RECIPE FOR SUCCESS:

My first column appeared in the Daily Pilot on May 3, raising the question, “Should Newport Beach take over the duties of the Harbor Patrol?”

At the time the story was basically below everyone’s radar, including mine, until someone called asking me that very question. That’s when I realized it was good to have friends in all places.

Friends in high places are wonderful but they’re politically correct, weighing their words, and considering the consequences of speaking to the press as they cover their butts.

Researching that first story was an eye opener for me. People I’d known for years suddenly treated me differently because I was now considered “press.” That freaked me out for about five minutes and then I realized I could always rely on my friends in low places, a term we often joke about because they could care less about political correctness.

The funny thing about friends in high places, especially in government, is that many have had to step on a few heads as they climbed the ladder of success. Those stepped on, have memories like elephants and at some point, they’re itching to tell a tale when the right moment comes along.

We live in an era where people are looking for honesty and many feel compelled to reveal truths about misjudgments, injustices and misguidance. Those brave enough to speak out can initiate a chain reaction of change.

But speaking out has its consequences. I’d be lying if I told you there isn’t an element of vulnerability about it. There’s also great satisfaction as the truth unfolds itself.

If you read only the hard copy of the Daily Pilot, you’re short changing yourself. The Pilot online gives you the advantage of reading the comments at the end of columns. They’re updated constantly and in some instances create far more interesting discussions than the columns themselves. That was the case with my last article dealing with morale in the police department.

The blogs turned out a livelier forum of opinion than the original piece.

This past year I’ve learned a lot about people, and government on many levels.

The best in government are only as good as the staff surrounding them. Good support staff research empowers politicians and government officials with the right information to move forward. At least that’s how it’s supposed to work, but time and time again I’ve seen those in power ignoring staff reports, the public’s outcry on issues, employee concerns, or leaning toward special interests.

A year later the debate is resurfacing about the Harbor Patrol issue. This time Sacramento is stepping in proposing a bill assuring that county and city legislators now and in the future don’t stick the residents of Newport with the more than $5 million bill to protect our harbor. They continue to contend the entire county should share the cost of patrolling and protecting our coastline.

Some in local and county government think this is a bad thing saying Sacramento is guilty of over kill and shouldn’t be so heavy handed telling us what we can or can’t do. Isn’t anything that protects us from the government taking another swipe into our pockets a recipe for success?

BARBARA VENEZIA is the chairman of the Santa Ana Hts. Redevelopment Project Advisor Committee and was the co-creator of the cooking show “At Home on the Range” with John Crean.