SOUNDING OFF:

While I’m sure the intent of this piece (“What bugs you at the beach?” June 12) was supposed to be lighthearted, I find some of the commentary generally disgusting.

Some of the responses were reasonable. Betsy Shulz of Lake Forest said it bugged her when people smoked on the beach. Phil Lingle of Orange said he hates dirty water.

But we have come across a new form of discrimination with Tyler Butsko of Newport Beach. I think I’ll refer to him as an “areacodeist,” one who discriminates based on one’s area code.

Butsko so eloquently stated, “I don’t like it when the 909ers come out here and take up all our parking. I think they should stick to Lake Elsinore.”

Your parents must be proud, Butsko. What is a 909er? I assume you are referring to their area code? Should Betsy Shulz be satisfied to remain in Lake Forest and enjoy the lake there? Or because she’s from the “714,” does that makes her OK?

I was born at Hoag Hospital. Does that make me more 949 than a transplant to this great area code? What other area codes are acceptable at our city beaches?

You think about that, and let us know. I hope my out-of-town family can visit without being subject to being looked down upon by any other areacodeists.

To Jenelle Lytle of Costa Mesa, who stated, “It bothers me when people don’t teach their children not to run near you when you’re sitting there and they just kick sand all over you...”: Children like the beach. I remind my son time and time again to chew with his mouth closed, but he doesn’t do it always. I’m sure the same is true of parents with their children at the beach.

I have two solutions for you: 1) You offer free parenting lessons; or, better yet, take the children and teach them yourself since you’re an expert; 2) Go to a nude beach. I’m not implying that you need to sunbathe nude but I’m sure you’ll find fewer children there to annoy you.

It bugged one beachgoer to be stopped to do an interview. Guess it happens to him all the time. I’ll give my 2 cents here: It bugs me when people at the beach are so self absorbed as to be annoyed by out-of-town visitors from whatever area code.

By the way Tyler, Lake Elsinore is in the 951. Are they welcome at our beaches? We live in a resort community. Get used to it. People are going to come and enjoy our beaches. It bugs me when people are so critical of children playing at the beach. They’re kids. Don’t expect so much out of them. Just let them be kids. Go to the water, rinse off, and get over yourself.

Whatever your reason for going to the beach or choosing to live on or near it, don’t judge people by what they decide to bring to the beach or how they chose to enjoy it so long as they’re respectful.

Let everyone enjoy the beach in their own way.

DAVID CLARKE is a resident of Newport Beach.