Harbor Island

Can you pass the teachers union test?Here is a test for Newport-Mesa parents and taxpayers.

What union is more powerful and wealthier than the teachers union?

Answer: None

What union has spent money in recent elections to promote super-liberal political causes and candidates?

Answer: The teachers union

What union takes money from taxpayers without any regard to accountability?

Answer: The teachers union

What union “drums out of the corps” members who dare to disagree with union policy?

Answer: The teachers union

Wake up, Newport-Mesa parents and taxpayers!

If we continue to let the teachers union control our school board, it is putting the fox in charge of the hen house.

DON KNIPP

Costa Mesa

Teachers know what, who is best for kidsWho knows more about schools and students than teachers? Nobody.

The Newport-Mesa teachers union endorsement of Sandy Asper for the Newport-Mesa Unified School District board does affect my vote, and it should affect every voter’s choice in this election.

When the teachers endorse a candidate for a position that directly affects the lives of children you can be sure that candidate is going to be an advocate for children.

Teachers do not stick around for 30 years for “the benefits” or the money. Teachers dedicate their lives to a profession they love, and a passion for sharing knowledge and shaping lives.

The parents of this district have entrusted the teachers with their most prized possession: their children.

Asper knows kids. She knows schools. Her dedication to children is unquestionable.

After her retirement from the classroom, she has decided to continue her service to this community by serving on the board.

Yes, the union’s endorsement of Asper does affect my vote. I vote yes for Asper and the other candidates the union has endorsed.

BETSY FISHER

Costa Mesa

A great hall, but a frightening haulIt is really swell that Costa Mesa has the best auditorium in the whole country. I only wish they would fix the sidewalks.

Considering the benefits of walking, you would think the city would be paying us to get out of our cars and walk. But to do so in this town, you take your life in your hands.

One might hope that the 1 1/2 miles from Triangle Square down to the beach would be a walk in the park. It is more like walking through the Valley of Death.

First of all, crossing the intersection on 17th Street is like facing the Germans at Verdun. It is hard to imagine a more dangerous place not to be in one’s car.

Then, there are no sidewalks on Newport Boulevard from 17th Street down to Industrial Way. You can try going down Old Newport Boulevard, but even there, sidewalks are stop-and-go on both sides. One is often forced into the road, which is always dangerous.

Once you get down to Newport Beach, there are sidewalks but still no feeling for pedestrians. For example, they have six onramps and offramps at West Coast Highway that do not require motorists to stop. Six dangerous crossings that would be suitable for an episode of “Survival,” but not for a modern, 21st century city.

You want to walk across Newport Boulevard at Fairview? Don’t even think about it.

WILLIAM DUBAY

Costa Mesa

Do elections really have to start already?I drove down 17th Street recently just at Superior Avenue and there’s a sign up there for somebody running for mayor. Is that early?

Is there something in the books that says at a certain time we should start electioneering? I don’t want election time to be this early. Do you?

HARRIS GUTMACHER

Costa Mesa