MAILBAG:Course’s capacity would be reduced by 50%

The recent movement to pave over the back nine of Newport Beach Golf Course for overflow airport parking at John Wayne is not only a bad idea, it’s just the beginning of the long-term consequences from the El Toro decision. For now, let’s skip the long-term consequences and focus on the “bad idea” side of the ledger.

The golf course is a “par 3” public golf course. Par 3 courses differentiate themselves from regular courses by being shorter in overall length, easier to play and able to accommodate more golfers from a broader spectrum of abilities — all this at a very affordable price. Bottom line, this type of facility is where most golfers learn to play the game.

Southern California has precious few of these “starter” facilities. The golf course is the only one in this area. Paving over the back nine would reduce the facility’s capacity by 50%. This decision would negatively affect many thousands of golfers per year. We must seek other solutions.

Here’s one idea — there’s a great park that already has lots of paved acreage. Perhaps everyone who voted against El Toro would volunteer to park there and take the bus to John Wayne.

DAVE BRENNAN

EDITOR’S NOTE: Brennan is the publisher of Golf Tips magazine.

Message to those who steal from veteransThis morning, I placed four bags of charitable materials on my front curb specifically labeled for a charity that benefits veterans of the armed services. I later noticed that two of the bags were gone, so I called the charity to determine if they had made partial pick-up. They had not yet visited my residence.

Someone had come by and stolen bedding and clothing meant for our veterans in need and left what they deemed less necessary or valuable [to them].

I wonder if someone needed these items more than our veterans who seek aid?

My message to the people who were willing to steal from those who are likely less fortunate than themselves is that next time I will be watching.

And, as a result of that, I hope the Costa Mesa police will be visiting you shortly thereafter.

JAY B. LITVAK

Ballot for Newport park is a gross deceptionThe saga of city hall versus Newport Center Park now enters a sinister phase as Mr. Ficker’s foot soldiers fan out across the city of Newport Beach collecting signatures in support of a ballot that would demand a new city hall on the north-oflibrary site.

There is gross deception here. People are being led to believe this is a Park Plush solution, meaning a modest area for the city hall and the remainder left as a park.

The intention is to replace the entire park area with a city hall — and cement. The wording of the ballot does not once mention a park. Moreover, Section 7 declares this ballot will direct the city to amend any elements of the City of Newport Beach General Plan and City of Newport Beach Municipal Code and all other city ordinances and policies as soon as possible in order to implement, but here’s what they’re really saying: Approve this and we may build anything we like, any way we like.

The City Council, which has three times voted to begin beautifying this long-dedicated but still raw landscape, may not lift a finger to stop the builders, and its hands will be tied for generations to come.

TOM MOULSON

Corona del Mar