MAILBAG - Aug. 24, 2007

City action needed on Nyes speeders

I’m pleased Maxine Anderson-Grefe has resurrected the issue of the incessant speeding (and the attendant noise) on Nyes Place in her letter “City ‘racetrack’ a shameful problem” (Aug. 10).

I feel we are only moments away from a horrendous and deathly out-of-control crash at the foot of our street.

Over the past few years I have discussed the matter of speeding and noise with the city and the police department.

Attempts have been made to reduce vehicular speed by placing stanchions on the street median.

These were removed because they did nothing to slow the traffic and gave the appearance of Nyes Place as a ghetto.

Additionally, speed limits have been painted on the roadway, but to no effect.

To my knowledge, nothing whatsoever has since been done. We know speed bumps are not suitable because of vehicle braking problems.

I’ve suggested the downhill stop sign at the 200 block be replaced with a flashing red light similar to the one on Glenneyre near Ralphs; however, no input has been received.

This light could then be seen from a considerable distance up the hill and may well help reduce downhill speeds.

There has to be a remedy to prevent what I believe to be a fifth catastrophe, and my neighbors and I look to the city’s professionals to solve the problem.

Laguna Beach

Smoking ban improves Festival of Arts

[EDITOR’S NOTE: The following letter was addressed to Anita Mangels, president of the Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters.]

I made a short presentation to the Board of Directors a little over two and a half years ago, requesting that the Festival of Arts’ entire facility be turned into a non-smoking venue. This year I was pleased to see “No Smoking” signs throughout the grounds.

Two years ago I distinctly remember the smell of cigarette and cigar smoke that ruined many pleasant evenings at the Festival. This year it is literally a breath of fresh air.

Many thanks to you and the Board of Directors for making the Festival of Arts grounds a non-smoking facility.

Laguna Beach

Homes should be part of Aliso plan

Regarding the Question of the Week, “Should new homes be prohibited in Aliso Creek development area? (Aug. 17).

Of course new homes should be allowed in the Aliso Creek area.

Some nice homes, as planned for the area, will be an asset to that area and the city.

It is not the city’s job to prohibit the proper use of private land just to satisfy the desires of a select group.

Laguna Beach

Story on veteran showed bias

Good journalism does not perpetuate bias and stereotypes.

What a difference between my version and yours. (“Veteran dies seeking help at center,” Aug. 17)

“A man died of injuries that he sustained while breaking a window at the Laguna Beach Resource Center.

“Gerald Hoy, considered to be a homeless person, was found at 8:30 on a couch in the Center where he died from blood loss. He was 42 and a veteran of the United States Navy.”

We don’t know Gerald but it would seem that you have some kind of agenda.

Laguna Beach