MAILBAG - April 3, 2008

Surf City needs accurate information in context

In response to your Community Commentary (“Surf City secrecy unfair to public,” March 27), I feel Richard McKee’s remarks should be challenged.

As chairwoman of the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau, I have been involved in this issue since the beginning and I greatly respect the truth. Unfortunately, much of what McKee presented as fact is inaccurate or out of context.

The lawsuit brought against the bureau by the Santa Cruz retailer has been settled. The provision for confidentiality is contained in the settlement agreement and was approved by and read by the United States Magistrate Judge Chen into the record; hence, the bureau cannot release the settlement agreement unilaterally without risking contempt of court and breach of contract.

The Conference and Visitors Bureau has repeatedly communicated this information to McKee, who continues to insist that the bureau release the details of the settlement anyway. He clearly has no concern for any liability that the bureau might incur. He also has no connection to our community of which I am aware, and I fail to see that he has any interest or concern in this matter whatsoever.

Nevertheless, in an attempt to pacify McKee, the bureau has also communicated with the retailer who brought the original lawsuit, seeking permission to release the settlement, but without success. The bureau has even filed a motion with Chen asking for permission to disclose the settlement agreement or prohibit such disclosure. It should be clear that we do not object to disclosure of the settlement agreement; it is simply not in our power to do so. We have also expressed in writing to McKee that should he wish to apply to the court to release this document, the bureau would not oppose that request. He has not done so.

Regarding the cost of this lawsuit, this legal challenge and the latest motion filed did not cost the bureau, city or the citizens $1! The bureau, just as many other nonprofit agencies, has legal insurance which protects it from the full cost of frivolous litigation. The SURF CITY USA® trademark is a valuable brand name for promoting the city of Huntington Beach as a tourist destination. As the bureau is responsible for tourism, part of its mission has been to defend the SURF CITY USA® name.

Why are tourist dollars so important to the citizens of Huntington Beach? The $9 million the Huntington Beach travel and tourism industry generated during 2006 in local tax receipts goes directly to the city. These dollars help to pay for our park and beach maintenance, repair of roads, public safety, etc.

Without these dollars, the households of Huntington Beach would pay more than $175 extra in taxes each year, or would do without the services which so directly affect our quality of life.

McKee is not a resident of Huntington Beach. He doesn’t even live in Orange County. We are unsure whom he represents beside himself. He pays no taxes here. And he obviously knows very little about our city and the needs of our residents. Our job is simple: We promote tourism, which in turn, benefits our citizens. As a public agency the bureau has an obligation to comply with the law and with lawful agreements. The bureau has exhausted every legal avenue possible to comply with his demands.

His recent comments are not helpful at all in terms of providing the public with accurate information or achieving the trust in government he professes to want to achieve.

SHIRLEY DETTLOF

Chairwoman, Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau

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Cook lawsuit just a GOP distraction

It was only a matter of time before the Republicans set loose their GOP legal dogs. Debbie Cook, the mayor of Huntington Beach (that’s her title), was being sued for using that title in her campaign. Local Republican candidates who identify themselves as mayor seem to qualify for a free pass. Perhaps the double standard has to do with Rohrabacher’s most serious challenge in 20 years. Anything to distract us from talking about the real issues like providing health care for all, bringing our troops home in the next six months, protecting our ocean from offshore drilling and creating a rational immigration policy. Let’s start talking about the issues that affect the 46th Congressional District and stop wasting taxpayer money and time with frivolous lawsuits.

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Reduce speed limit to 30 mph to save lives

I have lived two houses north of Indianapolis Avenue since 1972. When the homes along it were built in 1961, the speed limit was 30 mph.

And thus it stayed until a few years ago when the traffic department decided all east/west running streets should have the same speed for enforcement consistency, raising it to 40 mph.

This resulted in many motorists going 50 mph. I called HBPD and complained. Indianapolis Avenue between Beach Boulevard and Newland Street, unlike Adams Avenue, has homes lined up along the street with no retaining walls parallel to Indianapolis. Children and pets can run right into the street.

It also has two schools, Peterson and Sowers, with crosswalks and bike lanes with many children riding bikes along the bike lanes either going to school or to the parks surrounding the schools.

Additionally Indianapolis Avenue terminates at Brookhurst Street. It was never intended to be a through street to Costa Mesa. Large trucks now use the street as a quicker way to get to Brookhurst Street and Adams Avenue.

Vehicles traveling at 50 mph are not even going to see crosswalks.

The speed needs to be returned to 30 mph to save lives and prevent injury. Motorists are not going 40 mph. A stronger police presence and a 30 mph will save lives.

BEVERLY HEIBERG

Huntington Beach

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Use spring to kick meat and dairy eating habits

The past three months have brought us bad news about rising rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and global warming — all linked conclusively to consumption of meat and dairy products.

This was topped by last month’s announcement that USDA was recalling 143 million pounds of beef from potentially sick animals.

Spring means sunshine, flowers and the Great American Meatout ( www.meatout.org). Fashioned after The Great American Smokeout, Meatout provides a superb excuse to turn over a new leaf, kick the meat habit, and get a fresh start with a wholesome, nonviolent diet of vegetables, fruits, and grains. It’s a diet supported by information from www.goveg.org, www.tryveg.org, and www.chooseveg.org.