MAILBAG:

The Strollers Strides Class debate has gotten out of hand.

This is not about a group of moms who gather at one of our parks to socialize and exercise.

It is about a nationally franchised company owned and operated for a profit using public parks rent free to make that profit. This is big business! The true fee the Newport Parks and Recreation Department is asking is 30% of the gross revenue.

This includes advertising, class registration and rent of the property. The company paying the fee must provide liability insurance, workers compensation insurance and class instructors.

Sounds pretty simple to me, and I wonder if the Stroller Strides Class has insurance coverage?

I have worked with various recreation departments in Southern California for more than 14 years and charging fees to use public parks, beaches and facilities for profit is standard practice.

The Newport Parks and Recreation Department is the most professional organization I have worked with and only has the citizens of Newport Beach best interest in mind. They deserve our support.

JACK TINGLEY

Newport Beach

Kids shouldn’t be bused to Orange

I am a parent with a child at Silverado Elementary School, and I am very concerned about the possible closure of the school. We need to get the word out about how wonderful the historic elementary school is and what a hardship it will be on the kids (including 5-year-olds) who live in the canyon to be bused an hour and a half to a school in Orange.

Thank you very much.

CHARLA HARRIS

Costa Mesa

Suggestions for pageant emcee

For the Miss Newport Beach Pageants, I would love to see either Lauren Conrad or Whitney Port!

KAREN REKOLA

Newport Beach